Speaker at 8 January 2022 CURE Virtual Support Group Meeting

Self-Compassion Workshop
Monica Gelinas
Director of Programs
CC4C.org

Self-Compassion involves being caring and supportive to ourselves when we

experience emotional difficulty. In other words, it involves being an inner ally when
times are tough rather than being an inner enemy - cutting ourselves down with self-
criticism.
Mention that according to Kristin Neff (2003b), there are three main
components to self-compassion.

Mindfulness
Self-Kindness
Common Humanity

Research indicates that self-compassion is powerfully linked to wellbeing:

o It is strongly associated with fewer negative states like depression, anxiety,
stress, shame (Johnson & O’Brien, 2013; Zessin, Dickhauser & Garbade,
2015), and negative body image (Albertson, Dill-Shackleford & Neff, 2014).

o At the same time, self-compassion is strongly linked to more positive states

like happiness, life satisfaction, and optimism (Neff, Rude & Kirkpatrick,
2007). It’s also linked to better physical health (Friis et al., 2015; Hall et al.,
2013).

o Research with health-care professionals indicates that self-compassion is

linked to less burnout and greater satisfaction with one's caregiving role
(Raab, 2014).

Another way to describe self-compassion is that it involves being in a state of

"loving, connected presence." This corresponds to “kindness, common
humanity and mindfulness.” When we embrace ourselves, our lives, and
others with a sense of loving, connected presence, negative states are
alleviated while positive states are generated. This helps provide the
emotional resources needed to give to others.