How can positive psychology help clients develop self-compassion when encountering setbacks?

Self-compassion is about how you give yourself space and acceptance to be comfortable in your own skin. As I've gotten older, I realise more and more that there is perhaps less that is right and wrong but more that is based on my growth and helping to make me healthier mentally, physically and spiritually. Self-compassion for me is about believing you are on a journey of growth which contains ups and downs which all contribute to making us who we are. The unpleasant experiences and outcomes have contributed just as much to who I am today as the successes.

Accepting the situation and self is the first step that one must take while encountering setbacks. By acknowledgeling ones limitations we choose a path ahead rather than succumbing as a victim

I have observed self-compassion being skill and/or a method about applying the qualities of compassion towards yourself, such as valuing how you feel, how and you see yourself internally, and putting your health and wellness a priority. In my experience regarding positive psychology, self-compassion is part of the design to increase the overall experience towards more levity and clarity.

In my experience, integrating positive psychology techniques can significantly enhance self-compassion amidst setbacks. By fostering a growth mindset and reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth, clients can cultivate greater self-compassion. Encouraging mindfulness practices and self-care rituals also promotes self-compassion by nurturing a deeper sense of self-awareness and acceptance. Additionally, guiding clients to challenge self-critical thoughts with self-compassionate language fosters a more supportive internal dialogue. Through these approaches, clients can develop resilience and compassion towards themselves, empowering them to navigate setbacks with grace and resilience.

Self-compassion is the practice of extending kindness, understanding, and acceptance towards oneself, particularly in moments of difficulty, failure, or suffering. It involves treating oneself with the same warmth, care, and concern that one would offer to a close friend or loved one

Tener un diálogo interno que, en vez de limitarte, te potencie y te de impulso para alcanzar tus metas. Una mirada compasiva ayuda a cultivar esa auto-amabilidad como clave para la automotivación.

Enhanced well-being: Self-compassion is strongly associated with greater psychological well-being, including lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Clients who practice self-compassion tend to experience higher levels of life satisfaction, happiness, and overall mental health.

Positive psychology serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards self-compassion amidst setbacks. By fostering gratitude for lessons learned and strengths gained, clients can embrace setbacks as stepping stones to growth. Through positive reframing and self-affirmation, they cultivate a resilient mindset, allowing them to navigate challenges with grace and kindness towards themselves.

Its important because its not other who tell us who we are... but its our own thoughts that make us who we are. SO we need to remind us how awesome we are!

Positive Psychology brings about mindfulness and self compassion through evidence based exercises and helps clients overcome difficult times

Building social support: Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of social connections and support networks in promoting well-being. Encourage clients to seek support from friends, family members, or support groups when facing challenges or setbacks. Building strong social connections can provide validation, encouragement, and perspective, enhancing clients' sense of belonging and self-compassion.

Encourage clients to cultivate a sense of gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of their lives, even in the face of setbacks. Gratitude exercises, such as keeping a gratitude journal or reflecting on three things they're grateful for each day, can help shift their focus away from negativity and foster a more compassionate attitude towards themselves.

One of the fundamental aspects of positive psychology is mindfulness, a practice deeply rooted in the coaching principles that drive my work with clients. Mindfulness as a term is thrown around a lot, but it simply means noticing...REALLY NOTICING. Mindfulness is a slightly overused term for simply encouraging present-moment awareness - AND HERE'S THE KEY - without judgment or attachment. By tuning into thoughts, emotions, and sensations, clients can become more intentionally conscious of the present moment. Getting curious - vs. judging, blaming, worrying - about the present moment supports in disengaging from unproductive reactions and developing healthier, thoughtful, self-compassionate responses.

In my client coaching I realised how big a role Attributions can have! While some people attribute life events to self ( especially the negative ones) and some attribute it to others (escaping responsibility) In both cases we see they either miss the compassion to oneself or they play victims and it does not help! Positive psychology helps one thrive to look deep into such patterns and be mindful of not personalising unhelpful scenarios and that feeling bad events are there to stay!

In my coaching I highlight personal narratives by using 5S techniques Self-Compassion Journaling, Self-Compassionate Behavior, Setting Realistic Expectations, Self-Care, Self-Talk in coaching practices, leads to greater self-compassion, improved well-being and resilience in the face of life's challenges

I always add a story from my life or other successful stints on how one can transform their outcomes by simply changing gears like switching from internal attribution to external or vice versa, Teaching three P’s principles of positive psychology- Personalising, Pervasiveness and Permanency Setting up graded realistic ways to reach their outcomes and most importantly know that if they slip, they’ll be more self compassionate and reaffirm their ability to bounce back faster than earlier. Helping them see personal growth as a marathon than a sprint is my primary focus

As a coach undertanding that every individual is different and hence meeting your client where they are is the most important thing. Positive psychology is not about just looking at the positives by ignoring the negatives or difficulties in every situation (which could lead to toxic positivity) but accepting the situation as is. Help your clients with following 3 steps: 1. understand and accept the situation as is, 2. learn and allow forgiveness and 3. Practice self-love This helps clients to be open to diverse perspectives.

Trabajando el diálogo interno, poniendo conciencia en lo que te cuentas y si de esta manera te estás poniendo las cosas fáciles o todo lo contrario. Mira a ver qué pasa cuando te dices x cosas más 'negativas' (aunque lo justifiques con el perfeccionismo o la exigencia) vs. cuando te hablas con amabilidad.

I use positive psychology to teach self-compassion, starting with my own stories to inspire clients. It's important to understand their views on self-compassion and why they might not practice it. Often, there's a reason behind their hesitation. I focus on finding and addressing that reason, aiming to change the narrative from within. This approach ensures the impact is deep and lasting, coming from a place of genuine understanding and transformation. By sharing experiences and demonstrating kindness to oneself, I guide clients towards embracing self-compassion in their daily lives, creating a foundation for lasting positive change.

I've found that there is a big difference between self care and self-compassion. Anyone can do the right things to create what looks like a self-caring lifestyle - going to the gym, taking walks at lunchtime, eating a healthy diet etc. But they can still be torturing themselves with that inner critic who tells them they're not good enough. Self-compassion is much deeper and takes longer to develop, but allows us to forgive our past, accept our humanity and treat ourselves with real kindness. And others too. It's a treasure if you can find it.

Self compassion is like hugging your inner child. We grow up and put on a serious face but inside we are all kids. So self compassion is this ability to sooth yourself as if you were a kid rather than constantly telling yourself to be strong.

"Self-compassion", is a definitional oxymoron. As compassion is an outward expression of concern for the struggles of others. Therefore in order for self-compassion to be applicable, the coach/client must identify the intense levels of compassion that they feel for others in their world AND give themselves permission to allow the same for themselves. That is the fulcrum for all of the benefits described with "self-compassion" to become realized within themselves.

Guide clients towards forgiveness, both of themselves and others, for past mistakes or shortcomings. Help them understand that holding onto resentment and self-blame only perpetuates suffering and hinders their ability to move forward with compassion and resilience.

Strengths-based perspective: Positive psychology emphasizes identifying and leveraging one's strengths and positive attributes. When clients encounter setbacks, focusing on their strengths can help them maintain a sense of self-worth and resilience. Encourage clients to reflect on their past successes and strengths, reminding them of their capabilities and resources to overcome challenges.

Celebrate failure!🎉 Encourage clients to celebrate failure, as profound lessons often emerge from setbacks. Acknowledge the client's journey with genuine appreciation; it's a courageous position few are willing to embrace. Recognizing and learning from failures becomes a powerful stepping stone toward growth and success.