We get these questions a lot from clients or the general public so we thought we'd put these out there for our community to see. . Therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never been before. But you don't need to have the perfect words, know exactly what's wrong, or have everything figured out before your first appointment. We're here to help you figure those things out together.

Many of us learned that being hard on ourselves is the only way to stay motivated. We worry that self-compassion will make us lazy, complacent, or unwilling to take responsibility. . Research suggests otherwise. Responding to mistakes with self-compassion may make us more willing to acknowledge what happened, learn from it, and try again. You can hold yourself accountable without tearing yourself down. Growth does not have to begin with shame. . For more on self-compassion and quick exercises you can use to boost self-compassion, head to the link in our bio to read the latest blog post, How to Practice Self-Compassion When You're Struggling.

The self-compassion break is a short exercise you can use when you're having a difficult moment. It involves creating three statements: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. For more on self-compassion, and instructions for using this exercise, head to the link in our bio and read the latest blog post, How to Practice Self-Compassion When You're struggling. . . . #embodiedwellnesscenter #chicagotherapist #chicago #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #chicagogram #therapist #anxiety #therapistsofinstagram #chicagowellness #holistictherapist #mentalhealththerapist #therapistsofig #selfcompassion #selfkindness #mentalhealthblog #emotionalwellness #negativeselftalk #innercritic #mindfulnesstools #therapytools #selflove #loveyourself #copingskills #selfhelptools

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Self-compassion is more than saying something nice to yourself. It includes three important practices: 1. Mindfulness: Noticing your pain without ignoring it or becoming consumed by it 2. Common humanity: Remembering that struggling and making mistakes are part of being human 3. Self-kindness: Responding to yourself with care instead of criticism For more on self-compassion and how to improve your ability to be kind to yourself, read our latest blog post, How to Practice Self-Compassion When You're Struggling by clicking the link in our bio.

If you’re struggling, your inner critic may tell you that being harder on yourself will help you do better. But shame and self-criticism often make difficult moments even harder. . Our newest blog explores what self-compassion really means, why it supports motivation, and how to practice it when you’re feeling overwhelmed, disappointed, or hard on yourself. . Read How to Practice Self-Compassion When You’re Struggling at the link in our bio. . . . #embodiedwellnesscenter #chicagotherapist #chicago #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #chicagogram #therapist #anxiety #therapistsofinstagram #chicagowellness #holistictherapist #mentalhealththerapist #therapistsofig #selfcompassion #selfkindness #mentalhealthblog #emotionalwellness #negativeselftalk #innercritic #mindfulnesstools #therapytools #selflove #loveyourself #copingskills #selfhelptools

Somatic therapy pays attention to what’s happening in your body, alongside your thoughts and emotions.