Finding Self-Compassion Through a Balance of Tenderness and Fierceness

Dr. Kristin Neff is an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas-Austin. Dr. Neff is considered a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research, authoring numerous academic articles and book chapters on the topic. She and her colleague, Dr. Chris Germer, developed an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion. In addition, Dr. Neff is the author of several books including Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive, Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals, and her newest book, Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive. 

 

In today’s episode, host Shay Beider welcomes Dr. Neff to talk about her new book on fierce self-compassion, what drove her to write the book, and why fierce self-compassion requires a balance of fierceness and tenderness. They discuss her mindful self-compassion program, the different types of suffering individuals encounter in different relationships, and how her son with autism helped her find and practice self-compassion. Finally, Dr. Neff shares her perspective on healing as a way of holding and being with the process of life as it unfolds. 

 

The transcript for this episode is available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing 

 

Show Notes:

Books by Bell Hooks Read more about Bell Hooks TED Talk: My stroke of insight - Jill Bolte Taylor Read more about Gloria Steinem here. Learn more about mirror neurons  Carl Rogers quote on the curious paradox Read Soraya Chemali’s book - Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women’s Anger

 

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK). ITK is working to change the way people experience healthcare. ITK supports families whose children have any type of special health or medical need. This includes kids with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. We have pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™ and reach 3500 people each year in the hospital and community settings. We engage communities in support of families struggling with special medical needs and offer unique Telehealth programs to families and healthcare providers during this challenging time. Thanks to the incredible support of our volunteers and contributors, individuals are able to receive our healing services at little or no cost.