The Importance of Self-Compassion

By: Carey Robey, MS, LPC

What is self-compassion? While we regularly feel compassion for other people, we often lack it for ourselves. In giving other people compassion, we recognize their suffering and empathize with them, feel for them, and have a desire to reduce their pain. It is a kindness that we need to engage in by being compassionate toward ourselves. Self-compassion allows you to have a space to be nonjudgmental. To respond to personal suffering, disappointments, and failures with kindness and caring. Instead of ignoring our pain, we seek to find comfort and understanding.

How Do We Practice Self-Compassion

Working on engaging in self-compassion involves one increasing kindness instead of judgement, noticing that suffering is part of the shared human experience, and engaging in mindfulness. We need to remember to be understanding towards ourselves when we experience suffering or a sense of failure rather than engaging in self-criticism. It is important to recognize that is okay and normal to be imperfect and experience difficulties in life. When we allow ourselves to accept these things, we avoid the chance of increased frustration and stress. We also need to remember that not having things go the way that we want is normal and a part of being human. Many times, it seems that when we go through a tough period, we go it alone; we feel that we are the only one suffering. Recognizing that suffering is something that we all go through takes away some of those feelings of isolation and frustration. Lastly, increasing mindfulness by taking a more balanced approach to our negative feelings can alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. Observe your negative thoughts in a nonjudgmental manner without trying to suppress or deny them. Think of them like clouds passing in the sky; try to not be swept up in them.  When going through a tough time, be kind to yourself. Think of what you would tell your best friend if they were suffering and tell that to yourself. Listen to meditations on self-compassion and tell yourself positive affirmations. Engage in deep breathing and always make time for self-care. Give yourself the comfort you need in the moment. If you need more help managing life’s difficulties, seek counseling. It is always helpful to have someone remind you that you are not alone and help you in finding peace and healing. 

Begin Self-Compassion Counseling in Katy, TX

If you are ready to learn how to love yourself, the therapists at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide therapy to people of all ages. To begin counseling in Katy, TX, follow these three steps:

1. Contact our office to set up an appointment or to get more information about depression and anxiety treatment.
2. Meet with one of our caring therapists.
3. Find out how to practice self-compassion with counseling!

Other Therapy Services We Offer

Here at The Counseling Center at Cinco Ranch we offer treatment for depression and anxiety for adults, teens, and kids. We also offer counseling services in other areas including trauma counseling, counseling for kids, counseling for young adults, teen counseling, couples counseling, eating disorder treatment,  depression treatment, men’s issues, women’s issues, family therapy, and group counseling. Our therapists strive to regularly post blogs with helpful information on a variety of mental health topics. To learn more about our therapists and our counseling services, please reach out to the Counseling Center today!