Rugged individualism occupies the heart of American mythology.

We pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. We ignore structural inequality and rely on our “can do” attitudes. We take on the personal shame of job loss or bankruptcy or health struggles. 

And we unquestionably accept that to make it in America, all we need to do is work hard.

Are we happier and is our society stronger for all our self-reliance? Or does individualism exacerbate the political, social, and interpersonal issues that cause us all so much pain? And in what ways do we collude with this toxic myth as we lead and support others around us? 

In today’s leadership roundtable conversation, my guests discuss how addressing the cultural burden of individualism is a powerful place to start when looking to also address the cultural burdens of racism, sexism, and consumerism.

Deran Young is a licensed therapist, CDWF, CDTL, Co-Author of the New York Times Best Seller, You Are Your Best Thing, retired military officer, and the founder of Black Therapists Rock.

Black Therapists Rock is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes over 30,000 mental health professionals committed to reducing the psychological impact of systemic oppression and intergenerational trauma. Deran is a leading influencer and public figure committed to spreading mental health awareness and improving health equity.

Dr. Richard Schwartz began his career as a systemic family therapist and an academic. Grounded in systems thinking, Dr. Schwartz developed Internal Family Systems (IFS) in response to clients’ descriptions of various parts within themselves. A featured speaker for national professional organizations, Dr. Schwartz has published many books, including his latest book, No Bad Parts,  and over fifty articles about IFS.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Four cultural legacy burdens and how they impact everything from our personal lives to our government
• How individualism helps perpetuate denial of systemic burdens
• The difference between shame and guilt as we identify the burdens we carry
• How addressing the parts of you that hold our cultural burdens can keep overwhelm and shame from activating
• Why curiosity and compassion are not the same as complicity
• Why clarity is the opposite of denial

Learn more about Deran Young:

• Black Therapists Rock
• You Are Your Best Thing
• Facebook: Black Therapists ROCK™
• Instagram: @blacktherapistsrock

Learn more about Dr. Richard Schwartz:

• IFS Institute
• No Bad Parts

Learn more about Rebecca:

• rebeccaching.com
• Work With Rebecca
• Sign up for the weekly Unburdened Leader Email