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Healing Traumatized Masculinity with Fredrik Wretman
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Hosted by Kevin Young, produced by J’aime Rothbard.
Join us to witness this rare conversation between Kevin Young and Fredrik Wretman, two men who emerged from very different traumatic backgrounds with inner strength and deep commitments to healing the world through compassion. Fredrik shares his personal trauma story, his perceptions of himself as worthless and isolated, and his driving mission, ‘...to be somebody.’ This raw and gentle conversation shines a light on issues rarely shared publicly with such candor, including the ‘tough guy’ image that Fredrik cultivated, for very good reasons, which nearly cost him his life.
Together, they explore the challenges faced by men who have experienced trauma, such as:
Holding space for compassion towards self and others
Acknowledging and embracing the deep-seated pain where darkness and harmful behaviors take root
Feelings of isolation, and the healing power of the message, "You are not alone”
Being open and vulnerable in a therapeutic setting
During the conversation, Kevin and Fredrik both agree that ‘traumatized masculinity,’ is a more fitting description than the commonly used ‘toxic masculinity,’ as labeling masculinity as toxic shuts down conversations, whereas recognizing its traumatic aspects opens space for understanding and healing. They also explain why it’s essential for therapists to create safe spaces where clients can express their emotions without fearing judgment, and takereplace their ‘protective masks’ before departing.
About Fredrik Wretman: Trauma Therapist & Supervisor
After 17 years spent working with addiction and trauma, today Fredrik combines Compassionate Inquiry® with Trauma-Informed Yoga. He also conducts Trauma-Informed Yoga sessions, through the Prison Yoga Project, Scandinavia, for men who have served a prison sentence or returned after treatment.
Fredrik holds degree in pedagogy, and has invested the equivalent of 10+ years of full-time studies in his training in psychology, psychiatry, law and multiple therapeutic modalities, including Transactional Analysis, Moral Reconation Therapy and Breaking the Chains of Trauma.
He has his own history of childhood trauma and abuse. As a young adult, Fredrik supported criminal motorcycle clubs. Upon leaving that world, he focused on study and work, spending 80 hours a week at work, ‘fixing’ and being the absolute best in his field.
When he first found Gabor Maté, The Wisdom of Trauma and Compassionate Inquiry®, his training served his goal of becoming the very best trauma-therapist. But as he progressed, he simultaneously received the unexpected gifts of deep insight into himself and his lived experiences.
At first glance you can still see it; the anger, the hurt and the pain. The muscles and the tattoos were all born in sorrows that have now been eased and comforted. Fredrik acknowledges and honors the wisdom of A.H. Almaas with his personalized variation of this quote: ”Only when compassion is present, can I allow myself to see the truth”.
Fredrik’s motto for his work is: ”If it appears far away, then it is far away and we have to go there.”
Promotional Link: If you are curious about Compassionate Inquiry® and want to learn more about training in this approach, for your own self development or for your work with your coaching or therapy clients, please explore the Compassionate Inquiry® Professional Training Program. Registrations close March 30, 2025.
Resources:
Websites:
Fredrik’s Professional Website (Swedish language)
Fredrik’s Compassionate Inquiry Profile
Related Links:
Prison Yoga Scandinavia (Swedish language)
Traumaanpassad Yoga (Swedish language)
SVT News Story on Prison Yoga (Swedish language)
Articles:
Trauma is Often Missed in People with Addiction (Swedish language)
Konciensia Finds Compassion for Real (Swedish language)
Video:
Men, Trauma and Toxic Masculinity with Fredrik Wretman (Swedish language)
Podcast:
Books:
Social Media:
@konciensia_sweden (Instagram)
@Konciensia Sweden (facebook)
@Konciensia AB (LinkedIn)
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