Posted by Dinah on February 4, 2004, at 17:52:23
In reply to Learning to like yourself, posted by Penny on February 4, 2004, at 15:31:52
Penny, I hate to say this, but it calls for acting "as if". If you act "as if" you like yourself for long enough, you'll likely get enough positive feedback that you might just possibly actually believe it.
Or... You can think of the things you actually can say to yourself that are true. One thing about EMDR lady was that she overstretched on the positive cognitions. I might not believe that I am beautiful, but I *could* believe that I was earnestly effortful and quizzical, as Tabitha said.
Maybe you could work with your therapist for a list of believable nice things about yourself. I'll start with some things I like about you.
You have lovely red wavy hair.
You behave in a caring manner towards others.
You are well educated and write well.
You have an inquisitive mind.
You care about animals and treat them respectfully and lovingly.
I'm sure there are zillions others. And as you start believing the smaller good things about you, you can stretch a bit farther each time.
poster:Dinah
thread:309396
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040131/msgs/309449.html