NICABM – Working With Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough”: Expert Strategies for Therapists

Understanding the Psychology Behind Feelings of Inadequacy

Are your clients struggling with persistent feelings of worthlessness? Research shows that the core belief of “never good enough” is one of the most damaging psychological patterns therapists encounter. These deeply-rooted beliefs can lead to depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties that significantly impact your clients’ quality of life.

To effectively help clients transform these painful core beliefs, therapists need to understand:

• The neurobiological basis for why the ruminating brain embellishes feelings of self-contempt
• How specific biological factors fuel persistent feelings of inadequacy
• The way self-criticism creates enduring patterns in breathing, posture, and movement
• The often overlooked connection between feelings of “never good enough” and depression

The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM) has collaborated with 17 leading experts in psychotherapy to develop comprehensive, evidence-based approaches for addressing these challenging core beliefs.

Comprehensive Professional Training: Working With Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough”

This specialized training program provides three powerful clinical tools designed to help therapists guide clients toward reversing their sense of worthlessness. The curriculum integrates insights from cognitive-behavioral, somatic, attachment-based, and mindfulness approaches to create a comprehensive treatment framework.

Evidence-Based Approaches to Reverse Client Worthlessness

Expert Contributors: Marsha Linehan, PhD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD | Ron Siegel, PsyD

This section covers:

• A clinically-validated assessment that effectively shifts a client’s feelings of inner deficiency
• Techniques for identifying how clients unconsciously invite others’ judgment
• Practical interventions that interrupt self-critical patterns

Brain-Based Strategies for Addressing Implicit Memories of Inadequacy

Expert Contributors: Pat Ogden, PhD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD

Learn how to:

• Reprocess formative memories that create core feelings of inadequacy
• Apply somatic techniques to overwrite the imprint of early childhood experiences
• Integrate neuroscience-informed approaches that address the biological basis of worthlessness

Clinical Methods to Help Clients Internalize Positive Experiences

Expert Contributors: Rick Hanson, PhD | Ron Siegel, PsyD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD | Bill O’Hanlon, LMFT

Discover:

• The two essential elements that research shows result in developing a healthy sense of worth
• Strategic interventions that help clients effectively doubt their self-doubts
• Techniques for strengthening neural pathways associated with self-compassion

Therapeutic Approaches to Shift the Self-Critical Mind

Expert Contributors: Linda Graham, LMFT | Bill O’Hanlon, LMFT

Explore:

• Why feelings of inadequacy may inhibit neuroplasticity and limit therapeutic progress
• The critical belief shift required before a client’s thinking pattern will change
• Practical methods to disrupt entrenched self-critical cognitive patterns

Clinical Resources to Counter Toxic Self-Judgment

Expert Contributors: Shelly Harrell, PhD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD

Learn about:

• Why connecting clients to their values requires a specific follow-up step to be effective
• A practical clinical method for helping clients cultivate a sense of dignity
• Research-backed approaches for developing resilience against self-judgment

Therapeutic Interventions for Healing Deeply-Internalized Judgment

Expert Contributors: Steven Hayes, PhD | Ron Siegel, PsyD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD | Joan Borysenko, PhD

Understand:

• The crucial cognitive mechanism that makes humans prone to self-judgment
• A perspective shift that effectively reframes a client’s critical thoughts
• Why disproving early feelings of inadequacy can be counterproductive
• Evidence-based alternatives that produce lasting change

Attachment-Based Approaches to Repair Histories of Self-Loathing

Expert Contributors: Sue Johnson, EdD

Discover how to:

• Minimize psychological risk when clients confront the root of their self-contempt
• Help clients clarify their “I’m defective” message to make it addressable
• Apply attachment theory to create corrective emotional experiences

Transformative Interventions for Root Sense of Unworthiness

Expert Contributors: Joan Borysenko, PhD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD

Learn about:

• Clinical techniques to help clients detach from “worthless worm syndrome”
• The surprising research on how selfless acts can reverse pervasive feelings of inadequacy
• Integrative approaches that address spiritual dimensions of worthlessness

Clinical Strategies for Addressing Unrealistic Expectations of Perfection

Expert Contributors: Michael Yapko, PhD | Ron Siegel, PsyD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD | Joan Borysenko, PhD

Discover how to:

• Guide clients to shift from rigid perfectionism toward adaptive effectiveness
• Help clients develop psychological immunity from others’ approval and disapproval
• Address the underlying fears that drive perfectionism

What Professional Therapists Are Saying About This Training

“I love the way Kelly McGonigal makes a new conclusion out of things you wouldn’t have put together before.” — Cindy Bell, LICSW

Learn From Distinguished Faculty in Psychotherapy and Neuroscience

This specialized training brings together internationally recognized experts in psychotherapy, neuroscience, and trauma treatment:

• Marsha Linehan, PhD – Creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Professor of Psychology, Adjunct Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington; Director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics
• Sue Johnson, EdD – Creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT); Founder and Director of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy
• Steven Hayes, PhD – Creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Nevada Foundation Professor at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno
• Pat Ogden, PhD – Pioneer in Somatic Psychology; Founder and Director of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute (SPI); Co-founder of the Hakomi Institute; Author of “Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Interventions for Trauma and Attachment”
• Shelly Harrell, PhD – Licensed psychologist specializing in multicultural and community psychology; Professor of Psychology in the Graduate School of Education at Pepperdine University
• Rick Hanson, PhD – Senior Fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley; New York Times bestselling author of “Hardwiring Happiness” and “Buddha’s Brain”
• Joan Borysenko, PhD – Founder of Mind/Body Health Sciences LLC; Author of New York Times Bestseller “Minding the Body, Mending the Mind”
• Ron Siegel, PsyD – Assistant Professor of Psychology, part time, Harvard Medical School; Author of “The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems” and “Sitting Together: Essential Skills for Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy”
• Kelly McGonigal, PhD – Health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University; Author of “The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You and How to Get Good At It” and “The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It”
• Bill O’Hanlon, LMFT – Co-developer of Solution-Oriented Therapy; Psychotherapist, speaker, and author of “Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life”
• Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT – Founder of the PACT Training Institute and developer of a Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT)
• Christine Padesky, PhD – Co-founder of the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Huntington Beach, California; Co-creator of Strengths-Based CBT; Co-author of “Mind Over Mood” and “Collaborative Case Conceptualization”
• Michael Yapko, PhD – Leading expert in clinical hypnosis and treating depression; Clinical psychologist and author of 15 books including “The Discriminating Therapist” and “Keys to Unlocking Depression”
• Linda Graham, MFT – Author of “Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being”; Seasoned clinician and life coach

Comprehensive Training Resources for Your Professional Development

When you register for NICABM’s Working With Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough” program, you’ll receive:

• Downloadable video sessions for convenient viewing on any device
• Audio recordings for learning on-the-go
• Professionally-formatted transcripts for easy review and implementation
• Three specialized bonus sessions that expand your therapeutic toolkit
• Lifetime access to all materials for your professional library

Exclusive Bonus Content: Advanced Clinical Applications

Bonus 1: How Social Prejudice Can Reinforce Impostor Syndrome

Expert Contributors: Shelly Harrell, PhD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD | Ron Siegel, PsyD

• The societal factors that contribute to core feelings of worthlessness
• Clinical interventions for addressing internalized judgment that perpetuates Impostor Syndrome

Bonus 2: How to Break the “Never Good Enough” Cycle In Relationships

Expert Contributors: Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT | Ron Siegel, PsyD

• A powerful strategy to help clients break patterns of reenacting past relationship traumas
• Evidence-based approaches for working with insecure clients who unconsciously sabotage relationships

Bonus 3: One Way a CBT Practitioner Works With Negative Core Beliefs

Expert Contributors: Christine Padesky, PhD | Kelly McGonigal, PhD

• The three levels of negative belief and specialized techniques for addressing the most difficult ones
• Clinical wisdom on when to avoid direct work with core beliefs

Transform Your Clinical Practice Starting Today

Real Results From Professional Therapists

“Steven Hayes’s message truly touched the inner hurt in me, and gave me a very new and powerful gift that I can’t wait to use with my clients.” — Brent Schrader, Social Worker, Farmington, NM

“When I listen to the experts talk openly about their experience, I feel so fortunate to have this access to brain power, experience and research synthesis on cutting edge issues! I go back to the videos to reinforce things that will assist my clients.” — Mary Logan, Counselor, Ipswich, MA

About the Course Director

Ruth Buczynski, PhD is a licensed psychologist and founder and president of The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM). For more than 25 years, NICABM has provided accredited training and professional development programs to thousands of practitioners worldwide, helping physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and counselors provide cutting-edge, research-based treatment strategies to their patients.

Why The Comprehensive Transcript Is Essential For Your Learning

The professionally prepared transcript allows you to:

• Quickly review concepts, citations, and expert names
• Navigate efficiently with a detailed table of contents
• Focus on implementation rather than note-taking
• Accommodate different learning styles
• Share specific techniques with your clients

Conclusion: Elevate Your Therapeutic Effectiveness With NICABM’s Expert Training

NICABM’s Working With Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough” program provides therapists with a comprehensive framework for addressing one of the most challenging issues in clinical practice. By integrating insights from 17 world-renowned experts across multiple therapeutic modalities, this training equips you with practical, evidence-based strategies that you can immediately implement with your clients.

What sets this program apart is its focus on both the neurobiological underpinnings of core beliefs and practical clinical interventions that create lasting change. The combination of downloadable videos, audio recordings, professionally formatted transcripts, and bonus content ensures that you have all the resources needed to transform your approach to working with clients’ feelings of inadequacy.

Register today to gain lifetime access to this essential training and join thousands of professionals who have enhanced their clinical effectiveness through NICABM’s expert-led programs.