Self-criticism is a risk factor for psychological disorders and predicts poor treatment response. A loving-kindness meditation (LKM) program designed to increase self-compassion was tested in 38 highly self-critical individuals randomly assigned to LKM or a wait-list. Compared with the wait-list, LKM led to significant reductions in self-criticism and depressive symptoms and significant increases in self-compassion and positive emotions. Gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. These preliminary results suggest that LKM may help self-critical individuals become less self-critical and more self-compassionate, and may reduce depressive symptoms and increase positive emotions.
Adding MDMA to psychotherapy may help treat social anxiety disorder by triggering three key processes of change. MDMA can enhance memory reconsolidation, allowing patients to reprocess painful social memories. It can also induce self-transcendent emotions like compassion, love, and awe, which counteract shame and social disconnection. Finally, MDMA may strengthen the therapeutic relationship, a robust predictor of positive outcomes. These effects likely extend beyond the drug sessions themselves.