CCC 27-4_LR 1

INNOVATIVE THOUGHT & PRACTICE

Bill Gaultiere, Ph.D., and Kristi Gaultiere, Psy.D. FREEDOM FROM SELF-SABOTAGE

a As counselors and pastors, we have found that everyone needs to know they are deeply loved, but most people struggle with self-judging. Their inner attitude or self-talk may sound like this: “You shouldn’t feel this… You’re bur dening people with your needs… Don’t be a complainer… Don’t cry… You’ll get hurt… Stay in control….” Rejecting their emotional needs leaves them feeling unloved and

sabotages their mental health and spiritual growth. In your counseling practice or ministry, it is essential to realize that even as your clients or church attendees seek your help or cry out to God in prayer, their inner judge often shames them and spoils the empathy and care you provide. For them to benefit from your help, they need to develop self-empathy.

18 Christian Counseling Connection