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Compassionate Self-Talk

Imagine a friend in the same situation — what would you tell them? Tell yourself.

8 min Beginner

Goal

Break harsh self-criticism by applying the same kindness you give others to yourself.

Steps

  1. 1
    Notice the inner critic. Write what it says verbatim.
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Expected Outcome

Immediate
You feel an immediate inner softening.

Evidence base

School: Self-Compassion / CBT

Founders: Kristin Neff (2003)

Neff (Texas) research since 2003. Foundation of self-compassion.

Keywords

Frequently asked questions

How long does "Compassionate Self-Talk" take?
This exercise takes about 8 minutes, practiced solo in a Written reflection format.
When will I notice the effect of "Compassionate Self-Talk"?
You feel an immediate inner softening. In the short term: Reduce intensity of negative emotion by 30%.
Is "Compassionate Self-Talk" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Self-Compassion / CBT (Kristin Neff (2003)). Neff (Texas) research since 2003. Foundation of self-compassion.
Is "Compassionate Self-Talk" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Beginner. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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