“Taking this program will be transformative.” That’s what I was told when I registered for Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCIP), a 10-month program offered to psychotherapists by the Center for ...

Self-compassion is the ongoing practice of relating to yourself kindly and fairly. It is especially helpful during times of stress and suffering. Self-compassion is not kicking yourself when you’re ...

Remember “tough love”? It was all the rage in the ‘80s and legitimized unkind or even cruel behaviors in pursuit of persuading a loved one to change their behavior. “Positive narratives of tough love ...

While we may have heard that it’s important to treat ourselves with kindness, sometimes this is easier said than done, especially when we’re under stress. When we’re facing challenging circumstances, ...

Thirteen year-old Alita told me she knew there was something wrong with her—something that made her “less than.” She felt that, somehow, she was “marked” and deeply unacceptable—even ugly—inside. She ...

Some people find it easy to be kind, until they have to turn that compassion inward. Here are the signs you might be lacking in self-compassion. It’s not at all an uncommon experience to be deeply ...

“Self-compassion isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being perfectly human.” That’s how Kristin Neff, PhD, puts it, and if anyone knows about the power (and pitfalls) of self-kindness, it’s her. But ...

Feeling really, truly good about yourself may seem like a straightforward goal, but it's actually the result of developing both self-compassion and confidence. Building the latter usually means ...

Joelle K. Jay, Ph.D., is an award-winning executive coach, LRI Director and author: The Inner Edge: The 10 Practices of Personal Leadership. Being a leader is hard work. You are the one who chooses ...