Compassion in Psychotherapy Affect Regulation Systems Compassion - PDF document

Compassion in Psychotherapy Affect Regulation Systems Compassion Drive, excitement, vitality Contentment, safety, connection . • Latin: pati; Greek : pathein (“to suffer”) Affiliative Seeking pleasure Soothing/safety • Latin: com (“with”) Achieving and Well-being Activating • Compassion means to “suffer with” Threat-focused another person. Protection & Safety Seeking Activating/Inhibiting Anger, anxiety, disgust Compassion’s Relatives Lovingkindness Practice • “Metta” practices • Empathy  May I be happy, peaceful, free • Sympathy from suffering • Love  May my loved • Pity ones be happy. . . • Altruism  May all beings be happy. . . 1

Looking Through Another’s Eyes Condon, Desbordes, & Miller (2013) Paradoxical Responses • Universality of ambivalence  Highlight one pole, energize the other • Negative emotions may arise  Cynicism, anger, sadism • Practice saying “Yes” to these An Anidote: Self-Compassion When Things Go Wrong Unholy trinity of • Self-kindness • Self-criticism • Common Humanity • Self-isolation • Mindfulness • Self-absorption 2

First Noble Truth to the 5 Paths to Self-Compassion Rescue 1. Physical : Soften the body 2. Mental : Allow thoughts to come and go 3. Emotional : Befriend feelings 4. Relational : Connect safely with others 5. Spiritual : Commit to something larger The Story of the Mustard Seed --Chris Germer The Big Picture Self-Compassionate Letter • What helps you to identify with • Describe something that makes you feel something larger than yourself? badly about yourself • Think of loving, accepting, imaginary  Nature friend  Friend, Family, or Community • Write a letter to yourself from your  Spiritual Teacher friend’s perspective  Religious figure or image ---Kristen Neff 3