Lesley Huff, PsyD
on the Paradox of Mindfulness
& Potential Pitfalls of Self-Improvement
Headshot of Lesley Huff, PsyD[::]Lesley Huff, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist
Listen:
Show Notes:
In this episode, Lesley Huff talks about the human need for certainty and how this creates challenges in relating to the many unknowns in life. We discuss the paradox that mindfulness practices can help us to make changes in life, but also allow us to be more accepting of who we are in the moment. We explore the potential pitfalls of self-improvement, including its impact on parenting and family life, and the problem of approaching change from a place of self-criticism.
Lesley Huff, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist and a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher. She started the Change Through Compassion Program, and has practiced mindfulness personally for many years. Additionally, she has trained with Dr. Christopher Germer at the Kripalu Institute in Stockbridge, MA and with Drs. Christopher Germer and Kristin Neff at the Esalen Retreat Center in Big Sur, CA, and at the Chapin Mill Retreat Center in Batavia, NY. Lesley integrates works from additional scholars in Mindfulness and Self Compassion, such as Dr. Dan Siegel, Dr. Ron Siegel, Pema Chodron, Thich Nhat Hahn, Dr. Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Dr. Rick Hanson, and many others. Lesley was also fortunate to be able to teach a Core Skills Intensive with Dr. Kristin Neff in August 2016.
Resources:
- Lesley's Change Through Compassion YouTube channel
- Lesley at Samaritan Counseling Center
- Lesley's Center for MSC bio: https://centerformsc.org/user-profile/lesley-huff/
- Object relations theory (Wikipedia)
- Strategic family therapy (Verywell Mind)
- “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” ― C.G. Jung
- Little Albert Experiment (Wikipedia)
- John B. Watson (Wikipedia)
- A Healing Space: Befriending Ourselves in Difficult Times by Matt Licata (Amazon)
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Recent Past Episodes:
Hosts:
Katherine King, PsyD
Katherine King, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at William James College. She was trained in evidence-based treatments within the Veterans’ Administration and has a private practice specializing in geropsychology. She is also a member of the Boston Shambhala Center Board of Directors, a vajrayana student of Buddhism, and has practiced meditation for over 20 years. Learn more about Kate at www.drkateking.com.
Alex Gokce, MSW
Alex Gokce, MSW has a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University and an undergraduate degree in Comparative Government from Harvard University. He has led psychotherapy groups on topics including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mind-body approaches to pain management. He has co-led programs at the Boston Shambhala Center on the topics of trauma and self-compassion. His personal and professional interests center around the individual, societal and intergenerational impacts of trauma, as well as the sociocultural roots of interpersonal harm.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is strictly for educational purposes only, and is not intended as psychological treatment or consultation of any kind.
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The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and training of mental health professionals in the integration of mindfulness meditation and psychotherapy.
