Body dysmorphic disorder psychoeducation
Self-compassion can help clients lean into suffering and find ways to support themselves through challenging times.
This article provides an overview of self-compassion and offers suggestions for self-compassion exercises to support clients.
We’ve included a free downloadable self-compassion worksheet with self-compassion exercises that you can save to your electronic health record (EHR) to use in your practice.
What is self-compassion?
Perfectionism and having an inner critic cause further suffering. Feelings of inadequacy or failure keep us stuck in a cycle of impossible expectations and never feeling good enough, exacerbating symptoms of anxiety and depression. The practice of self-compassion, however, is a more effective way of motivating us to achieve our goals, as it stems from a place of kindness and compassion, which can positively impact mental health and well-being.
Compassion is the empathetic and non-judgmental response to suffering. Similarly, self-compassion, according to self-compassion expert Dr. Kristin Neff, is essentially the same as having compassion for others, but extending it to ourselves. Just as you would treat a friend who was suffering, self-compassion involves treating ourselves with warmth, kindness, and understanding, and recognizing the humanity in ourselves.
The three components of self-compassion are:
Mindfulness: Approaching suffering mindfully, without judgment or avoidance, and viewing it as one would a friend to offer a more balanced perspective.
Common humanity: By recognizing that everyone makes mistakes or has flaws, we connect with others rather than isolating ourselves.
Kindness: Showing kindness to ourselves in the face of suffering, mistakes, or feelings of failure, instead of self-criticism, just as you would treat a friend.
Self-compassion exercises
Inspired by the work of Dr. Neff, the following exercises offer different ways to practice self-compassion:
Recognizing the inner critic
Guide clients to observe critical thoughts without judgment. Ask them to consider how they would address a friend facing the same issue, helping them reframe their internal dialogue using that same compassionate tone.
Mindful acceptance
Help clients acknowledge that mistakes and emotional distress are shared human experiences. Clinicians can prompt clients to use grounding statements, such as: "I notice I feel rejected right now. This feeling is painful, but it is temporary, and I am not alone in feeling this way."
Self-compassion writing exercise
Have clients write a letter to themselves during moments of distress from the perspective of an unconditionally supportive friend. Prompt them to include validating statements like: "It is understandable to feel overwhelmed right now. You are doing the best you can, and I support you."
Identifying needs through self-kindness
Assist clients in exploring how they historically used shame or self-criticism as a motivator. Encourage them to direct the same care and encouragement toward their own growth that they would offer to a loved one seeking positive change.
How to use the self-compassion therapy worksheets
You can download and use the self-compassion worksheet in several ways:
Use the worksheet to provide psychoeducation about self-compassion.
Complete the self-compassion worksheet collaboratively in session and give the client a copy to take home.
Ask the client to reflect on the worksheet, complete the self-compassion exercises between sessions, and report their findings at their next therapy appointment.
Use a self-compassion activity in group therapy sessions to strengthen clients' coping strategies.
Combine this worksheet with other self-development and positive psychology resources, such as our gratitude worksheets, positive traits worksheet, self-esteem journal, strengths worksheet, and positive experiences worksheet.
Share the self-compassion worksheet with coworkers, or leave copies in your waiting room.
Use this worksheet to provide training to interns or supervisees.
Sources
Neff, K. D. (2009). The role of self-compassion in development: A healthier way to relate to oneself. Human Development.
Neff, K. D. (2023). Self-compassion: Theory, method, research, and intervention. Annual Review of Psychology.
Neff, K. (n.d.). Self-compassion practices. Self-Compassion.org.
University of Rochester Medical Center. (2023). Self-compassion: Improve your well-being and quiet your inner critic. Behavioral Health Partners.
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