Self-Compassion: An Effective Tool to Treat Low Self-Esteem

Written by: Robert Casas MSW

Self-compassion: An effective tool to treat low self-esteem for children, teens and adults (Part 1) 

Throughout life we are taught many social constructs and stereotypes that begin to affect of views of self. Some experiences lead to increased self-esteem, which leads many to experience forms of privilege, and low self-esteem, which tends to lead to anxious/depressed moods.  What if instead of relying on views of others, we began to rely on the views of our self.  Below you will find beginning themes that I cover in sessions to support children, teens and adults in developing increased self-compassion. 

1) Lets understand what Self Compassion is:

·  Self-compassion is the idea of being compassionate towards yourself the same way you are loving/supportive to your loved ones. 

·  Self-compassion is being self-kind.

·  Self-compassion creates increased recognition that all humans experience pain, suffering and personal inadequacy. 

·  Self-compassion allows us to become more mindful in changing negative reactivity to positive reactivity. 

2) Lets understand what Self Compassion is NOT:

·  Self-compassion is not being self-judgmental

·  Self-compassion is not isolation and denying support. 

·  Self-compassion is not suppressing or exaggerating emotions. 

3) How can I begin to practice self-compassion? 

·  One great way to practice self-compassion is by asking yourself a simple question:

“If your best friend was going through your current situation, would you treat them any differently than you treat yourself?”

In conclusion, if you have answered this question and notice that you would treat your friend with more love, support and compassion than yourself, then gaining increased tools for self-compassion might be for you. 

Check back for part 2: 

Self-Compassion: The benefits of developing a relationship with self. 

Written by: Robert Casas, MSW, Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker 84014 under the supervision of Nancy Ruiz-Barnes, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker 79552

Reference: 

https://self-compassion.org/ (K. Neff, 2021)