Self-Compassion Therapy

When I’m in the pottery studio, comparison is all over the place.

Phrases like:

“Your mug looks so much better than mine.”

“I could never do that.”

“I will never be as good as you.”

It is weird how these statements, which should be compliments, can quickly get turned into comparison and self-criticism. Why are we so quick to compare ourselves to others, and does this comparison hurt us? It can push us to achieve greatness, but often at the sacrifice of putting ourselves down.

Far too often, I see phrases like “No Bad Days,” “Good Vibes Only,” or “No Days Off”- they are plastered on social media posts, clothing, coffee mugs, and motivational decor. At first, these messages may feel inspiring an

Logically, you know everything is going to be okay. But, beneath that rational understanding, another part of your mind warns that everything is about to fall apart.

Conversations replay long after they end. Criticism feels overwhelming. Even with reassurance from others, the belief that you are not “good enough” continues.

If you’ve ever spent hours inside a decision and still walked away feeling like you missed something, this one’s for you. Overthinking rarely has anything to do with being indecisive. More often, it’s about fear — and learning to tell the difference between fear and the quieter voice that actually knows what you need.

In my work with clients, we often identify and explore the presence of a harsh “internal bully”, or an inner voice that speaks negatively about you, feels “hard to please”, and one that constantly demands more from you. The voice tends to say things like: 

“You aren’t doing enough” 

“You don’t deserve good things” 

“You are a failure”

Anger isn’t the problem — the effects of suppressed anger are. When you avoid or push down anger, it can show up as anxiety, physical tension, resentment, or disconnection in relationships. Learn what happens when you suppress anger and how to express it in a healthy way.

When caring for others starts to feel heavy, draining, or emotionally exhausting, it may be compassion fatigue—not a personal failure. This blog explores what compassion fatigue is, why it happens, and what to do about compassion fatigue in gentle, sustainable ways that support your nervous system. You deserve care, too.