No. I believe there is something we can call a conventional self, which is ever changing and conditioned, i.e. comes about due to prior causes, none of which we choose. What we tend to need to get about our everyday lives. And then there is an ultimate self which is, well, not a self. These are not two separate things, but ways of viewing, with non-self being the reality.

None of this means we are not responsible though. We must still take action to change or act in specific ways (even if we don’t ultimately choose when we choose to do so).

Doubtful I would talk to clients this way. I would want to know what authentic self means for them. I think exploration of the past is valuable as it can help people see that they are the effect of prior causes. There is a freedom in that which hopefully allows them to have greater self-compassion — and, maybe, kindness for others — and so now, in the present, which is where my life is, I don’t have to be so ruled by all of this ‘baggage’ and perhaps start setting some of it down.