Shrinkle #12 · Self · 4 letters
Self-kindness
Treating yourself with the same warmth and understanding you would offer a good friend when things go wrong, rather than harsh criticism. It is one of the building blocks of self-compassion.
In the room
A therapist might ask someone how they would speak to a friend in the same situation, then notice the gap with their own inner voice.
Something a client might say
“Instead of calling me an idiot, my inner voice just said, 'Rough day, mate.'”
An illustrative line, not a real client.
Where it comes from
Self-kindness is one of the three parts of self-compassion described by psychologist Kristin Neff.
Related ideas
Self-compassion · Inner critic · Common humanity
Made by Alembic Labs. Educational, not clinical advice.