How Would You Treat a Friend? (Interactive PDF)

Therapy Exercise: How Would You Treat a Friend? (Interactive PDF)

We've all been there before. A friend comes to us venting about a problem they're having, and we offer words of comfort and reassurance without hesitation. But when we find ourselves in a similar situation, we're often much more critical and less understanding. Why is that?

Possible Reasons for the Difference

One possible reason for this difference is that we fear being seen as weak or unworthy if we show compassion to ourselves. We may worry that others will judge us harshly or think less of us if they see us struggling. As a result, we try to put on a brave face and act like everything is fine, even when it's not.

Another possibility is that we simply don't know how to be compassionate toward ourselves. We might not realize that it's something we need or deserve. Or, we might feel like we don't deserve the same level of understanding and care that we so readily give to others.

Lastly, it could be that showing compassion to ourselves feels selfish. We might think that by taking the time to care for ourselves, we're neglecting our responsibilities to others. This is particularly true if we have a lot going on in our lives or are caretakers for others.

 

Offering Compassion to Ourselves
Thankfully, there are things we can do to start being more compassionate towards ourselves. One place to start is by acknowledging our own struggles and giving ourselves permission to feel whatever emotions come up, without judgment. Additionally, we can practice self-care in whatever ways work best for us—whether that means taking a warm bath at the end of a long day or taking ten minutes out of our lunch break to go for a walk outdoors. Lastly, it can be helpful to reframe our thinking around self-compassion by seeing it not as selfishness but as an investment in our wellbeing—one that will ultimately benefit not just ourselves but also the people around us.

 

This exercise will help you identify how you can show yourself the same kind of compassion you would show to a friend or a family member you really care about.

 

What’s included?

• Interactive PDF File

FAQ?

Can I use this exercise during my coaching or therapy sessions?
Yes, you are allowed to use it professionally

Can I modify this worksheet?
This template is not editable, if you’re looking for an editable version where modify the content and add your own branding, you can get this therapy tool in this bundle.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via the contact form on Mindfulcoachingtools.com