Practicing Self Compassion As A Therapist

Compassion

1. Sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it

Self Compassion

1. A construct derived from Buddhist thought and entailing a noncritical stance toward one’s inadequacies and failures. It has been suggested that if self-criticism can lead to negative emotions, self-compassion may promote well-being by protecting one from the negative emotional implications of one’s perceived failings.

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Instead of responding to ourselves with judgement, criticism, and demand when challenge occur, we can practice self compassion.

Self-compassion involves responding to difficult thoughts and feelings with care and support so that we comfort ourselves when we’re hurting and take action to make needed changes.

Research has shown that self-compassion greatly enhances emotional well-being. It boosts happiness and reduces anxiety and depression.

Practicing self compassion leads to greater ease and well-being in our daily lives.

Healing from trauma requires not only the mind-body connection, but validation, empathy, compassion, and respect for ourselves.

Read more here.

The Reality Of Being A Therapist

• The work is hard and exhausting

• The work is powerful and a privilege

• The work is unique and only others who do similar work will understand

• Imperfection doesn’t exist

• You will make mistakes (how you repair and negotiate conflicts/disagreements/fights are what matter)

• Some mistakes are more egregious and others

• You can learn and should learn from your mistakes

• Compassion helps us develop more effectively as therapists (and human beings)

• Compassion is about common humanity of suffering, mindfulness awareness of suffering/pain, and treating ourselves and others with kindness and tenderness when suffering

• Compassion isn’t an excuse

• Compassion isn’t weak

• Compassion will not lead you to become less effective at your job

• Rarely has judgement, self criticism, demands, and punishment helped therapists develop and grow more effectively

What You Can Do

• Learn about the theory of self compassion

• Learn about the common myths of self compassion

• Learn self compassion application and skills

• Practice self compassion skills as a daily practice

• Learn what are continued challenges/barriers in practicing self compassion

• Practicing compassion to others as a daily/weekly practice

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What are my beliefs around self compassion? Where did this beliefs come from?

• What would I lose/give up if I were to practice more compassion for myself?

• What would I gain from treating myself with more compassion?

• What gets in the way of being my own best friend?

• Is it easy or challenging to treat myself with respect, validation, and compassion?

• How do I treat my closest friends?

• How do I treat my clients?

• Is it easier for me to treat my clients with compassion versus myself? Why is this?

• Is it easier for me to treat others with compassion versus myself? Why is this?

Resources

• Self-compassion

• Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff

• Give Yourself a Break: The Power of Self-Compassion

Forums

• Has anyone succeeded in building self esteem and self compassion?

• self compassion

• What do you guys and gals think of the concept of 'Self-Compassion'?

• I’ve learnt that self-compassion and de-shaming is key to getting out of this

REFERENCES

• "compassion” Merriam-Webster.com. 2024. https://www.merriam-webster.com (8 May 2024)

• "self compassion” APA Dictionary of Psychology 2024. https://dictionary.apa.org (8 May 2024)