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Speaking of Teens

Episode #35: The Incredible Power of Self-Compassion in Teens and Tweens with Dr. Karen Bluth

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Self-compassion may not yet be a household term, but it turns out there’s some very persuasive research regarding the positive impact of this fairly simple practice. It appears to be a powerful way to combat “self-negativity”.

And who among us tends to be the most self-critical, filled with self-doubt, and internalized negativity? That’s right, adolescents. Their brain is changing in such a way that makes them super self-conscious and prone to negative emotions. They also face enormous stress, which often leads to anxiety and depression. But perhaps worst of all, they think they’re the only one who feels the way they do.

Today in episode 35, I talk to Dr. Karen Bluth, a researcher at the University of North Carolina who studies self-compassion and how it influences adolescents’ emotional wellbeing. Listen in and learn how this simple yet powerful practice can potentially help your teenager flip the switch in their brain to become more positive, resilient and motivated and less stressed, anxious and depressed.

Access TRANSCRIPT here.

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Sources, Resources and Mentions:

Mindful Self-compassion for Teens Courses (as of 1-17-23):

Upcoming MSC-T courses taught by Kristie Engel, PhD and Heather Montague, MS. (via Zoom)

* Tues/Thurs, June 20 to July 18 (no class July 4) ~ 7:00-8:30 EDT, 4:00-5:30 PDT

* Tues/Thurs, July 11 to Aug 3 ~ 1:00-2:30 EDT, 10:00-11:30 PDT

Click here for additional information

Upcoming MSC-T courses taught by Marina Barnes and Lea Christo

Meets 2X per week on Wed and Sat for 1 1/2 hrs each meeting

*  Wed meets at 4:00pm PST / 7:00pm EST

* Sat meets at 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST

Start Date: March 1st

End Date: March 25th

Find additional Mindful Self-compassion for Teens Trainers here

Dr. Karen Bluth's Psychology Today article (part 1) How Self-Compassion Can Improve Teen Mental Health

Dr. Karen Bluth's Psychology Today article (part 2) Here

Dr. Karen Bluth's website (with links to her research, her books, courses, workshops, etc.)

Dr. Karen Bluth's Instagram and Twitter

Dr. Kristin Neff's website (pioneer in the research of self-compassion) Explore the research, learn practices, buy her book, etc.

Find out how self-compassionate you are!

Adult Mindful Self-Compassion Training 

Mary Oliver's Poetry

David Whyte's Poetry

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