Inner Critic vs Compassionate self

Here is a cool DBT exercise I tried to work on how I talk to myself. Answer each of these questions;

Meet your inner critic

1. What does your inner critic say to you when you are struggling?

2. What does it feel like in your body when your inner critic shows up?

3. If you could personify your inner critic, what would this version of you look like?

4. What does your inner critic want?

Meet your compassionate self

1. What does your compassionate self say to you when you’re struggling?

2. What does it feel like in your body when your compassionate self shows up?

3. If you could personify your compassionate self, what would this version of your look like?

4. What does you compassionate self want?

Writing down the answers to these helped me create a new voice in my head that helps me when I’m struggling. My compassionate self I envisage as an older version of myself that is kind and understanding. Now when I struggle she talks to me and gives me reassurance.