India, Jan. 13 -- A sixty-two-year-old female client in her first session tells me, "I have chosen to start therapy because I find it hard to forgive myself. Although others see my life as a good one-and in many ways it was-internally I am constantly criticizing myself. I dwell on not being a good enough daughter, on not spending enough time with my children, and always striving for perfection. I have shame about who I am and also resentment towards myself. I want to change this."

What this client is talking about is something that often comes up during therapy sessions. Self-criticism can show up as shame, regret, harsh judgment, hopelessness and the inability to trust oneself. Clients also talk about how they find it hard to trust thei...