Self-compassion pioneer Dr. Kristin Neff shares practices to improve mental health with GPS on Feb 22, 2022

GPS hosted Dr. Kristin Neff on February 22 to walk us through practices designed to increase motivation, foster grit and a growth mindset, and rebound from failure – all through the cultivation of self-compassion.  Our first instinct when we fail, suffer, or feel inadequate may be to criticize or to judge ourselves—but there is a better way to get through life’s hardships, says Dr. Kristin Neff. A way that enables us to achieve our highest potential and lead more contented, fulfilling lives. And that is through self-compassion --  a way of relating to ourselves kindly.

Neff says self compassion has three components (more here):

1. 1. Self-kindness vs. Self-judgment 
2. 2. Common humanity vs. Isolation
3. 3. Mindfulness vs. Over-identification

Dr. Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of inner strength training and self-compassion. She is the first to empirically study the concepts and create a simple, actionable guide proven to increase motivation, boost resilience, and improve mental health. Both an Insight Meditation practitioner and an associate professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Harvard Business Review, among others. She is also the co-developer of an empirically supported training program called Mindful Self-Compassion, and the co-author of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook as well as Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program: A Guide for Professionals.

Glenbard South Principal Jessica Santee hosted the event and shared the following takeaway:

 "Dr. Neff provided insight into the many benefits of self-compassion (like greater happiness and calmer households), which involves being kind to ourselves in times of struggle. Self-compassion is not about making yourself feel better at the expense of others, but rather, it involves cultivating feelings of self-worth in any setting – in success or failure. It is treating yourself the way you would treat a friend or a loved one by noticing the sadness, extending empathy and recognizing that it’s human to fail. As caregivers, we need to model self-compassion. In doing so, we let our children know that they, too, are valued and deserving of kindness."

Q and A from this event: GPS Take 5 -The Power of Self Compassion with Kristin Neff (2-16-22) VIDEO HERE

RESOURCES

Web site for Self-Compassion Dr. Kristin Neff  HERE

Kristin Neff: The Three Components of Self-Compassion (Oct 16, 2014) VIDEO HERE

Kristin Neff at TEDx – The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self Compassion (Feb 6, 2013) VIDEO HERE

The Broken Brain Podcast with Dr. Kristin Neff - Dr. Mark Hyman (Jun 11, 2020) HERE

TED Checking In with Susan David: Self-soothing exercises with Dr. Kristin Neff  HERE

Dr. Mona Delahooke speaks on her book Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids

On March 3, the Glenbard Parent Series hosted noted clinical psychologist Dr. Mona Delahooke in a program based on her book, Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids.

Brain-Body Parenting empowers parents with tools to help their children develop self-regulation skills while also encouraging parental self-care, which is crucial for parents to have the capacity to provide the essential “co-regulation” children need. When parents shift from trying to secure compliance to supporting connection and balance in the body and mind, they unlock a deeper understanding of their child, encouraging calmer behavior, more harmonious family dynamics, and increased resilience.

Delahooke is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of experience caring for children and their families. Her just released book is Brain-Body Parenting: How to Stop Managing Behavior and Start Raising Joyful, Resilient Kids. She is a senior faculty member of the Profectum Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families of neurodiverse children, adolescents, and adults. She is a trainer for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and is a member of the American Psychological Association and holds the highest level of endorsement in the field of infant and toddler mental health in California, as a Reflective Practice Mentor (RPM).

Rebecca Sulaver ,Glenbard Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning, hosted the event and shared the following takeaway:

"Mona Delahooke wants caregivers to de-emphasize behavior management and shift the lens from consequences/punishment of challenging  behaviors, to an understanding that the behavior IS the message.  Look at like what lies beneath -the tip of the iceberg. What is happening in the body, brain and the central nervous system ? Does the child feel safe? Kids do well if they can. Observe, Interpret, then take action to meet their needs. Create a toolbox (breathing techniques, exercise, music, journaling, self-talk) to calm. Understand some stress is necessary to grow. What works: elevate the relationship with your child-make it a top priority! Find simple moments to connect, and play, so all can restore".

A recording of the Q and A from the event is HERE

RESOURCES

Website for Dr. Mona Delahooke HERE 

Dr. Mona Delahooke Podcasts HERE

Bright and Quirky Interview with Dr. Mona Delahooke and Dr. Stephen Porges VIDEO HERE

Bright and Quirky Interview How to Approach Kids’ Challenging Behaviors, with Dr. Mona Delahooke VIDEO HERE

What Does it mean to Look Beyond Behaviors? (Feb 3, 2021) VIDEO HERE

The Most Important Question To Ask About Children’s Behavioral Challenges VIDEO HERE

Take 5: Preview of Dr. Mona Delahooke’s event VIDEO HERE