COMPASSION-FOCUSED THERAPY WORKSHEET

SECTION A.

Buddhist tradition defines compassion as a ‘sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it.’

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed for people who have mental health problems linked to high shame and self-criticism.

What Are The Theories Behind This Worksheet?

CFT is grounded in the understanding of the basic emotion regulation systems of;

The threat and the self-protection system
The drive and the excitement system
Contentment and social safeness system

The threat, and the contentment system evolved throughout human history to facilitate survival.

The drive system directs individuals toward important goals and resources while fostering feelings of anticipation and pleasure.

The contentment system is linked with feelings of happiness. These feelings are associated with being socially connected, cared for, and safe.

How Will This Worksheet Help You?

This worksheet can be used to help individuals experience compassion and foster different aspects of compassion for themselves and others.

This worksheet can also be effective at helping people manage distressing thoughts, behaviours, and feelings associated with self-attack.

CFT is also useful in treating a variety of mental illnesses or issues.

How Should You Use This Worksheet?

This worksheet should be used to recognize self-criticism towards yourself or others and help you find ways to cultivate compassion.

Use this worksheet as a self-evaluation kit. Answer these questions as keenly and truthfully as possible.