ABSTRACT
The trial-based participation assessment (TBPA), or participation grid is a modification of the responsibility pie, a technique already largely used in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Although both TBPA and the responsibility pie are very similar procedures, the TBPA seems distinctive in allowing a more progressive exposure to the avoided situation. Additionally, it can be particularly useful for the patients who dislike drawing. The TBPA usually brings a surprise element when the patients calculate the sum of all percentages given to circumstances and people who have participated in the event, and become less guilty or ashamed upon discovering that their own participation is minimal or sometimes non-existent. The therapist then helps the patient transform guilt into responsibility, now in a different context, related to the patient's desired values and commitment. The therapist goes progressively into more and more details, using Socratic questions, showing that maybe other people had a greater participation than what the patient has ever admitted.
