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Self-compassion therapy services | Ardu Recover Center

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Self-compassion therapy services | Ardu Recover Center

Are you looking for a way to support your addiction recovery and mental health? PositivePsychology.com highlights that self-compassion therapy can be pivotal in mental health and addiction recovery. This approach fosters kindness towards oneself, enhancing your ability to manage tough emotions, reduce self-criticism, and strengthen resilience—all of which can facilitate the healing process. 

Ardu’s self-compassion therapy program builds on these foundations, focusing on developing self-appreciation and mindfulness techniques on your journey to lasting recovery.

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If you’re struggling with addiction, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues, our drug and alcohol rehab center can teach you how to build resilience, reduce shame and self-criticism, and foster a more positive self-image. 

Make a positive change in your life. Contact Ardu today.

Every detail matters to the people who built and run Ardu Recovery Center. Their goal is to provide a healing environment where clients can find peace, hope, medical help, therapeutic guidance, personal strength, and lasting recovery from addiction. The facility is a state-of-the-art wonder…

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Who needs self-compassion therapy?

Day Treatment For Alcohol & Drug Addiction Patients in Provo UT

If you’re wondering whether self-compassion therapy is right for you, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with self-criticism, shame, and negative self-talk, which can hinder their recovery and shatter their mental health. 

At Ardu Recovery Center, we believe that everyone deserves to treat themselves with kindness and understanding, especially when facing life’s challenges. Our self-compassion therapy services can benefit those who:

  1. Struggle with addiction, substance abuse, or compulsive behaviors
  2. Have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or eating disorders
  3. Experience chronic stress, burnout, or overwhelming emotions
  4. Engage in harsh self-criticism or have a negative self-image
  5. Have difficulty coping with life transitions, losses, or trauma
  6. Want to cultivate greater self-acceptance, resilience, and emotional well-being

Why choose self-compassion therapy at Ardu?

At Ardu Recovery Center, we know that the right treatment is essential for your recovery. Our self-compassion therapy program is designed to help you cultivate a more supportive and nurturing relationship with yourself, so you can achieve long-term healing and growth.

Here’s what sets our self-compassion therapy program apart:

  • Experienced and compassionate therapists. Our team of skilled therapists offers extensive training in self-compassion techniques. Their focus is on the unique challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and mental health issues.
  • Integration with evidence-based treatments. We seamlessly integrate self-compassion therapy with other proven treatment modalities to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to your recovery.
  • Personalized treatment planning. Each individual’s journey is unique. Our therapists work closely with you to develop a customized treatment plan that incorporates self-compassion techniques tailored to your specific needs, goals, and preferences.
  • Supportive and serene environment. Ardu Recovery Center provides a peaceful and nurturing space that promotes self-reflection, self-discovery, and self-compassion. Take advantage of our welcoming and judgment-free atmosphere so you can focus on healing and growth.
  • Continuum of care and ongoing support. We believe that the benefits of self-compassion therapy extend beyond your time at our center. We provide ongoing support and resources to help you maintain and strengthen your self-compassion practice as you navigate the challenges of daily life in recovery.

At Ardu Recovery Center, we are committed to helping you develop the self-compassion skills for a successful recovery. Our dedicated team will guide you every step of the way as you learn to treat yourself with the kindness, understanding, and respect you deserve.

Self-compassion techniques and practices offered at Ardu

We offer a range of self-compassion techniques that help you help you cultivate a more nurturing relationship with yourself. 

Here are some of these techniques and practices:

Mindfulness and self-awareness exercises

Mindfulness is a core component of self-compassion therapy. In mindfulness therapy, we teach you how to observe your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. This helps you develop a greater awareness of your internal experiences and respond to them with kindness and understanding.

Compassionate self-talk and self-reflection

Our therapists guide you in developing a more supportive and encouraging inner dialogue. This involves recognizing and challenging harsh self-criticism and replacing it with kind, understanding, and motivating self-talk. We encourage self-reflection through journaling and other exercises to help you gain insight into your patterns of thought and behavior.

Kindness and self-compassion meditations

Guided meditation helps you cultivate feelings of warmth, care, and understanding toward yourself and others. This involves silently repeating phrases of goodwill and compassion, such as “may I be kind to myself” or “may I accept myself as I am.” These practices can be particularly helpful for those struggling with shame or self-criticism.

Self-care and self-soothing practices

We teach you practical strategies for taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This may include techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in pleasurable and nurturing activities. You learn to prioritize self-care to build resilience and cope more effectively with stress and challenges.

Self-compassion in daily life

Our therapists help you apply self-compassion principles to your daily experiences and interactions. You learn how to respond in a self-compassionate way to difficult situations, set healthy boundaries, or learn to forgive yourself for past mistakes. We also encourage you to develop a self-compassion action plan to maintain your practice beyond your time in treatment.

Expressive arts and creative therapies

Creative activities can be a powerful way to explore and express self-compassion. These activities include:

  • Art therapy: drawing, painting, or sculpting
  • Writing and journaling
  • Music therapy
  • Dance and movement therapy

These therapies provide a safe and non-verbal outlet for processing emotions, as you cultivate self-acceptance and nurture a kind relationship with yourself.

Nature-based and experiential practices

Nature-based and experiential activities can help you feel more grounded and peaceful. Hiking, gardening, or spending time with animals may encourage you to step outside your usual thought patterns and cultivate a broader, more compassionate outlook on life.

Self-compassion is a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time. Our team of experienced therapists and mental health professionals works closely with you to tailor treatment to your unique needs and recovery goals. 

At Ardu, we believe the most comprehensive approach to healing involves integration with other evidence-based treatments, as well as complementary alternative therapies.

What treatments can self-compassion therapy complement?

Self-compassion therapy is a versatile approach integrated well with other treatments. The most effective healing often involves a combination of different therapies. At Ardu, we combine self-compassion therapy with other evidence-based treatments to provide a well-rounded approach that addresses the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of addiction and mental health.

Self-compassion therapy can complement the following treatments:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) identifies and challenges negative self-talk and beliefs, develops coping strategies and problem-solving skills, and promotes self-acceptance and self-compassion. By cultivating a more compassionate inner voice and adopting a non-judgmental attitude towards oneself, CBT can help you manage emotional distress and promote psychological well-being.

Dialectical behavior therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teaches you to be mindful and aware of your emotions. It helps you regulate and cope with difficult feelings in a healthy way. DBT also aims to improve communication skills and the ability to handle distressing situations. A key part of DBT is developing self-compassion—being kind and understanding towards oneself, instead of being harshly self-critical. 

Mindfulness-based interventions

Mindfulness-based interventions teach being fully present and aware in the current moment, without judging yourself. They help develop an attitude of kindness and acceptance toward yourself. Self-compassion practices are incorporated into daily mindfulness exercises. Through self-compassion, you learn to treat yourself with care and understanding. This can improve emotional well-being and provide a calmer outlook when facing adversity.

Trauma-focused therapies

Trauma-focused therapies are geared towards processing and healing from traumatic experiences. Self-compassion can be a powerful tool in overcoming the negative effects of trauma and promoting post-traumatic growth. Treatments such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) incorporate self-compassion by helping you counteract shame, guilt, and self-blame related to trauma. 

12-step programs and peer support groups

12-step programs and peer support groups often encourage self-forgiveness and self-acceptance for those in addiction recovery. We integrate self-compassion therapy with 12-step facilitation therapy to understand your struggles. Self-compassion integrates seamlessly into the practice of making amends and personal inventory where you can cultivate a more positive and supportive relationship with yourself.

Family therapy and relationship counseling

Family therapy and relationship counseling aim to improve communication and boundary-setting skills while maintaining self-compassion, self-care, and self-nurturing within the family system. Self-compassion can make it easier to have open and honest discussions without getting defensive. It also helps family members be more understanding and supportive of each other’s struggles and needs.

Holistic and complementary therapies

Holistic and complementary therapies promote self-compassion. Yoga therapy and meditation therapy encourage gentle movement and breath awareness. Art and music therapy provide creative outlets for expressing and exploring self-compassion, while acupuncture and massage promote physical and emotional self-care and self-nurturing.

At Ardu, we also offer float spa therapy and vibroacoustic therapy. The sensory deprivation in a float tank facilitates an inward journey of self-discovery and compassion. Vibroacoustic therapy uses sound vibrations to induce a deeply meditative state that can enhance self-acceptance.

Self-compassion therapy integrated with other treatment modalities gives you more tools to improve mental health and addiction recovery. At Ardu, we personalize your treatment plan to include self-compassion alongside other proven therapies. This helps you develop greater self-kindness while effectively addressing your specific challenges.

What is self-compassion therapy?

Self-compassion therapy is an approach developed by Kristin Neff that helps people cultivate a kind, understanding, and non-judgmental attitude toward themselves, especially during painful experiences or difficult emotions. It is based on the premise that being compassionate to oneself is not self-indulgent, but rather a courageous mindset that provides emotional resilience.

The core components of self-compassion therapy include:

  • Self-kindness: treating oneself with care and understanding rather than harsh self-criticism.
  • Common humanity: recognizing that all humans are imperfect and make mistakes, fostering a sense of connection with others.
  • Mindfulness: holding one’s painful thoughts and feelings in balanced awareness rather than over-identifying with them.

Self-compassion therapy aims to help people respond to difficult emotions with greater self-acceptance, reduce harsh self-judgments, and develop a more compassionate inner voice. Research shows that self-compassion is linked to improved mental health, life satisfaction, and positive emotions.

What are the benefits of self-compassion therapy?

The key benefits of self-compassion therapy are:

  1. Reduced negative emotions and harsh judgments. Self-compassion exercises and practices help people respond to difficult experiences with greater kindness and less self-criticism. 
  2. Increased positive emotions and relationships. Self-compassionate attitudes foster a sense of common humanity that alleviates feelings of isolation during painful experiences. This promotes more positive connections and emotional resilience.
  3. Improved mental and physical health. Research that measured self-compassion using Neff’s self-compassion scale has found that self-compassionate people tend to be in better overall psychological and physical shape.
  4. Enhanced emotional regulation. Self-compassion helps people become less reactive to difficult emotions and situations. It promotes greater emotional resilience and the ability to navigate challenges with more calm and clarity. The mindful self-compassion program integrates self-compassion with other mindfulness-based approaches such as loving-kindness meditation to cultivate balanced awareness of emotional experiences.
  5. Motivation for growth. Self-compassionate people have increased motivation for making positive changes in their lives, unlike those who are self-critical.

If you’re in addiction recovery or struggling with mental health issues, self-compassion therapy can help you heal. Through self-compassion exercises and practices, you can learn to treat yourself with more kindness. Our therapists create personalized treatment plans that combine self-compassion with other proven therapeutic methods for a comprehensive path to recovery.

Our alcohol rehab program combines traditional therapies with self-compassion therapy to help you build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety. For those struggling with drug addiction, our substance abuse treatment integrates self-compassion practices to teach you self-kindness and reduce self-criticism, while promoting a more positive mindset. 

For those dealing with the complex challenges of a dual diagnosis, where addiction and mental health issues intertwine, our comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program addresses both substance abuse and underlying mental health conditions simultaneously. We use the benefits of integrated self-compassion therapy to alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms, so you can focus on healing.

Reach out to us today to learn more.

How to get started with Ardu’s self-compassion therapy

The first step toward healing in recovery can be overwhelming. We’ve designed a comprehensive, patient-centered approach that integrates self-compassion therapy into our full continuum of care. Whether you’re seeking help for substance abuse, mental health concerns, or a dual diagnosis, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Your journey begins with a thorough assessment, where we take the time to understand your unique needs, challenges, and goals. Our expert clinicians will evaluate your mental well-being, substance use history, and capacity for self-compassion to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your struggles.

For those requiring a higher level of care, our inpatient program offers a safe, supportive environment where you can focus on healing. Here, self-compassion therapy is seamlessly integrated into your daily routine and program regimen. As you progress in your recovery, our outpatient treatment options allow you to continue benefiting from self-compassion practices while gradually reintegrating into your daily life.

Throughout your journey, we will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed. We’ll collaborate with you to set achievable goals, celebrate your milestones, and develop self-compassion-based coping strategies to support your long-term recovery. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to heal and thrive. 

Our self-compassion therapy is just one of the many ways we invest in your success. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a brighter future, reach out to our admissions team today. Together, we’ll create a customized roadmap to recovery that harnesses the power of evidence-based modalities to help you achieve lasting wellness.

To enroll in an Ardu program, contact us online or via phone (801-872-8480). 

Self-compassion therapy FAQ

How do you practice self-compassion therapy?

Self-compassion therapy is typically practiced by working one-on-one with a trained therapist or counselor. The therapist leads you through mindfulness practices, cognitive exercises, writing activities, guided meditations, and other experiential exercises intended to help you develop a more self-compassionate attitude and way of relating to yourself. 

Is self-compassion a CBT?

Self-compassion is not technically a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, though it can be integrated with it. Self-compassion has roots in Buddhist psychology and mindfulness-based approaches. Some CBT techniques like cognitive restructuring can help build self-compassion.

What are the 4 pillars of self-compassion?

The 4 key components of self-compassion are: 

  1. Self-kindness vs. harsh self-judgment
  2. Common humanity vs. isolation
  3. Mindfulness vs. over-identification
  4. Developing a compassionate inner voice

Self-compassion is about replacing the harsh inner critic with a more loving, supportive inner voice that provides wisdom and comfort. 

Is self-compassion a DBT skill?

Self-compassion is not one of the four skill modules in standard dialectical behavior therapy. DBT incorporates self-compassion as part of its distress tolerance and mindfulness skills, recognizing its benefits for emotional regulation.

Is self-compassion a coping mechanism?

Self-compassion can function as an adaptive and beneficial coping mechanism. Research published by the Journal of Clinical Psychology shows that informal self-compassionate practices can help regulate painful feelings and depressive symptoms during difficult human experiences. 

By cultivating a compassionate inner voice instead of harsh self-judgment, individuals develop a more supportive approach to life’s inevitable challenges.

What does self-compassion do to the brain?

Studies analyzing fMRI scans have found that self-compassion practices such as mindfulness meditation activate neural networks linked to positive emotions, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Self-compassion seems to dampen threat responses and self-criticism while boosting activity in areas associated with compassionate mindsets and psychological functioning. This allows for greater emotional resilience and positive outcomes, even amid painful experiences without judging or over-identifying with negative thought patterns.

Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy on April 16, 2024

Resources

Maftei, A., & Lãzãrescu, G. (2022, June 7). Times Are Harsh, Be Kind to Yourself! Anxiety, Life Satisfaction, and the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.915524

Homan, K. J., & Sirois, F. M. (2017). Self-compassion and physical health: Exploring the roles of perceived stress and health-promoting behaviors. Health Psychology Open, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2055102917729542

Basque, D., Talbot, F., & French, D. J. (2021). Increasing access to pain management: Feasibility of a self-compassion psychoeducational website using a minimally monitored delivery model. Internet Interventions, 26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100458

Kim, J. J., Parker, S. L., Doty, J. R., Cunnington, R., Gilbert, P., & Kirby, J. N. (2020). Neurophysiological and behavioural markers of compassion. Scientific Reports, 10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63846-3

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