Get Space From Your Busy Mind and Act on What You Care About
Try these three acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)–inspired practices. KEY POINTS We all have running commentary inside our heads, much of it you wouldn't write on positive-affirmation cards. With a bit of space, you can respond with intention and values. Putting...
What Is Process-Based Therapy and Why Now?
You are an individual in a context, not a syndrome in a box. KEY POINTS Instead of offering “protocols for syndromes,” process-based therapy (PBT) maps out the interacting factors that maintain a client's problems. PBT focuses on processes that have been shown to be...
What Are the Benefits of Compassion?
Compassion can lead to powerful changes personally and in our relationships. KEY POINTS Compassion gives you purpose, is contagious, and is good for mental and physical health. To survive and thrive as humans, we need to show up with compassion for ourselves and each...
What Is Compassion and Why Should We Care?
It's not whether pain will show up; it’s how we'll respond when it does. KEY POINTS Our instinct is to avoid our pain and side-step other people’s suffering. Being there for ourselves will help us better be there for others, and giving and receiving care from others...
What Is “Wise Effort”?
Put your values and strengths into action. There are four questions I ask myself before taking on a new project: Does it contribute to the life I want to build? Does it use my natural gifts and strengths? Does it serve more than just me? Is it fun? I often describe...
Mental Habits That Will Make Your Life Better
Developing positive mental habits helps maintain outward behavior change. KEY POINTS Make self-compassion a habit. Make being present with gratitude a habit. Make interoceptive awareness a habit. When we think about habit change, we often focus on behavioral habits...