Mindful Self-Compassion: Transform Self-Worth and Build Resilience

As the country starts to heal from the global pandemic, it has become apparent that many people have struggled to cope (weight gain, increased alcohol use, difficulties with sleep, interpersonal turmoil). This is not surprising. In life, when things go wrong (divorce, job stress/loss, medical challenges, financial pressures, death of loved ones) many people become self-critical, negative, and avoidant. The problems get worse because you have the stressor and a bigger problem - a more negative view of life and yourself. The way we navigate these challenging times can determine whether or not we build inner strength through self-compassion or fall prey to the consequences of perfectionism and self-criticism. There is a better way. There is a path where you not only face the stressor but come out ahead, feeling better about yourself and your ability to deal with hard things, while reaching your full potential. There is a path where you can cope and be gentle with yourself and others. There is a path where you have a sense of humor and you learn how to make things easier in the future. This path is called Mindful Self-Compassion. Sharon Younkin, LICSW, will work with group members to discuss how to cope with the universal and unique challenges of life by learning evidenced-based tools to transform self-worth and build resilience. Learning new moves to the challenges of life can be intimidating. People do reach better levels of self-acceptance, self-compassion, and resiliency all the time. Members will learn Mindful Self-Compassion by:

-Defining self-compassion

-Applying the three elements of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness)

-Clarifying the difference between self-esteem and self-compassion

-Identifying the benefits of self-compassion

-Utilizing self-compassion to deactivate the physiological response of self-criticism

-Bringing mindfulness into daily life

-Allowing for acceptance by letting go of resistance

-Greeting emotional and physical reactions with kindness

-Generating loving-kindness for self and others

-Practicing loving-kindness towards ourselves

-Enhancing motivation through self-compassion

-Making-meaningful connections about challenges during the pandemic

-Navigating uncertainty with flexibility and confidence

The group makes use of an excellent text, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive, by Kristin Neff, PhD and Christopher Germer, PhD, as well as a number of other handouts and resources.

RICBT / OneCBT is a psychotherapy and coaching practice with locations in RI (East Providence, North Kingstown, Warwick, Barrington and Lincoln) and CT (New Haven).

RICBT therapists are dedicated to helping clients develop a toolbox of strategies that will foster positive change and progress towards life goals.

RICBT takes a team approach to tackle difficult emotional, behavioral, and mental challenges. Therapists have a wide range of specializations, including: ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression, fears, grief, OCD, pain, panic, phobias, relationships, sleep, and weight.