Be mindful to ensure you are in the right headspace when you sit down to write your compassionate letter.
The letter should be written with sensitivity in a sympathetic tone. The aim is to develop an understanding of the situation you find yourself in, displaying warmth and kindness.
Use the template below as an example of how to structure your compassionate letter.
Greeting,
I can see you are thinking………………
It makes sense you feel this way because…………..
What I want for you is …………….
I feel ……………. to see you having these difficulties
Given that you are feeling this way what you need is………………….
I want you to know ………………….. you can……………………and you are…………………….
It might be helpful to remember ………………… and focus on …………………………..
Sign Off
References: Gilbert, P., 2009. The compassionate mind. Robinson.
Written by Jessica Flindell
Nursing midwifery council (NMC). British association of behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy (BABCP). Credentials: BSc(Hons), PGdip and Fully accredited BABCP practitioner. Certified provider of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing , (EMDR) practitioner.