VisualEditor/Beta Features/General

= Mindful Self-Compassion =

History
The concept of mindfulness and self-compassion has been around from over the last 2500 years rooted in Eastern traditional Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist mediation In Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness and compassion is considered to be two wings of one bird, with each concept overlapping one another but producing benefits for wellbeing. The word Mindfulness is the English translation of the word Vipassan, which a combination of two words Vi, meaning in a special way and Passana, to observe, hence implying to observer in a special way. Where as compassion (karunaa) can be defined as an emotion that elicits the wanting to be free from suffering.

Self Compassion Mindful-Based Stress Reduction
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn is a structured group program that uses mindfulness meditation to relieve suffering associated with physical, psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders. The mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy’s seeks to increase the capacity of mindfulness, by reducing the need for self-focused thoughts and emotions that can lead to poor mental health The exercise of mindful-based stress reduction therapy brings together the elements of meditation and yoga greater awareness of the unity of mind and body, as well as of the ways the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can undermine emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Clinical research from the past 25 years has found that efficacy of MBSR has reduced distress and enhanced individual well-being.

Self Compassion Mindful-Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindful based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an intervention therapy that combines mediation practices, psycho-education and cognitive behavioural strategies to prevent relapse and the recurrence of major depression. MBCT teaches individuals  how to observe their thoughts and feelings by focusing their attention on natural objects such as breathing and body sensations. Individuals are taught how to achieve awareness while holding an attitude of non judgemental acceptance. Within MBCT, mindfulness skills are taught in order to recognize distress thoughts and feelings, be aware of these experience and utilize acceptance and self compassion to break up associative networks that may causes a relapse. Self-compassion in regards to negative thoughts and feelings is adaptive which validates it as a key learning skill in MBCT

Self Compassion Mindfulness Skills in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Dialect Behaviour Therapy (DBT), is a derivative of cognitive behavior therapy that incorporates Eastern meditative practice. DBT is based on a dialectal world view that incorporates the balance and integration of opposing beliefs particularly in acceptance and change. We accept ourselves as good enough, and we recognize the need for all of us to change and grow. Unlike MBCT and MBSR therapies Dialect Behaviour Therapy does not use meditation but less formal exercises, such as individual therapy sessions and group skill sessions. In general DBT last for approximately a year where participants will engage in weekly individual skill therapy sessions and group skill sessions. The skills therapy sessions include four segments; core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance skills. Dialectic behaviour therapist recommend developing self compassion. The basic premise of using self compassion therapies in DBT is to cultivate compassionate mind state, defined by feelings of warmth, safety, presence and interconnectedness that can in turn relieve emotion dysregulation.

Self Compassion Mindfulness and Related Skills in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy utilizes behaviour change process, mindfulness and acceptance process. ACT, involves non-judgmental awareness and openness to cognitive sensation an emotional experiences. It also promotes exposure to previously avoided situations that have caused anxiety in order to promote acceptance. The avoidant behaviour is treated by having clients observing  their thoughts and accepting that their thoughts are not necessarily harmful. In general ACT strategies are customized to fit each participant so they obtain psycho-education, problem solving skills and psychological flexibility. Mindfulness and acceptance exercises skills facilitates the behavioural changes necessary for its user to purse a life that they feel is vital and meaningful.

Various sources have indicated that acceptance and commitment therapy overlaps with Neff's conceptualization of self compassion particularly the ACT’s Relational Frame Theory. The basic theories and concepts underlining ACT, may be relevant and have shown to be parallels and hold similarities found in self-compassion The first is ACT perspective and Neff’s concept of self-kindness are both linked to self-acceptance. Acceptance of one’s painful experiences and hurt is a related to kindness to one’s self. Second Neff's conceptualization of self-compassion and ACT both emphasize mindfulness, which is practiced ACT through the concepts of defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment and the self as a context. Defusion is also used in self-compassion as a means of allowing self-criticisms to pass through the mind with believing, proving them wrong or engaging stance to make these thoughts workable. In a study conducted by Yadavaia, Hayes & Vilardaga, 2014 test the efficacy of an ACT approach to self-compassion as compared to a waitlist control, the study showed that ACT interventions led to a large increase in self-compassion and psychopathology compared to the waitlist control at post-treatment and two months post intervention.