For some clients, not an hour goes by without an intrusive thought from their “inner critic” . . . . . . and the shame, blame, and fear that it stirs up can be paralyzing. So how can we help clients who struggle to keep these unwelcome thoughts in check? Well, Dennis Tirch, PhD, has a […]
A Compassion-Based Approach to Foster Change
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). […]
Why Practitioners Need to Talk About Mistakes
As practitioners, there’s one thing we don’t talk about nearly enough – mistakes. Because let’s face it, we all want to avoid mistakes. But we’re human. And just like everyone else, we make them. In order to grow as practitioners (and avoid future mistakes), it’s vital that we have frank conversations about our experiences – […]
A "Secret Kindness" Intervention for Working with Depression
Depression can rob our clients of the full, thriving lives we all hope for. And so often, a depressed client will avoid the very people, places, and activities that once gave them pleasure. In the video below, Steven Hayes, PhD describes a woman who suffered from both depression and anxiety. She started avoiding the business […]