In I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You’re Wrong About You, internationally recognized Harvard academic and psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre delivers a groundbreaking and insightful discussion of one of the most important―and least discussed―experiences in the field of mental health: self-hatred. Self-hatred is a key source of suffering as well as contributing factor in many cases of attempted and completed suicide. Yet, it is rarely discussed in therapy, and even more rarely studied by researchers. Dr. Aguirre explains how to identify, understand, and then overcome this deeply disturbing and potentially life-threatening experience. He also highlights why self-hatred is such an intractable problem and why simply applying the seemingly commonsense practices of “self-care” or “self-love” may not go far enough in addressing the issue.

Dr. Blaise Aguirre, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the founding Medical Director of 3East at McLean Hospital, a nationally recognized continuum of care for adolescents. Since 2000, he has led innovative, evidence-based approaches to treating mood and personality disorders, with a particular focus on dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for suicidal and self-endangering behaviors in teens. An internationally sought-after lecturer and trainer, Dr. Aguirre has authored & co-authored more than twenty books on adolescent mental health, borderline personality disorder, and effective clinical interventions. His work blends clinical expertise, systems-level leadership, and cross-cultural education in advancing mental health care for young people worldwide.

This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Public Library.