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June 11, 2025 23 mins

If the words “be kind to yourself” make you want to roll your eyes (or run) you’re not alone. For many trauma survivors, self-compassion doesn’t feel good. It feels awkward. Threatening. Even fake.

In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma therapist Erin Witmer for an honest conversation about what makes self-compassion so hard to access, and why the resistance itself is often a form of protection. 

Erin shares her personal and professional journey with softening toward herself, the early life messages that shape people's inner voice, and what it looks like to meet shame and perfectionism with something gentler.

They explore:
 → What self-compassion actually is (and isn’t)
→ Why it can feel so cringey—even in recovery
→ The inner critic’s role in survival
→ Tiny ways to begin practicing self-kindness without forcing it

Looking for a trauma therapist or an EMDR therapist? Learn more about Erin here: 

https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/erin-witmer-trauma-therapist-horsham-pa

And, be sure to grab the FREE Self-Compassion Myth-Buster PDF here:

https://www.subscribepage.com/self-compassion-myth-buster


Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy!

To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org.

Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram!

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