Helping our patients shift from self critical to self reflection

In counseling, we see a lot of folks who are very self critical. This is often associated with poor self worth, perfectionism, and fear of failure.

How can we help folks to move from “self criticism” to more “self reflection”?

By mindfulness, self compassion, and “zooming out” gently from those inner thoughts and feelings. At the same time, we are careful not to “zoom out” too much to the point of depersonalization or dissociation.

“Zooming in” to inner thoughts and feelings = more self critical

“Zooming out” on those same inner thoughts and feelings = more self reflection

Titration between the two perspectives in different contexts is an important skill to have.