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The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion

Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions

By Christopher K. Germer

Published June 9th 2009 by Guilford Press – 306 pages

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    Description

    Winner of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Seal of Merit!

    The psychological benefits of mindfulness are well established. Yet for people who struggle with difficult emotions like anxiety, guilt, anger, loneliness, sadness, or low self-esteem, mindfulness practices can be enhanced by adding a simple yet powerful ingredient: self-compassion. Without it, we all too often respond to emotional suffering with self-criticism, shame, or defensiveness — tough-to-break habits that only make suffering worse. This wise, eloquent, and practical book illuminates the nature of self-compassion and offers easy-to-follow, scientifically grounded steps for incorporating it into daily life. Vivid examples and innovative exercises and techniques make this an ideal resource for readers new to mindfulness or those who want to take their practice to the next level.

    Reviews

    "An elegant and practical guide to cultivating self-compassion, by a dedicated and wise clinician and meditation teacher. The author offers time-honored practices and exercises with the potential to illuminate and transform the background chatter of our minds that determines so much of the course of our lives." - Samuel Shem, author of The House of God

    "Explains both the science and practice of developing kindness toward ourselves and others. Dr. Germer offers powerful and easily accessible steps toward transforming our lives from the inside out. It's never too late to start along this important path." - Daniel J. Siegel, author of The Mindful Brain

    "In this intelligent, concise, and easy-to-read book, Christopher Germer presents an exciting synthesis of mindfulness and self-compassion that is much needed and long overdue. Drawing upon decades of practice as a clinician and meditator, Dr. Germer offers a rich and insightful guide to emotional healing. While thoroughly covering the relevant psychological research, the book is written for a general audience, and will be of enormous benefit to both therapists and their clients….Germer’s narrative voice is warm, gentle, and down-to-earth. His years of meditation practice have clearly paid off in the writing of this book: every word is infused with wisdom and compassion. An invaluable guide to anyone wanting to learn how to transform their relationship with difficult emotions, this important book will undoubtedly change the lives of many who read it." - British Journal of Psychology

    Contents

    Salzberg, Foreword. Introduction. Part I: Discovering Self-Compassion. Being Kind to Yourself. Listening to Your Body. Bringing in Difficult Emotions. What's Self-Compassion? Pathways to Self-Compassion. Part II: Practicing Loving-kindness. Caring for Ourselves. Caring for Others. Part III: Customizing Self-Compassion. Finding Your Balance. Making Progress. Appendix A: Emotion Words. Appendix B: Additional Self-Compassion Exercises. Appendix C: Further Reading and Practice.

    Author Bio

    Christopher K. Germer, Clinical Psychologist, in private practice, USA, Founding member of The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy, Massachusetts, USA, and Clinical Instructor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School, USA

    Name: The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions (Hardback) – Guilford Press 
    Description: By Christopher K. Germer. Winner of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Self-Help Seal of Merit! The psychological benefits of mindfulness are well established. Yet for people who struggle with difficult emotions like anxiety, guilt, anger, loneliness,...
    Categories: Psychotherapy, Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology - Adult, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Self Help Resources