Self-Compassion and Psychological Well-Being
Presented by Kristin Neff, PhD

Web Conference Description

What is the key to psychological health? For years it was believed to be self-esteem. However, research psychologists have highlighted several downsides to the endless pursuit of self-esteem, including constant social comparisons, ego-defensiveness, narcissism, and the instability and contingency of self-worth. As suggested by research, self-compassion is a healthier way of relating to oneself. Self-compassion offers all the same benefits as self-esteem, without the same downsides. It requires that people treat themselves with kindness, like they would treat a good friend whom they cared about. Rather than people continually judging and evaluating themselves, self-compassion involves having people generate kindness toward themselves as imperfect humans, and learn to be present with the inevitable struggles of life with greater ease. Self-compassion motivates people to make desired changes in their lives because they care for themselves and want to lessen their suffering, not because they are inadequate or worthless.

In this Web Conference, Dr. Kristin Neff will present research and theory on self-compassion, which has been strongly associated with positive states such as life satisfaction and happiness, and negatively associated with maladaptive states such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Neff will explain the differences between self-compassion and self-esteem, self-pity, and self-indulgence. She will also discuss the ways in which self-compassion is more effective and powerful as a motivational tool than self-criticism. The efficacy of Mindful Self-Compassion, a program developed recently by Dr. Neff and her colleague Chris Germer, will be demonstrated by data from a randomized controlled trial. Ample time for questions and answers will be provided throughout this live event for participants to chime-in and interact. In addition, a few simple tools will be highlighted for people--clients and clinicians alike--to respond in kind, compassionate ways when experiencing painful emotions. It is normal for people to want to avoid pain, however letting pain in--and responding compassionately to one’s own imperfections without harsh self-condemnation--is essential for living happier and more fulfilling lives.

This Web Conference is designed to help clinicians:

1. Identify the three key components of self-compassion;
2. Understand the difference between self-compassion and self-esteem;
3. Motivate oneself with kindness rather than self-criticism;
4. Describe key research that supports the benefits of self-compassion.

About Kristin Neff, PhD

Kristin Neff, PhD

In 1997, Kristin Neff, PhD earned her doctorate in Human Development from the University of California. Currently, Dr. Neff is an Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas in Austin, TX. A pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, Dr. Neff conducted the first empirical studies on self-compassion over ten years ago. In addition to writing academic articles and book chapters on self-compassion, she authored Self-Compassion (William Morrow, 2011). Dr. Neff’s work has been featured extensively in the media, including CBS News, New York Times, MSNBC, Fitness Magazine, Spirituality and Health Magazine, National Public Radio, Reader’s Digest, and GoodTherapy.org. In collaboration with Dr. Chris Germer, Dr. Neff has developed an eight-week training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, and she offers workshops on self-compassion throughout the world. More information about self-compassion--including guided meditations, videos, research articles, exercises, and a way to test your personal self-compassion level--is available at www.self-compassion.org. Kristin is also featured in The Horse Boy, an award-winning documentary and bestselling book chronicling her family’s journey to the reaches of Mongolia where together they trekked on horseback to find healing for her son with autism.

Continuing Education (CE) Information

1.5 CE credits will be provided by GoodTherapy.org for attending this Web Conference in its entirety. GoodTherapy.org is approved as a continuing education provider by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). GoodTherapy.org is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GoodTherapy.org maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

How the Web Conference Works

In short, participants will be able to listen to the event by calling in to our teleconference center. Prior to the event, all participants will be sent an email with instructions on how to login to the teleconference and video conference center. This event will include lecture, interaction, and question and answer periods. A recording of the event, including video, will be made available within one week after the conclusion of the live event.

Registration Information

This Web Conference is available for free to GoodTherapy.org members.

This event has already taken place. An audio recording for this event may be available in the Member's Area.