Taking on unhealthy blame

Self-deprecation and self-blame are prevalent issues that often come up when seeing a therapist. Often, these come from an irrational or unhealthy place.

There are a couple of exercises and metaphors to keep in mind if you struggle with beating yourself up or taking on unhealthy blame.

The first is asking yourself what you’d be saying to somebody in the event that they were in your shoes? Would the narrative be the same? If you step back and really consider this the chances are probably not. If that’s the case, you owe it yourself to treat yourself AT LEAST the same as you would another.

Furthermore, a simple metaphor can help: are you sitting in the rain and blaming yourself for getting wet? Sometimes external circumstances that are out of our control can be unhealthily and inaccurately internalized.

Finally, simply ask yourself to look for the evidence behind what you’re telling yourself. If you can’t provide it, that likely means it’s time to take those thoughts of negative- or unhealthy blame and send them on their way.

If you struggle with taking on unhealthy blame, seeing a therapist can help.

Reach out to Philadelphia therapist Noam Dinovitz at 484-278-1230 or dinovitzcounseling@gmail.com for issues like self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.