Taming the Brain Weasels: Reducing Self-Criticism Through Externalization and Compassion |
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Authors: | Susannah C. Coaston |
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Affiliation: | 1. Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, USAcoastons1@nku.edu |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACTSelf-criticism is a natural process occurring across mental health disorders. When self-criticism is excessive, vulnerability to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety increases. Compassion-focused approaches can effectively address a variety of concerns; however, highly self-critical individuals might balk at the idea of self-directed compassion due to shame, self-blame, or discomfort with positive emotions, resulting in treatment resistance. The brain weasel is an intervention strategy that uses the Narrative Therapy technique of externalization as an intermediate step toward compassion-oriented work. Through creative externalization and therapeutic humor, self-critical individuals can decenter and explore their self-critical dialogue. This article contains several ways to introduce and use the brain weasel personification in counseling. |
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Keywords: | Self-criticism compassion externalization therapeutic humor treatment resistance creativity in counseling |
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