Caroline Goldsmith on the Importance of Routine in Managing Anxiety

Caroline Goldsmith on the Importance of Routine in Managing Anxiety

Blog Article

Many teenagers feel like they’re not good enough—no matter how hard they try. Whether it’s about looks, grades, friendships, or fitting in, harsh self-talk often becomes part of daily life. Phrases like “I’m so stupid”, “I can’t do anything right”, or “Nobody likes me” can run on repeat.

Caroline Goldsmith, child and clinical psychologist at ATC Ireland Psychology, sees this struggle in her work every day. But she also sees something else: with mindfulness and self-compassion, teens can break free from this painful pattern.

What Is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer to a friend. Instead of criticizing yourself for making a mistake, you give yourself permission to be human.

Caroline explains to teens that being kind to yourself doesn’t mean ignoring problems or pretending everything is okay—it means acknowledging your struggles without shame or judgment.

How Mindfulness Helps Build Self-Compassion

Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Caroline Goldsmith uses mindfulness to help teens notice how they talk to themselves and how those thoughts make them feel.

Through mindfulness-based therapy at ATC Ireland Psychology, teens learn to:

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  Become aware of self-critical thoughts

  
  


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  Pause before reacting emotionally

  
  


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  Replace judgment with understanding

  
  


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  Build a more supportive inner voice

  
  

Simple Tools Teens Learn in Therapy

Caroline Goldsmith teaches practical, easy-to-use strategies for building self-compassion. These include:

1. Name the Inner Critic

Teens learn to recognize and name their self-critical voice—like “the perfectionist” or “the bully.” Naming it makes it easier to notice and challenge.

2. Use the Self-Compassion Question

“What would I say to a friend in this situation?” This simple question helps teens shift from self-judgment to kindness.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing

By focusing on their breath, teens calm their nervous system and create space to respond to challenges more kindly.

4. Affirmations and Journaling

Writing daily affirmations or gratitude lists helps teens focus on strengths rather than flaws.

Why This Approach Works

Caroline’s approach is rooted in neuroscience and psychology. Self-compassion has been shown to:

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  Improve emotional resilience

  
  


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  Reduce anxiety and depression

  
  


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  Increase motivation and confidence

  
  


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  Strengthen relationships

  
  

Teens who are kind to themselves are more likely to try again after failure, speak up for their needs, and cope better with stress.

Real Story: How Mark Found His Voice

Mark, 16, came to ATC Ireland Psychology struggling with low self-esteem and constant self-doubt. After a mistake at school, he would call himself a failure and avoid trying again.

With Caroline Goldsmith’s support, Mark began to notice how often he criticised himself. He learned mindfulness exercises and wrote self-compassionate responses to his own thoughts. Over time, he stopped believing the worst about himself.

Today, Mark says, “I still make mistakes, but I don’t hate myself for them anymore. I give myself a second chance.”

When Should Teens Get Help?

If a teen’s self-criticism is causing anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from school or social life, it’s time to reach out. Caroline Goldsmith encourages early support to build lifelong emotional skills.

Caroline Goldsmith’s Expertise

As a trusted child psychologist and clinical psychologist, Caroline Goldsmith brings over two decades of experience to her work. She leads therapy sessions at ATC Ireland Psychology, helping young people across Ireland build emotional strength through evidence-based care. She is widely respected for her research in adolescent wellbeing, emotional resilience, and mental health.

Final Message: You Deserve Kindness Too

Teens often believe they have to be perfect to be accepted. Caroline Goldsmith teaches the opposite: you are worthy of kindness exactly as you are. Mindfulness helps young people slow down, notice their inner world, and start building a relationship with themselves based on compassion—not criticism.

Whether it’s after a tough day, a failed test, or an argument with a friend, the ability to say, “It’s okay—I’m doing my best” can change everything.