Overcoming Self-Criticism through Self-Compassion
June 25, 2013
Hosted by Lisa Ferentz
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Episode Description
In this hour I will explore and challenge the cultural belief that says we can and should motivate ourselves through internal bullying, relentless pushing, embarrassment, and shaming. You will learn how these forms of self-criticism actually hold us back, preventing us from achieving ours goals. Based on Richard Schwartz’s Internal Family Systems model, we will process the ways in which the Inner Critic can manifest in our thoughts and behavioral choices. We will discuss the research that proves the best form of motivation and the key to inner happiness and peace is self-compassion. Listeners will learn about the work of Kristen Neff and the key ingredients she identifies that are indicative of self-compassion. Most importantly, we will explore what to do when self-criticism is our knee jerk response to our mistakes or flaws and learn how to non-judgmentally turn those thoughts around and re-define our difficult experiences through the lens of self-compassion.
Inspired Journeys: Overcoming Adversity and Thriving
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Health and Wellness Channel
Our program will educate and inspire. Lisa will interview authors, clinicians, and everyday people who have experienced or witnessed adversity and all of its life changing consequences. We will explore the impact that sexual abuse, domestic violence, bullying, physical disabilities, panic, depression, self-destructive behaviors and addictions have on individuals, families and our society. At the same time, we will focus on how to overcome and transcend trauma through empathy, self-love, forgiveness, self-awareness and acts of kindness. Lisa will talk with guests who demonstrate the resiliency of the human spirit and have helped others achieve true healing. We will discuss the power of attachment, learning how to be in the moment, how to reclaim a sense of spirituality, hope and optimism. You will learn how to find meaning even in the most difficult traumatic experiences and will come to understand that survivors can thrive, pay it forward, and help others to heal as well.
Lisa Ferentz
Lisa is a Clinical Social Worker, educator, author, actress, wife and mother. She has been in private practice for 30 years, using a wide variety of expressive therapies to treat adolescent and adult survivors of trauma, abuse, and neglect. In 2009 Lisa was given the Social Worker of the Year Award by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work. She is the founder and President of the Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training and Education, providing continuing education workshops and Certificates in Trauma Treatment to mental health professionals. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several Maryland Universities. Lisa published articles on self-mutilation and eating disorders and is the author of the book Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Trauma Survivors, A Clinician’s Guide. She recently completed another book entitled, Letting Go of Self Destructive Behaviors, A Workbook of Hope and Healing. A recognized expert in the trauma field, she is a national and international presenter and keynote speaker. She provides ongoing consultation to practitioners and mental health agencies. In her free time, Lisa acts, directs, and choreographs in community theatre productions. Her compassionate approach to therapy, along with her belief that trauma can be transcended and survivors can truly thrive, makes her the perfect candidate to host Inspired Journeys, a program that educates and inspires, while celebrating the strength and resiliency of the human spirit.
