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Three Circles Model (Threat-Drive-Soothing)

Three Circles Model (Threat-Drive-Soothing)
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
💡 Clarification 🧠 Cognition

A psychoeducational CFT model that describes three evolutionarily shaped emotion-regulation systems: threat, drive/incentive, and soothing/affiliative. The model helps the client normalize their reactions through an evolutionary explanation and to see which system dominates. The central idea: the brain is not at fault — it has been doing what it was "designed" by evolution to do.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Draw three overlapping circles: threat (red), drive (blue/orange), soothing (green)
  2. Describe the function of each system: threat — protection, drive — motivation, soothing — safety and connection
  3. Explain the neurobiology: threat — cortisol; drive — dopamine; soothing — oxytocin, vagus
  4. Together, map the client's typical states onto the diagram
  5. Discuss why the soothing system may be "underdeveloped"
  6. Mark the therapeutic aim: strengthen the soothing system

When to use

  • At the start of therapy — as a conceptual basis for CFT
  • When normalizing self-criticism, shame, anxiety
  • For psychoeducation about depression, anxiety, PTSD
  • With clients who feel that "something is wrong with them"

Key phrases

Imagine that we have three different "buttons" in the head. One — about anxiety and protection. The second — about achievement and goals. The third — about calm and the sense that everything is okay.

Follow-up questions

Which of these would you say is on most of the time for you?
Which system might have missed out on training in your life?

Alternative phrasings

Your brain is doing exactly what it was built for. There is no fault of yours in this.

Warnings

  • ⚠️ Do not use the model as a rigid diagnostic scheme — it is a metaphor, not a neurobiological fact
  • ⚠️ Highly intellectualizing clients can get "stuck" discussing the model — move to experience
  • ⚠️ With psychosis — keep the psychoeducation simple and short

Source: Gilbert P. 2009, 2010

psychoeducation normalization self-criticism shame depression start of therapy

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Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.