Experience with Self-Compassion in an OCD Group 9-45 - OCD- Killing it with Kindness.pdfCompassion...

© 2019, Lynne Henderson

Compassion in an OCD group

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Experience withSelf-Compassionin an OCD Group

Lynne Henderson, Ph.D.Berkeley, CA

26th Annual OCD Conference Austin, TexasJuly 21, 2019,



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OverviewCompassion Definitions

Meditations and exercisesHenderson, Gilbert, Neff, and Germer

Results:Formal measures

Kristen Neff’s Self-Compassion ScaleInformal comments

Resistance and shameLearnings



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CompassionCompassion is an openness to the suffering of

ourselves and others, linked to a commitment and motivation to try to reduce that suffering.



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ExperienceGroup setting

Ten week group with four men and three women45 minutes for OCD work, 45 minutes compassion

Defining Compassion and describing Paul Gilbert’s Compassion-Focused model of therapy

Mindfulness and Compassion Practices adapted for OCD by Henderson

ProblemsEngagementImpact on individuals



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ExercisesMindful Breathing

Walking Meditation

Deliberate Relaxation

Sensory focusing with tennis ball

Using Memory

Your Safe Place



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ExercisesImagining a Compassionate FriendImagining a Compassionate Friend in Action

Imagining the Compassionate SelfImagining the Compassionate Self in Action

Soften-Soothe-AllowSoften-Soothe-Allow for ShameWorking with Shame



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Results

Mindful Self Compassion ScalePre-test Post-test 1.9 1.922.6 2.73.2 3.01.7 2.62.72.3

` 2.3



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Subtle Changes?

Accounts:Subtle changes may not be showing up on the Self Compassion Scale

Informal comments

Some comments reflect detectable differences



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Resistance

Increasing compassion for the self triggers shame and other negative emotions

Compassion Focused Therapy by Paul GilbertThe Compassionate Mind Guide to Building Social Confidence – Lynne Henderson

Resistance to self-compassion reflects a natural process (backdraft)

The Mindful Self-Compassion WorkbookKristin Neff and Christopher Germer



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Shame

Shame is universal

Three Paradoxes of shame (Neff and Germer, 2011)Feels blameworthy, but is innocentFeel separate, but connects usFeels old and all-encompassing, but is temporary

Negative beliefs about the self



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Negative Core Beliefs

Negative beliefs:

I’m defectiveI’m unlovableI’m helplessI’m inadequateI’m a failure

Universal and limited in number (15 to 20)



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LearningsBuild more awareness of shame and resistance

(“backdraft”); describe and predict backdraft early in the group

If the group is longer or more time is focused on compassion exercises, the resistance may be better addressed

Measures should be taken again at six-month follow-up



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DisclaimerI have no affiliation with any pharmaceutical

company and none of my work has ever been supported by an outside commercial enterprise.



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Thank youContact information:

Lynne Henderson, Ph.D.Director, Shyness Institute, Berkeley, California644 Cragmont Ave., Berkeley, CA 94708Mobile: (650) 814-9210E-mail: [email protected] or

[email protected] site: www.shyness.comDirector, Social Fitness Training, Courageous

Leadership, LLC

Experience with Self-Compassion in an OCD Group 9-45 - OCD- Killing it with Kindness.pdfCompassion...

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