anxiety self-management · 12 min

The hook

The hook offers one bounded practice step without promising a particular feeling or outcome.

Use when: relationship worry, self criticism

How the practice works

1. Read the frame This never applies to abuse, harassment, discrimination, or someone genuinely treating you badly. If that's what's happening, this isn't the practice — and it isn't your shadow.
2. Name the situation What quality in the other person has hooked your attention?
3. Record what you notice Where might you suppress, fear, admire, or occasionally show that quality? “Nowhere” is a valid answer.
4. Record what you notice What boundary or action remains appropriate regardless of this reflection?

Primary source: Origin: Jungian analytical psychology · Practitioner tradition