Even when a client is making progress, self-blame, shame, and self-criticism can hold them back from reaching their goals. But according to Dennis Tirch, PhD there is a compassion-based strategy that can help clients keep moving forward, even during difficult emotions or circumstances. It’s a metaphor that he adapted from ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). […]
A Lesson from Ram Dass
When I first had the honor of interviewing Ram Dass, what struck me about him was his extraordinary ability to persevere even when up against immense struggles. And he did it all with a positivity that spread to others. When I heard of his passing I couldn’t help but feel that the world had lost […]
3 Critical Insights to Share with Traumatized Clients (That Can Jumpstart Healing)
Some of our most difficult work is with clients who have suffered a traumatic experience . . . . . . especially when they’re trapped in a cycle of self-blame, beating themselves up for what they perceive to be wrong thoughts, wrong decisions, and wrong relationships. But according to Deborah Lee, DClinPsy, there are three […]
Two Compassion-Based Ways to Help Your Client Overcome Shame
Without a doubt, the compassion we offer our clients is often a key part of their healing. But how do we help our clients build compassion toward themselves . . . . . especially when they feel frozen and unable to act, cut off from themselves and those they care about? When their ability to […]
One Key Insight That Can Help Clients Undo Years of Blame and Shame
As practitioners, we’re well-acquainted with the fight, flight, freeze response – that automatic response that evolved to protect us from external threats or danger. But what happens when the threat is internal? When the threat is painful emotions or distress? Our response can still be automatic, and for many clients it can often be to […]