“MSC is based on the premise that we all suffer, and that self-compassion is a healthy way to deal with difficult experiences and emotions.”
Therapy for Self-Compassion | Los Angeles, CA
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Self-Compassion
We all have that critical voice living inside of us. When those thoughts feel out of control, they can make us feel unworthy and alone. Contact me to learn how to cope with them.
What is Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)
You are important. Be gentle with yourself.
It’s the part of us that treats us unkindly or criticizes us for the choices we make, or even who we are as a person. It can lead us to feeling isolated, unsupported, defeated and alone. Mindful Self-Compassion can be a helpful intervention in coping with this part of us.
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a practice originally developed by clinical psychologists, Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer, that can help us become more aware of these thoughts and feelings, and respond to them in a more compassionate way in our everyday life.
It involves taking a step back from our thoughts and emotions and observing them with curiosity and non-judgment. From this place of mindful awareness, we can then respond to ourselves with openness, kindness and care, instead of criticism and judgment.
MSC is based on the premise that we all suffer, and that self-compassion is a healthy way to deal with difficult experiences and emotions. The practice of MSC involves three key components: mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity.
- Mindfulness is the foundation of MSC. It involves paying attention to our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in a non-judgmental way. This allows us to be more aware of our own needs and to respond to them in a more compassionate way.
- Self-kindness is about treating yourself with the same care and compassion that you would give to someone you truly care for. It means being gentle with ourselves when we make mistakes, and recognizing that we are all imperfect beings.
- Common humanity is the recognition that we are all in this together. We all suffer, and we are all imperfect. This understanding can help us to have compassion for others, even when they make mistakes.
What are the Benefits of Mindful Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion is about being kind to yourself when you make mistakes, feel inadequate, or fail. It’s about recognizing that you are not alone in your experience and that everyone goes through negative experiences. Mindful Self-Compassion also involves recognizing that your suffering is part of the human experience.
The goal of MSC is to help you feel more connected, to yourself and others, and to increase your overall well-being. Research has shown that MSC:
- Reduces stress
- Diminishes anxiety
- Lessens depression
- Increases levels of happiness
- Boosts life satisfaction
- Promotes self-compassion and self-kindness.
What will I Learn from Mindful Self-Compassion?
MSC teaches you how to respond to difficult moments with kindness and understanding, how to soothe yourself when you’re feeling overwhelmed, and how to push forward with compassion. It also includes guided meditations and mindfulness practices.
The practice is designed to help you to:
- Develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself
- Learn how to soothe and comfort yourself when you are experiencing difficult emotions
- Learn how to motivate yourself with kindness, rather than self-criticism
- Cultivate mindfulness skills to help you be present in the moment, without judgment
- Learn how to relate to difficult emotions and life challenges with greater ease and understanding.
How I Can Help
When it comes to self-compassion and mindfulness, most of us could use a little more of both in our daily life. If you struggle with self-criticism, managing difficult emotions, or often find yourself overwhelmed by life’s challenges, Mindful Self-Compassion skills can help you bring increased openness, awareness, kindness and forgiveness to yourself.
Flexibility
Both in-person and telehealth options available.
Free Consultation
Free initial phone consultation to determine if we're a good fit for each other.
Personalized Approach
Multiple modalities to create the best treatment plan tailored to you.