Self-Compassion Resources for Self-Criticism, Comparison & Perfectionism

ACT-based tools, guided practices and therapy insights for becoming kinder to yourself

If you tend to be hard on yourself, compare yourself to others, or feel like nothing you do is ever quite enough, you’re not alone. Self-compassion is not about letting yourself off the hook — it’s about learning to relate to yourself with more understanding, especially when things feel difficult.

This space brings together practical tools, ACT-based approaches, and guided practices to help you move beyond self-criticism, comparison, and perfectionism.

Backdraft - When accepting Ourselves Becomes Most Difficult…
Luiza Bugajna Luiza Bugajna

Backdraft - When accepting Ourselves Becomes Most Difficult…

The idea of accepting ourselves is often presented as a cornerstone of wellbeing. Yet, in practice, many find that it is precisely in the moments when they most need self-acceptance that it feels utterly out of reach. Why does extending compassion inward so often feel more threatening than soothing?

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The science behind self-compassion: how kindness to yourself changes your brain
Luiza Bugajna Luiza Bugajna

The science behind self-compassion: how kindness to yourself changes your brain

We all know that small unpleasant voice: “You should have done better” . For many people that voice is habitual — loud, sticky, and unhelpful. Self-compassion is a different way of responding and it’s also one of the best-studied, science-backed ways to reduce self-criticism and improve emotional resilience.

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Shooting the Second Arrow
Luiza Bugajna Luiza Bugajna

Shooting the Second Arrow

There’s a teaching from the Buddhist philosophy that has shaped the way I think about suffering, both in my own life and in the lives of the people I work with. It’s called the parable of the two arrows...

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The Hidden Costs of Comparing Ourselves to Others – And How to Break Free
Luiza Bugajna Luiza Bugajna

The Hidden Costs of Comparing Ourselves to Others – And How to Break Free

It’s a familiar feeling: scrolling through social media and seeing others who seem happier or more successful. Almost instantly, we compare ourselves. For a moment, this might motivate us—but often it leaves us feeling smaller and stuck in cycles of low self-esteem. Let’s explore this and what steps we can take to build healthier ways of valuing ourselves.

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Self-Compassion Practices and Guided Exercises

Free Self-Compassion Tools and Worksheets