The Tools: Transform Your Problems into Courage | Barry Michels | Talks at Google

A groundbreaking book about personal growth that presents a uniquely effective set of four tools that bring about dynamic change in the present and impart a greater understanding of the depth and complexity of the human condition over the longterm.
The Tools addresses the most common complaint patients have about psychotherapy: the interminable wait for change to begin. Barry Michels, an LA-based therapist, was frustrated by his inability to bring his patients faster relief from the issues that plagued them. He found a mentor in Phil Stutz, a psychiatrist who years before devised a methodology that arose from a similar disenchantment. The traditional therapeutic model sets its sights on the past, but Stutz and Michels employ an arsenal of tools--exercises that access the power of the unconscious and effectively meet the most persistent problems people face--and the results are electrifying. Stutz and Michels are much sought-after--a recent profile in The New Yorker touted them as an "open secret" in Hollywood--and treat a high-powered and creative clientele. Their first work, The Tools transcends the typical self-help genre because of its paradigm-changing material, the credibility of its authors, and the instant appeal and empowerment of its message.
Get the book here: goo.gl/2qLdLd

[@justinking4172]

I’m a 49 year old grad student working towards his masters in clinical mental health counseling. Very glad I stumbled across Barry and Phil’s work. It’s helped me and hopefully I can help others with these techniques. Thanks!

[@hughiedavies6069]

Enjoyed this though I fill my inner emptiness with opiates 😀 it's a good exercise but when I face the black ⚫️ sun I can resist the urge but I can't ignore or overcome the physical withdrawals but next time I'm clean and sober I'll use it for cravings or impulses. Self restraint does set you free, the consequences of giving in to impulses can be devastating , I'm enslaved by giving into my impulses and urges. Thank you for these tools.

[@michellechristians9746]

Appreciating your honesty with us all. I believe in you! You're worthy! Let's recognize the right way to fill our inner emptiness is self love and compassion. Your life, your love and your gifts are priceless!

[@Odihmantich]

One thing you might try is to praise yourself for giving in to your addiction instead of cursing yourself. When you curse yourself you intuitively want to harm yourself. This behavior is recorded in that subconscious field which connects us all. If you praise yourself, it has the opposite effect. Why should you praise yourself if you do something that’s not good for you? Basically you were supposed to be this way. If you think about it, all this is happening to you because of only outside forces. If you think that your own choices brought you to this, then I can say with 100% confidence that it is only because outside forces did not inform you well enough to make other choices. And if they made you that way than it is the way you are supposed to be at the given moment. You can praise yourself for being what you are supposed to be and feel good for being that man. And just add to these feelings that it would be nice to be something else too, like a sober person. I think combined with that black sun symbol you can get quick success this way. best of luck!

[@darleneabraham718]

I'm FINALLY free from opioid addiction and I'm praying for your freedom. I had an epiphany when I internalized the saying, 'play your WHOLE tape'. Don't just think about the good part of getting high, think about all the negative consequences. I started doing this and now when I think of getting high I actually start feeling nauseous. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[@vijusoniadi]

I have recommended this book all my family and friends.

[@oliverbrohl9201]

Thank you, Barry. Loved the book, love the talk.

[@treflatface]

the meat of the talk (the method) starts at 31:30. you can start there and fill in the gaps later

[@DenkyManner]

Yeah... but the context is important. Working on ourselves is a lifelong project, the video is only 55 minutes long. We won't be "cured" by this evening no matter how efficiently we take on new tools

[@afonsolourenco4266]

thank you

[@cindyp5132]

For people who aren't impulsive and for the most part are able to forget about things that strike you, I think there's still the same hole inside with self-love. Many of us love others and think that's all we need to do but loving ourselves is more important yet none of us truly do. We need more teaching on this subject! Thanks for sharing.

[@eg1art4life]

There are no people who don't experience attachment and aversion.

[@gives_bad_advice]

Well patting yourself on the back is a start.

[@tifftom]

Super duper helped me!!! Thank you Barry for making tools

[@techwithdipufrom0ton621]

❤ it. Talks at Google has been a reliable source of learning and taking some useful advice for me. Thank you for your service

[@altynaibekten7620]

Thank you soooo much😊🙏amazing talk

[@califcamper]

Ad in grief, loss, pain, losing someone, or something, mental illness, poverty, relationships or lack of, love or lack of, addictions, etc etc maaaan life is so hard.

[@michelemarie2568]

Life is hard … a fact … which is why we need to overcome our suffering by practicing serious self care … by meeting the pain inside and practicing gently, and increasing our courage to move into the light

[@califcamper]

@@michelemarie2568 right on

[@JournalForYourLife]

So good. Thank you

[@diegonayalazo]

Thanks for sharing

[@nataliebrewton5265]

I'm a clinical psychologist and life coach and I can use these techniques and line of introspective questioning with each client. Invaluable and healing! Thank you for sharing! What is the email address for the tools handout you mentioned?

[@streetscienceofficial8675]

If you really Psychologist..How to Change Man who growing with Loe Self esteem , Which he or she cannot expressing communicating in Society, which somethime very Judgemental to she or He who have Low self-esteem..

[@trombone7]

The dude in the audience at 23:00 brings up an interesting point. How do we discern destructive inclinations to apply 'the tools' to and constructive inclinations to develop or pursue ? It's actually pretty straight forward. If the impulse you want to give in to feels like an escape from perseverence, patience,and resilience, then it is probably something you will regret the more time you spend on it and is a *maladaptive behavior* (coping by running away from life) and is going to drive you away from your personal development, improvement and any lasting contribution. If the impulse you are currently experiencing feels like something that requires perseverance, patience and resilience, and like it stands to make a lasting contribution to your own development and to others, then it is probably an *adaptive behavior* (coping by moving toward life), and does not need to be dispelled with 'the tools'. In this case, the Black Sun.

[@gives_bad_advice]

Yeah and if one isn't clear on the difference then it becomes an easy rationalization to justify giving in to the urge.

[@Odihmantich]

wow! just wow! this is the coolest dude ever! 😢

[@whozonfirst9705]

Thank you, great brain food.

[@sihemima]

Thank you 51:54 🙏🙏🙏

[@simasadeghi5514]

Great talk! Thanks

[@RenataJensen]

Black sun ☀️ vril energy, Great 👍

[@billmcculley9502]

The way out is within.

[@markcaseon7136]

Serotonin is important for self control. Psychedelics have been proven to be very effective against addiction because they activate serotonin systems in the brain.

[@meinungabundance7696]

Not seretonin per se, but executive functions in the frontal part of the brain.

[@Mac-ku3xu]

Interest in any kind of spiritual impulse is pretty much a sacking offence at Google.

[@colinjensen]

Recommendation for the classic book "Bonds that Make Us Free," by C. Terry Warner.

[@kellymontes9841]

If the sun is black, it’s cold. Yellow and gold to me or warm. Black is dark and cold. So in the imagery meditation or a visualization I don’t feel warm and I feel void. Am I doing something wrong?

[@w0qu]

Audio problem at 13:00 in.

[@Lina3Mar]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 01:23 🛠️ *Tools: Transforming Inner State* - Definition of a tool: a procedure altering inner state during its use. - Traditional psychotherapy's focus on the past frustrated Phil Stutz. - Tools empower individuals to actively address their struggles in the present. 06:01 📚 *Four Problems & Tools* - Identification of four fundamental problems and respective tools. - The first tool focuses on reversing the desire to avoid pain or discomfort. - Overcoming fear by actively embracing it as a means to reduce its hold. 13:36 🌟 *The Reversal of Desire: Embracing Pain* - The concept of reversing the desire to avoid pain to diminish its impact. - Transforming the approach to pain from avoidance to acceptance. - Using the tool "Reversal of Desire" to face fear directly and reduce its influence. 17:42 🔄 *Applying the "Reversal of Desire" Tool* - Step-by-step breakdown of using the "Reversal of Desire" tool. - Practical application before confronting challenging situations or fears. - Engaging fear actively by moving toward it to lessen its grip. 22:04 🚀 *Unleashing Infinite Potential* - Unveiling the potential beyond fear and discomfort. - Emphasizing that the tool opens doors to new possibilities. - Encouraging a shift in mindset toward what's achievable rather than guaranteed success. 23:39 🌟 *The Power of Higher Forces* - Higher forces exist beyond the individual's control. - Utilizing these forces allows accomplishing things beyond ordinary capacity. - Tools trigger specific higher forces, like the force of forward motion, aiding in serendipitous events and smoother paths. 28:18 🧠 *Understanding Higher Forces at Work* - Higher forces, like 'outflow,' facilitate a state where anxiety fades, allowing a natural and uninterrupted flow of thoughts or actions. - Businesses often focus on creating conducive environments for these higher forces to operate, enhancing productivity. - Connecting to higher forces aids in shining with one's innate talents and contributing positively to the world. 31:58 ⚙️ *Tools for Empowerment* - The tools presented aim to assist in connecting consistently with higher forces for personal growth. - Each tool, such as active love, self-expression, grateful flow, and willpower, addresses specific mental loops and states of mind. - Engaging with these tools regularly enhances the ability to navigate life's challenges with resilience. 32:13 🚀 *Willpower and Commitment* - Willpower is not just about personal effort but is deeply connected to the relationship with a higher force. - Commitment, the 'infinity principle,' is about perpetual dedication to growth and resilience. - The universe presents ceaseless challenges that demand consistent self-improvement, necessitating a committed life. 46:22 🌱 *The Significance of Small Actions* - Profound life changes often stem from seemingly insignificant actions or habits. - Small actions, like journaling, dissolving hatred, or making uncomfortable phone calls, lead to significant personal growth. - Acknowledging the power of small actions can empower individuals, especially those in less privileged circumstances. Made with HARPA AI

[@langinazindmane7675]

Brillant Tool!!

[@english4poles639]

❤

[@thefivefrogs]

🙏😊

[@Dman9fp]

He's seriously taking credit for the stuff around 31:00? I've had a therapist do that, seen a couple talks with that kind of meditation (at least Sam Harris, and iirc Alan Watts). Maybe he takes credit for that type of exact imagery... but that's a pretty standard seeming distraction exercise. Imo when life happens, accept it and sorrow, take time off.... and if you're stuck and stagnant, stop wallowing in the same hole expecting something new to arise. Gotta have variety of mind/ spirit/ if not new scenery or new activities. Does just as much if not more than whatever therapy has to offer (can lead to all kinds of misunderstandings/ subtle gas-lighting, relations tangles, etc.

[@YaelKlein-uk3yq]

gully, this is 4 yrs old video... I just watched it... I hope that by now you improved your lecture skills... this is good stuff, but the worse is to have a poor instructor... I recommend make another video of this, that is if you improved up on your skill as an instructor!

[@gmacacousticdad-rock3701]

Just curious, what do you suggest he do to improve his lecture style?

[@masteryael1]

the answer is in my comment .... improve on his experience so he can be more sure of himself, or make another video with someone else who can relay this concept with authentic conviction@@gmacacousticdad-rock3701

[@meinungabundance7696]

How about having a work which is self-gratifiyng and self-indulgent at the same time? If I have a work that I love, , which IS my impuls that I follow every day.

[@srourfamily]

yes. grit grace and gratitude the Lord's work!! charity and hope with love is our motto for every day grace from Jesus.

[@laurenalacroix-nw3ww]

Asking for help sure doesn't work

[@streetscienceofficial8675]

Yess in Individuality Country, no one gonna Help you, unless you Pay Them Expensively

[@TT-gm2di]

Black sun @28.45

[@CentaurPress]

28:00 The Black Sun tool

[@aryaaditya2124]

Can someone give the summary?

[@costanzauk]

Use the tool “black sun” when you feel impulses that you know with your rational mind you don’t want to act on in the moment.

[@BeOutstanding]

Everyone has problem with impulse control.

[@Riffeeee]

Imagine a black sun in the emptiness?

[@dariadovhai9441]

The emptiness the speaker talks about is the need for God and only God can fill it out. No matter how long you look inside yourself (???) It's not gonna help. The speaker formula looks like this - "you are sinking, help yourself. - I do not know how to swim - look deeper inside."

[@joelego5767]

27:38

[@zazaaaaadd]

Why the black in the black sun? Cannot be just sun?

[@cathy3951]

He explains it around 33:00.

[@michelemarie2568]

The black sun represents emptiness … the corona grows brighter, generates warmth, clarity, self care, freedom.

[@Windstar53WA]

"You have allowed the outside world (food, drugs, temper, etc) to eclipse the sun." I think it's a great representation of the price of indulging in impulses, which he mentions at the outset. Indulging not only covers up the light and warmth we COULD find inside ourselves, it also gets worse and worse, where we need more and more.

[@martinvestergaardportraits5654]

Black Sun !???!! Come on now !!!

[@cathy3951]

He explains it around 33:00.

[@mariamkinen8036]

Transform your manhood. Who has problems? I am not one.

[@skippy7208]

Why are you watching a programme with this title then? 🤔

[@walkerpercy8702]

Ok, meditation exercises are great but they are not a tool to suppress strong impulses in real time. He basically said "First don't do what you're tempted to do, then do my meditation exercise to keep you from doing it."

[@gialamhuynh5448]

Work on your mental strength !

[@everyonehasincommon1216]

40

[@kimkeran6196]

now that's whay i call full of..you know what. imagining a black sun does nothing and you do nothing. the only way of filling any emptiness inside is to look for smth. creative to do creativity fills up emptiness...doing not imagining..

[@sandramedina9482]

Looking at his notes constantly about his tool….it’s a no for me

[@walkerpercy8702]

You need to relax a bit *before* you start a meditation exercise.

[@elitetraining2-u265]

#airnationalguard is spraying your fams w nanotech baby blood powder and poisons