Preferred Name
Sydney Iwanski
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Date of Graduation
5-12-2023
Degree Name
Educational Specialist (EdS)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Second Advisor
Joseph LeBlanc
Abstract
This paper examines the concept of self-compassion and how counselors-in-training (CITs) can develop and refine their self-compassion practice to improve their experience during the counseling practicum semester of their graduate studies. First, this paper will discuss the definitions of self-compassion, the benefits of self-compassion, and things to be aware of in beginning self-compassion work. Then, the paper will discuss the needs of beginning counselors with special attention to the practicum semester. Finally, this paper will provide suggestions for the specific ways self-compassion can help CITs progress in their practice and studies with special attention to supervision, attending to clients in session, taking care of oneself after sessions, and how self-compassion could help a CIT in starting their social justice work. In addition to this paper, there will be a handouts and resources to help a CIT begin their self-compassion journey.
