Bron is joined by Matthew Jackson (Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor) to unpack why so many psychologists can be deeply compassionate towards clients but harshly critical towards themselves. Matt reflects openly on how his upbringing, attachment and his own therapy have shaped his relationship with self-compassion, and Bron discusses how she is is at the start of her own self-compassion journey. They explore how psychology training often teaches us to turn compassion outward, but not so much inward.
They chat about:
👉🏽 Paul Gilbert’s definition of compassion, and why self-compassion is relationship-based rather than evaluation-based
👉🏻 Tall poppy syndrome and whether psychologists are allowed to feel proud of their work
👉 Feeling “compassioned out” and building tiny moments of self-kindness between sessions
👉🏿 Five-second self-compassion phrases, boundaries, and giving yourself permission to be imperfect at your work
Guest: Matthew Jackson, Psychologist and Board-Approved Supervisor
LINKS
- Matt (as Matilda Mercury) on Instagram
- Self-compassion with Dr Kristin Neff
- Article by Paul Gilbert (2014), "The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy"
THE END BITS
Mental Work is the podcast for psychologists about the realities of working in mental health, with an early-career focus. Hosted by psychologist/researcher Dr Bronwyn Milkins.
Support the show by buying me a virtual coffee ☕🍵
Have a question, episode idea or just want to say hi? DM Bron on Instagram, leave a comment on the Spotify episode, or email mentalworkpodcast@gmail.com
Apply to be a guest / YouTube (with captions & transcript) / Website
CREDITS
Producer: Michael English
Music: Home
Commitment: Mental Work believes in an inclusive and diverse mental health workforce. We honour the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of mental health workers with lived experiences of mental illness, disability, neurodivergence, LGBTIQA+ identities, and diverse culture and language. We recognise our First Nations colleagues as Traditional Custodians of the land and pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging. Mental Work is recorded on unceded Whadjuk Noongar boodja.
Disclaimer: Mental Work provides informational content. Mental Work is not a psychological service and being a listener or guest does not establish a therapeutic relationship. Content should not be considered a replacement for professional consultation or therapy. All views expressed are personal, subject to change, and do not represent those of any affiliated employer, service, or organisation past or present. Efforts are made to ensure accuracy, but opinions may not always align with fact. Listeners are encouraged to thoughtfully assess the information presented and report any inaccuracies or concerns via email. Further information can be found here.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
