Targeting Self Hatred in Psychotherapy

Self-hatred is a powerful and often hidden force that can shape a client’s emotional world, decision-making, and capacity for change. Even when never voiced directly, it can quietly fuel chronic anxiety, depression, suicidality, and patterns of self-destructive behaviour. Traditional approaches such as self-compassion exercises or positive reframing may fall flat, or even backfire, when the underlying dynamic of self-hatred remains unrecognised.

In this practical and clinically grounded webinar, Dr Blaise Aguirre-internationally respected expert in DBT, BPD, and treatment of complex emotional disorders, offers a clear framework for identifying, understanding, and effectively targeting self-hatred in therapeutic work. Drawing on decades of experience across adolescent and adult services, he will explore how self-hatred is learned, reinforced, and maintained, and how therapists can guide clients toward new, kinder internal relationships that allow for genuine emotional freedom and behavioural change.

This session will equip clinicians with actionable strategies to address one of the most entrenched and misunderstood obstacles to recovery, helping clients move from cycles of self‑attack to lives that feel more connected, compassionate, and possible.