The Spotlight Exercise

The Spotlight Exercise is a practical tool for mental health professionals to help clients understand the power of attention through a simple yet effective metaphor and guided practice. Taken from the Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion audio collection.

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Audio track (MP3)

A therapy audio track designed for skills development.

Audio script (PDF)

The script for a therapy audio track. Read along with an exercise, or record in your own voice.

Overview

Self-compassion is a helpful skill for emotional well-being. The Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion audio collection provides a structured approach to developing self-compassion using principles from compassion focused therapy (CFT). CFT is an evidence-based psychological approach that integrates evolutionary, cognitive, and affective neuroscience to help individuals cultivate compassion and alleviate high levels of shame and self-criticism.

The Spotlight Exercise uses a metaphorical illustration to help clients experience the dynamics of attention and awareness. This tool demonstrates how attention can be directed and redirected to different aspects of experience – much like moving a spotlight in a dark room. This understanding is foundational for developing mindfulness.