Shame-to-Compassion Worksheet

Breaks an ADHD shame spiral after a specific moment with guided reframes and self-compassion prompts grounded in CBT and compassion-focused therapy.

Worksheet · 15 min · Print-ready PDF · Free download

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Preview Worksheet · 15 min

When to Use This Tool

A client is stuck in a shame spiral after a specific event and can't find perspective

A client wants to examine the evidence for their self-critical thoughts rather than just accepting them

A client needs a structured process to move from shame toward self-compassion after a setback

How to Introduce This Tool Plus

When shame hits, the mind moves very fast from event to verdict. This worksheet ...

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Interactive Preview Worksheet · 15 min

Tool Classification

Domain

ADHD

Type

Worksheet

Phase

Action Reflection

Details

15 min Between sessions As-needed

Topics

Identity Mindset Emotions

For the Coaching Practitioner

Plus

Pathway Builder 🔒

Coaching Scenarios Plus

1 After a Public Leadership Failure, Before It Calcifies

Context

A client with ADHD who is a chief marketing officer stood up in front of the executive committee, misstated a key metric, was corrected publicly by the CFO, and then lost his train of thought for approximately thirty seconds before recovering. He has been replaying the moment for a week, has not spoken about it with anyone, and arrived at coaching with a practiced narrative about 'needing better preparation.' The practiced narrative is the defensive layer. The actual shame response is running underneath it and affecting his willingness to present in any forum since the incident.

How to Introduce

Do not engage the prepared narrative first. Ask about the moment directly: 'You said you need better preparation. Before...

2 EF-Interaction: The Shame Cycle That Prevents Starting 🔒

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3 coaching scenarios with introduction language, observation guides, debrief maps, and red flags

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For professional coaches and coaching practitioners

Tool Flow Plus

See what this tool requires and produces in a coaching engagement

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