My Group Guide- Free Therapy Worksheets, Group Activities, & More! - Free Printable

This worksheet is designed to help you think about how you talk to yourself when you have a negative or self-critical thought — and compare that to how you’d talk to someone else (like a loved one, a child, or even yourself in a kinder way).

Let’s walk through each section step by step. Since no specific “self-critical thought” was given, we’ll use a common example to fill it out:
Example self-critical thought: *“I’m so stupid for making that mistake.”*

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Step 1: What would you say to a loved one who had this thought?

You wouldn’t call your friend or family member “stupid.” You’d probably say something kind and supportive.

→ Example answer:
*“Everyone makes mistakes — it doesn’t mean you’re stupid. You’re learning, and I believe in you.”*

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Step 2: What would you say to a child or young person who had this thought?

Kids need extra kindness and encouragement. You’d want them to feel safe and understood.

→ Example answer:
*“It’s okay to make mistakes — that’s how we learn! You’re smart and brave for trying. Let’s figure it out together.”*

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Step 3: What do you say to yourself when you have this thought?

This is often the harshest part — we tend to be much harder on ourselves than on others.

→ Example answer:
*“Ugh, I’m such an idiot. Why can’t I get anything right?”*

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Step 4: What differences do you notice?

Now compare what you said to others vs. what you said to yourself.

→ Example answer:
*I’m way nicer to other people than I am to myself. I give them comfort and hope, but I beat myself up. That’s not fair — I deserve kindness too.*

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Final Answer:
Using the example self-critical thought “I’m so stupid for making that mistake,” here are sample answers:

- To a loved one: “Everyone makes mistakes — it doesn’t mean you’re stupid. You’re learning, and I believe in you.”
- To a child: “It’s okay to make mistakes — that’s how we learn! You’re smart and brave for trying. Let’s figure it out together.”
- To yourself: “Ugh, I’m such an idiot. Why can’t I get anything right?”
- Differences noticed: I’m much kinder to others than to myself. I offer them support, but I criticize myself harshly. I should treat myself with the same care.

*(Note: Your actual answers will depend on your own self-critical thought — replace the example with yours!)*