Podcasts about compassion focused therapy cft

In this episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Marianne Trent delves into the topic of complex trauma (C-PTSD). She explores what complex trauma is, how it manifests in adulthood, and most importantly, the potential for healing. Through a fictional but realistic case study, Marianne demonstrates the profound impact of complex trauma and shares effective therapeutic approaches for recovery.To grab £10 off the Our Tricky Brain Kit and / or The Feel Better Academy use Code: YouTube10 at checkout: https://www.aspiring-psychologist.co.uk/Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Complex Trauma: The difference between single-event trauma (PTSD) and chronic trauma (C-PTSD).Case Study of Sarah: A powerful illustration of how childhood trauma can shape adult life.Manifestations of C-PTSD: Anxiety, self-doubt, hypervigilance, and physical symptoms.Therapeutic Approaches: Compassion-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Schema Therapy.Hope and Healing: Recovery is possible with the right support and therapeutic interventions.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction00:44 - What Is Complex Trauma?01:33 - Causes of Complex Trauma02:29 - Case Study: Sarah's Childhood03:27 - Sarah's Adulthood Struggles05:18 - Impact of Sexual Abuse06:18 - How C-PTSD Shows Up in Adulthood07:21 - Healing and Therapy Approaches08:29 - Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)09:33 - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)11:00 - Somatic Therapy and Body-Based Approaches12:40 - Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Schema Therapy13:31 - EMDR Training and Recommendations14:29 - Message of Hope for Trauma Survivors15:33 - Feel Better Academy and Support Resources16:26 - How to Support the Podcast17:47 - Closing RemarksLinks:

In this episode, Sarah talks to Dr. Wendy Wood, the program lead for the Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) diploma, about her career journey and the impact of CFT on therapists. Wendy, a former mental health nurse and psychotherapist, discusses her transition to academia and her involvement in developing the CFT diploma at the University of Derby. She highlights the diploma's structure, which includes online masterclasses, clinical supervision, and small group work, emphasizing the importance of reflection and creativity. Wendy also shares insights from her PhD research on CFT's personal and professional impact on therapists, noting increased curiosity and self-awareness among participants.Find out more about CFT at https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/http://cfttherapist.com/na/supervisors/wendy-wood/ Let's Keep in Touch Find out more about Therapists Corner - https://www.therapistscorner.co.uk/Follow Sarah Rees:

A leading clinical psychologist shares his thoughts about boarding school and compassion.Some of the words Prof Paul Gilbert uses for boarding school are “nonsense”, “a ridiculous psychology”.Professor Gilbert attended boarding school from age 11 through to 18 and shares what his experiences were like.He also talks about his main work – Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). He talk about what it is and how it differs from psychotherapy.A brilliant and passionate episode...---Prof Paul Gilbert, OBE is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and the founder of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). He is also the bestselling author of Overcoming Depression and The Compassionate Mind. Professor Gilbert has published 23 books and over 300 academic papers and book chapters. As a leading researcher and practitioner, Paul's groundbreaking work has provided compelling evidence for the role of compassion in understanding and alleviating our own suffering and that of others. Questions for Paul:I would love for you to share some of your journey. How did you get into the work you now do?I would love for you to share about your childhood. What were your boarding school experiences like?Did your childhood impact the work you went into?Could you please talk us through Compassion Focused Therapy. What is it? And how does it differ from regular therapy?I see that Nicola Petrocchi has done extensive research on CFT. What were the findings?I also see that you have had conversations with Matthieu Ricard, the Buddhist monk (I love his book Happiness). What did you learn from these conversations?What is the power of compassion?Other areas to talk about:Understanding shame and self-criticismHow Buddhist psychology influenced your workThe science of compassion.The future of psychology For more information about Paul's work: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/Or to purchase his books: https://amzn.eu/d/c3N4Oib--- Piers is an author and a men's transformational coach and therapist who works mainly with trauma, boarding school issues, addictions and relationship problems. He also runs online men's groups for ex-boarders, retreats and a podcast called An Evolving Man. He is also the author of How to Survive and Thrive in Challenging Times. To purchase Piers first book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Survive-Thrive-Challenging-Times/dp/B088T5L251/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=piers+cross&qid=1609869608&sr=8-1 For more videos please visit: http://youtube.com/pierscross For FB: https://www.facebook.com/pierscrosspublic For Piers' website and a free training How To Find Peace In Everyday Life: https://www.piers-cross.com/community Many blessings, Piers Cross http://piers-cross.com/

Dr Nicola Petrocchi, psychologist and psychotherapist trained at APC-SPC, holds a doctorate in Psychology and Social Neurosciences at La Sapienza University and a visiting scholarship at Boston University where he carried out an experimental study on Loving Kindness Meditation with depressed patients under the supervision of Professor Stefan Hofman. After more than 8 years of collaboration and continuous training with Professor Paul Gilbert (creator of CFT), Niki founded Compassionate Mind Italia, the only Italian association recognised by the English foundation (Compassionate Mind UK) for the diffusion, research and training in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Nicola is trainer and supervisor of CFT, translator and editor of Paul Gilbert's book Compassion Focused Therapy, Distinctive Features, and collaborator with Paul Gilbert in conducting training courses in Italy and England, and in numerous research projects investigating heart rate variability (HRV) as a physiological index of the activation of compassion. Niki is the author of numerous articles and chapters in the international arena and, together with James Kirby and Beatrice Baldi, author of the first CFT practice guide, Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians (2023). Niki is also the lead author on a recent meta-analysis of compassion focused therapy randomised controlled trials, which is the topic of our conversation today! TIME STAMPS: 3:15 Dr Petrocchi's journey to compassion 24:54 A explainer of meta-analysis 38:02 The main findings: Effectiveness of CFT with negative outcomes, depression, self-criticism and compassion 47:21 Moderator effects for negative outcomes 1:06:00 Moderator effects for depression 1:12:38 Moderator effects for self-criticism 1:18:01 Moderator effects for compassion 1:27:58 Exploring heterogeneity and tests of significance TARGETED PLAYLIST LINK: Compassion in a T-Shirt: In Session LINKS: The impact of compassion-focused therapy on positive and negative mental health outcomes: Results of a series of meta-analyses. (Petrocchi et al,, 2023) https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fcps0000193 Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians (Petrocchi, Kirby, and Baldi, 2023) https://www.amazon.com.au/Essentials-Compassion-Focused-Therapy-Clinicians/dp/1032565543 The Current and Future Role of Heart Rate Variability for Assessing and Training Compassion (Kirby, Doty, Petrocchi, and Gilbert, 2017) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5340770/ If you would like to learn more about Compassion Focused Therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Gifts-Compassion-understand-overcome-suffering/dp/1925644480 Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstansteindl Twitter: https://twitter.com/StanSteindl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_stan_steindl/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-steindl-150a5264/ Website: https://www.stansteindl.com/ YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/_q2qaoTzGm8 *Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support! Video hashtags Compassion, self-compassion, depression, anxiety, psychological distress, psychological wellbeing, compassion focused therapy, cft, paul gilbert,

ABOUT DOUG Doug is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker registered with the Australian Association of Social Work (AASW).Doug has over 15 years of human service andclinical experience working across a range of cultural backgrounds, clinical presentations and within a wide variety of contexts including government agencies, non-government organisations, and within the private sector.Doug has worked with adults and young people experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis, suicidal ideation and behaviours, substance use, emotional dysregulation, grief and loss, sleep disturbances, life transitions, as well as individuals with complex, severe and enduring mental health conditions.Doug has a special interest in positive psychology and optimal health and wellbeing. He formerly worked as a counsellor & wellbeing consultant at one of Australia's most prestigious health and wellbeing centres. Doug has also consulted to the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH) to design and implement a number of compassion focused programs in the workplace.Doug approaches his clinical work from a range of perspectives and uniquely tailors treatment to the individual. Therapies that Doug draws upon include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness based interventions.Doug's approach is client-centred, non-judgmental and authentic. He is committed to building supportive therapeutic relationships to assist people to make positive changes and enhance their quality of life.

Self-compassion is the willingness to respond to your pain and suffering in the same way a good friend of yours might–with warmth, patience, and understanding. That sounds easy, right? But you know it isn't.For many, self-criticism is a classic playing-it-safe move. It's like your mind is a champion at criticizing you in response to those moments in which you feel anxious about something that has happened or could happen.Which of the following fear statements resonate with you?If I'm kind to myself, I will become a weak person.I need to be hard on myself or I will never get everything done.I don't deserve kindness.A harsh approach keeps me from making mistakes or keeps me disciplined.Self-criticism motivates me all the time.Ask yourself: “Am I afraid of compassion?”In this episode, I chat with Paul Gilbert, the developer of Compassion Focused Therapy.Key TakeawaysThe beginnings of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)4 steps to compassionately deal with your inner criticThe difference between shame and guiltHow to approach self-forgivenessThe intersection of self-compassion and exposure practicesPaul Gilbert's self-compassion daily practiceWhat to do if your mind thinks that “self-compassion is weak, it is being permissive with yourself, or that you're letting yourself off the hook.”How to deal compassionately with anger(*) Receive weekly science-based, compassionate, and actionable skills to stop ineffective playing-it-safe: subscribe to the Playing-it-safe Newsletter: https://www.thisisdoctorz.com/playing-it-safe-newsletter/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we explore the fascinating world of confidence-building through therapy. I am pleased to introduce my very clever sister Lorraine Brown, a seasoned integrative counsellor, cognitive behavioural therapist, and mindfulness teacher. We journey through Lorraine's personal battle with low self-esteem and depression, shedding light on her road to recovery that ignited when she bravely reached out to a counsellor. We also gain insights into the differences and striking similarities between a life coach and a counsellor.Dive deeper into the therapeutic world as we discuss acceptance and commitment therapy and person-centred counselling. These approaches offer a unique perspective on identifying things we can change vs things we can't, guiding us on a path to lead a life that aligns with our values. The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards Paul Gilbert's Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and the trauma-informed approach. We dissect the three primary systems in our brain - our threat system, achievement drive, and self-soothing & relational drive - to understand how they collaborate to create balance and security. We learn about the crucial role a trauma-informed approach plays in supporting individuals with a trauma background, and how you can find professionals who are members of a counselling body. So, if you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, self-compassion, and confidence building, this episode is a must-listen!Lorraine can be contacted via her website: www.lorrainebrowntherapy.comLorraine can also be found listed on two directories:www.counselling-directory.org.ukwww.bacp.co.uk Sue Reid is a certified life and success coach who specialises in helping her clients build their confidence so that they can face challenges in their personal and professional lives.Work with Sue if you want to feel more secure in your skin.If you want to face the world with a smile.If you feel stuck and not sure how to move forward.If you have a hard decision to make. Subscribe to the free newsletter 'Confidence Matters' and download the Ebook '30 Day Confidence Boost Workbook' - Click HereSues book 'Building Confidence: How to Thrive As a Shy Person' can be found on AmazonLink- Building Confidence: How to Thrive as a Shy Person eBook : Reid, Sue: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle StoreSue can be contacted via: suereidcoaching.com Instagram @suereid1905Email sue@suereidcoaching.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/suereidcoaching Connect to my Linktree to find all my work.

In this episode, Sarah talks to Clinical Psychologist Dr Chris Irons about his work in developing Compassion Focused Therapy.At around 5:51 Chris talks about how he came to work with Prof Paul Gilbert, he talks about the power of CFT at 19 minutes, and about mindfulness and our tricky brains at 32:56.Dr Chris Irons is a Clinical Psychologist. He has many years of experience working in the NHS, and is co-director of Balanced Minds, where he provides psychological assessment, formulation, therapy and training courses. In his clinical work, he uses Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert & Irons, 2005) in working with people with a wide range of mental and physical health distress.Chris has worked with Paul Gilbert, the developer of Compassion Focused Therapy, since 1999, and has been interested in the theoretical and clinical developments and adaptations of Compassion Focused Therapy as a science based psychotherapeutic approach. He is one of the leading trainers and supervisors of Compassion Focused Therapy, and regularly presents in the UK and internationally on CFT and more generally, self-compassion.Chris was one of the co-developers of the newly launched Self-Compassion App – the world's first compassion focused app for iPhones and Android.  He has also authored or co-authored the following CFT books:The Compassionate Mind WorkbookThe Compassionate Mind Approach to working with Difficult EmotionsCFT from the Inside OutYou can listen to Sarah's interview with Prof Paul Gilbert here - Episode 43Let's Keep in Touch  For a weekly delivery of mindset and to keep up to date with the latest episodes, Join Sarah's mailing list  Here Click HERE to get your FREE copy of the 'The Six Step Guide to Resilience ' to create a solid foundation of well-being today and start living a life that you loveFind out more and Purchase 'The CBT Journal'  HereFollow Sarah Rees:

85: Professor Gilbert - The Compassionate Mind "Your strength comes from your community, how you care and what you share - not from putting a fence around yourself and keeping others out." Professor Paul Gilbert is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and Visiting Professor at the University of Queensland. He founded and developed Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and established the Compassionate Mind Foundation which supports thousands of clinicians around the world to develop, practice and promote CFT. Professor Gilbert as spent decades researching evolutionary approaches to mental health alongside working as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the NHS. He has over 300 publications including 22 books. In his conversation with Dr Julian Abel, they talk about the Buddhist view of consciousness and compassion, the development of CFT, evolutionary theories of mental health, societal shifts from 'hold and control' to 'care and share', and much, much more.

"Compassion is the antidote to suffering and harmfulness. Put simply, it is a sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try to alleviate and prevent it." So says Psychologist Paul Gilbert, the godfather of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), in an interview that inspires singer-songwriter Patrick McGuire of Straight White Teeth to create a new song called ‘NOTHING'S BY DESIGN'. Research has now revealed how our capacities for compassion evolved, how it works in our bodies and our brains, and when cultivated, is a source of courage and wisdom to address suffering. Compassionate courage lies in the willingness to see into the nature and causes of suffering - in ourselves, others and the human condition. Patrick McGuire-inspired Straight White Teeth is the tenacious songwriting project of musician and writer Patrick McGuire. Stream the song: https://ffm.to/nothingsbydesign --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/podsongs/message

Episode 1 – Compassionate Minds HIV Matters is back, and we have an amazing second series to share with you. This episode of HIV Matters explores with leading expert Chris Irons what compassion focused therapy is and how this theory can be applied in everyday life to enhance psychological well-being. During the course of the conversation, we explore how our brain works and ways of dealing with difficult emotions. Chris explains key concepts in a clear and user friendly way that will enable listeners to consider how this can be applied to them to enhance their wellbeing. Episode Guest: Dr Chris Irons Chris is a Clinical Psychologist, he has many years of experience working in the NHS and is now co-director of Balanced Minds. Here, he provides psychological assessment, formulation, therapy and training courses. In his clinical work, he uses Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert & Irons, 2005) in working with people with a wide range of mental and physical health distress.Additional Information and Links Balanced Minds https://balancedminds.comSelf-Compassion App details https://www.selfcompassion.me/balancedminds?ref=balancedmindswww.balo.ukNational HIV Nurse Association (NHIVNA) www.nhivna.org.HIV Matters Bookstorehttps://uk.bookshop.org/shop/HIVMattersHow to contact the show Hello@hivmatterspodcast.co.ukhttps://hiv-matters.captivate.fm

In this week’s episode Monique and Michelle interview clinical psychologist, Amanda Donnet. Amanda works at the intersection of infant feeding, mental health, and early parenting, and she works from a Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) framework. She champions finding solutions that honour the needs of both parents and baby, bringing fierce compassion to perinatal mental health. In this episode we discuss common mental health challenges in the perinatal period and the intersection of society, gender, and neurodiversity in the perinatal mental health space. We unpack some common CFT-based frameworks and approaches in this space, and talk though loads of practical strategies, coving maternal rage in the perinatal period, managing sensory and executive functioning load, and how to manage both mother and baby’s needs during this time. This episode is packed with information! This month our Patreon subscribers receive a tip sheet detailing many of the great strategies mentioned in the episode. Check out our Patreon page for this and more exclusive additional content: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod Contact us at ndwomanpod@gmail.com, or visit our website: www.ndwomanpod.com To find out more about Michelle’s upcoming online webinars, visit www.redlandspsychologists.com.au/groupsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get early access to our latest psychology lectures: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 In a sense, every form of psychotherapy aims to realize compassionate intentions. However, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2010) is distinct in the way that this approach targets compassion as an active psychotherapy process variable in assessment, case conceptualization, and interventions. CFT is based on an evolutionary model of motives and emotions, that recognizes the central importance of human affiliation and attachment dynamics in emotion regulation and optimal adaptive functioning. From the moment we are born and throughout our lives, the presence of care, compassion, and love will affect us positively, on every level of our being, from our levels of anxiety and depression to our heart rate variability and immune system functioning. Drawing on applied research in compassion science, contextual behavioural science this discussion will examine how cultivating compassion for self and others relates to psychological flexibility, our ability to mindfully contact the present moment, and to pursue the realization of our values with wisdom, strength, and courage. Making these connections is one small step in our community process of moving beyond therapy labels, to develop process-based methods of alleviating and preventing human psychological suffering. -- Dennis Tirch, Ph.D. is the Founder of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, the first clinical training center for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in the United States, Past President of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science (ACBS), and an Associate Clinical Professor at Icahn Medical School at Mount Sinai, New York. Described as one of the country's foremost leaders in compassion training and evidence-based therapy, he is an internationally acknowledged expert therapist, supervisor, and trainer in CFT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Buddhist Psychology (BP). Dr. Tirch is the author of 6 books, some of which include: The ACT Practitioner's Guide to The Science of Compassion, Buddhist Psychology, and CBT, and Experiencing ACT from the Inside-Out. His work has been covered by numerous media outlets, including; The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New York Post, NPR, WIRED, and O Magazine. You can learn more about his unique approach to clinical psychology at www.mindfulcompassion.com, and follow him on Twitter at @DennisTirchPhD -- This episode is sponsored by The Weekend University's upcoming “Day on Meaning” Online Conference, taking place on 27th March 2022. In this half-day event, we'll be exploring how ancient wisdom & modern psychology can be integrated to help you uncover a deep sense of purpose and meaning in life. We'll have talks from three of the world's leading experts on the subject, including Paul Bloom, Emily Esfahani Smith, and Jeremy Lent. If you're interested in the psychology of meaning, and taking an evidence-based approach to building a fulfilling life, and also learning how to help others do the same, then this is the event for you. By attending live, you can interact with the speakers in real time, get lifetime access to the recordings, CPD certification, and connect with a community of like-minded people during the conference. As a listener of this podcast, you can get a discount on your ticket if you go to the link: http://bit.ly/meaning2022 and enter the code: “POD” when registering.

Dr Roisin Joyce talks with Chris about the value of compassion in the therapeutic process.   They explore Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and the importance of compassion for all of us in our lives.  She also talks with Chris about ways of helping support people to bring more compassion and kindness to their experiences and the value this can have.  She talks about how she integrates other models but keeps CFT to the fore in her approaches.  This is an invaluable conversation that will suit therapists and non therapists and anyone with an interest in personal growth and development.  

Dr. Tirch is the Founder of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, the first clinical training center for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in the United States. Dr. Tirch has been described as one of the country's foremost leaders in compassion training and evidence-based therapy. He is an internationally acknowledged expert therapist, supervisor and trainer in CFT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist Psychology (BP). Dr. Tirch is an author of 6 books, and numerous chapters and peer-reviewed articles on mindfulness, acceptance and compassion in psychotherapy. His books include the new Guilford Publications release, Experiencing ACT from the Inside Out, a self-practice/self-reflection workbook for therapists, and The Compassionate Mind Guide To Overcoming Anxiety, the first evidence-based self-help book to apply the science of compassion to the treatment of anxiety. With Dr. Laura Silberstein-Tirch and others, Dr. Tirch is currently developing a research protocol involving behavioral science and CFT for treating anxiety, worry and fear-based difficulties through compassionate courage cultivation. LYRICS to "It's Possible": Compassionate living Is easy to do The seed is already there Inside of you And can you imagine? All you could do? If only you? Didn't stop you It's possible - all you gotta do is try It's possible - let your old habits die It's possible - to change the way you feel It's possible - to become the ideal Maintain a loving heart In the presence of strife Awaken your courage Reclaim your life Observe anxiety Watch it get quashed With love as your compass You'll never get lost It's possible - all you gotta do is try It's possible - let your old habits die It's possible - to change the way you feel It's possible - to become the ideal It's possible - change your likes and aversions It's possible - be your very best version Be grounded and here Let go of your fear Dear inner critic I wanna thank you again I know you're trying to protect us From going through pain Despite your criticism I hold you in kindness But you can rest now because We've got this It's possible - all you gotta do is try It's possible - let your old habits die It's possible - to change the way you feel It's possible - to become the ideal It's possible - change your likes and aversions It's possible - be your very best version Be grounded and here Let go of your fear It's possible It's possible Make it probable Be loveable It's possible - all you gotta do is try It's possible - let your old habits die Be grounded and here Let go of your fear --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/podsongs/message

In episode 296 I interviewed Dr Nicola Petrocchi. Nicola is a licensed CBT psychotherapist based in Rome, Adjunct Professor of Psychology at John Cabot University (Rome) and student counsellor. We discuss his therapy story, what is compassion-focused therapy (CFT), the evolutionary view of the mind, how CFT fits in with other therapies, his study: what it is, what it found. We talk about viewing OCD from a compassionate lens, the science behind compassion, we discuss different types of guilt, different exercises in CFT, working with the inner critical voice, we discuss some of the resistances to doing CFT, and much more. Hope it helps.    Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/nicola-petrocchi-cft-296 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Next monthly zoom hangout with Stuart is on 2nd October. Come chat about the show. Pay what you can/want: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/169814805655 See you then. 

Get early access to our latest psychology lectures: bit.ly/new-talks What is compassion? How is it beneficial for people? And how can it be harnessed directly as part of therapy? In this talk, we'll take a look at some of the key theories underneath and practices of CFT, and see how this can be a powerful way of working with distress and suffering. This presentation will help you learn some of the key basics of CFT, and have an opportunity to try out a few CFT interventions and see how these may be useful. At the end of the workshop, you'll have a better sense of what CFT is, how it can be helpful, and hopefully energise you to find out more about CFT in the future! --- Dr Chris Irons, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist, and Director at Balanced Minds, an independent psychology practice in London set up to bring compassion-focused approaches to individuals and organisations in London and the UK. In his clinical work, he uses Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2009; Gilbert & Irons, 2005) in working with people suffering from a variety of mental health problems, but also in bringing these ideas to the general public. He is an internationally recognised trainer and supervisor of CFT, and the author of a number of CFT books, including: “The Compassionate Mind Workbook”, “CFT from the Inside Out” and “CFT for Difficult Emotions”. Chris also works with the Compassionate Mind Foundation, a charitable organisation aiming to: “Promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”. --- Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Dr Chris's website: https://balancedminds.com/dr-chris-irons/ - Dr Chris's books: https://amzn.to/3oTF1il

To learn more about why I've started a "Go Fund Me", check out this link: gf.me/u/zkzxgm Dr. Syd Hiskey has an academic background in trauma psychology and more recently compassion-based therapeutic approaches. He has been doing martial arts for the last two decades and been focusing on Wing Chun Kung Fu (in which he has a black sash) and Mixed Self Defence/Martial Arts (Hybrid Defence).Dr. Neil Clapton is a Clinical Psychologist working in the NHS with adults with complex mental health issues in secondary mental health services in Swindon, specializing in the provision of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).By the age of 13 he already has a 1st degree Black Belt in Taekwando. This episode talks about how can martial arts training help manage our own responses to unfortunate life events. They aim to develop a program to further develop their distress tolerance and compassion resilience. Thank you so much to Nari for the beautiful song "Shape Me" heard at the beginning and end of this episode. Nari wrote this song about Shape Your Life, a boxing program for self-identified female survivors of violence in Canada. She wrote this song using the words and experiences shared by participants with Cathy Van Ingen. You can find out more about Shape Your Life in my interview with Cathy in Episode 8. You can hear more of Nari's work by going to her Instagram: @narithesaga

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Professor Paul Gilbert, Professor Steven Hayes and Dr Dennis Tirch. This will be the first in a series of ‘meeting of the minds' discussions, where we bring together leading thinkers to share perspectives on a topic of mutual interest. In this discussion, we explore the relationship between evolutionary science and clinical psychology and psychotherapy, why there needs to be greater integration between the fields, the crossover between ACT and CFT, and the role psychology can play in informing our approach to wider scale societal issues such as COVID-19 and climate change. Professor Paul Gilbert, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life's Challenges, Overcoming Depression. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. Professor Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada. The author of forty-three books and more than six hundred scientific articles, he has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the approach to cognition on which ACT is based. Dr Dennis Tirch is a Founding Director of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, the first clinical training center for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in the United States. Dr. Tirch has been described as one of the country's foremost leaders in compassion training in evidence-based psychotherapy. He is an internationally acknowledged expert therapist, supervisor and trainer in CFT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist Psychology (BP). Dr. Tirch is an author of 6 books, and numerous chapters and peer reviewed articles on mindfulness, acceptance and compassion in psychotherapy. Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Evolution and Contextual Behavioural Science - Prof Steven Hayes: https://amzn.to/3d4qjlQ Living Like Crazy - Paul Gilbert: https://amzn.to/2LMvn3a The Reith Lectures: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9 Donate to: http://nokidhungry.org Learn about the Prosocial process: https://prosocial.world Prof Hayes' website: https://stevenchayes.com Prof Gilbert's website: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/ Dr Tirch's website: http://www.mindfulcompassion.com/

Fierce compassion, radically embodied compassion, and drawing on martial arts to practice stability, groundedness, flexibility and distress tolerance for therapists. Dr Syd Hiskey has an academic background in trauma psychology and more recently compassion based therapeutic approaches. He has worked in the NHS as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, with adult and older adult clients in secondary and tertiary mental health settings in North Essex (UK). He is currently in full-time private practice. He has practised a wide range of martial arts for the last two decades, originally focusing on Wing Chun Kung Fu (in which he has a black sash) and Mixed Self Defence/Martial Arts (Hybrid Defence). Time Stamps: 2.36 Tell us a bit about yourself, your work, your life. 12.25 Your journey into compassion and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) 20.33 How do you use Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in your work? 27.26 What are some of the biggest challenges working with Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)? 33.52 Fierce compassion and radically embodied compassion through martial arts. 47.46 What are three tips you would offer others who are making their way on their own compassionate journey? 51.15 How can people find you and engage with you and your work? Websites: https://www.sydhiskey.com/ https://www.fiercecompassionmartialarts.com/ Journal Articles: Clapton, N. & Hiskey, S. (2020) Radically Embodied Compassion: The Potential Role of Traditional Martial Arts in Compassion Cultivation. Frontiers in Psychology, 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.555156, 1-5. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.555156/full Hiskey, S. & Clapton, N. (2019) Rolling with the punches: The martial arts as a vehicle for personal and therapist self-development. Private Practice, September, 6-9. Hiskey, S. & Clapton, N. (2019) The martial arts and embodied distress tolerance in psychological therapy. International Journal of Martial Arts, Volume 5, Article 4.

Compassion is not a passive process, but an active one. It means being aware that someone (including you) is suffering and moving toward that suffering so that you can offer help. Compassion takes courage, wisdom, and strength. And, we can build more compassionate minds with practice. In this episode, Diana talks with Dennis Tirch and Laura Silberstein-Tirch about Compassion Focused Therapy, how they apply the principles of compassion to their family and in their work as founders and director of the Center for Compassion Focused Therapy. Listen in to hear heartfelt insights for a more compassionate future. Listen and Learn: Why it's so hard to be compassionate when we feel threatenedWhy we have an inner critic and how to respond when it shoes itThe core qualities to develop to build a more compassionate mindHow compassion is different from kindnessHow we can respond to a long, dark winter with compassionHow we can heal divides with compassionWhat yoga and compassion focused therapy have in commonSuggestions to build a more compassionate future together Resources: The ACT Practitioners Guide to the Science of Compassion by Dennis Tirch, Benji Schoendorff, and Laura TirchHow to be Nice to Yourself by Laura Silberstein-TirchStephan Porges on the Polyvagal TheoryThe Compassionate Mind Foundation About Laura Silberstein-Tirch Dr. Laura Silberstein-Tirch Laura R. Silberstein-Tirch, PsyD, is the Director of the Center for Compassion Focused Therapy., and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Dr. Silberstein-Tirch is a clinical supervisor and compassion-focused therapy (CFT) trainer who presents internationally on mindfulness and compassion and is an author of 3 books, including “How to Be Nice To Yourself." She is a founder and Past-President of the New York City chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and the Compassionate Mind Foundation USA. Her research interests include psychological flexibility and emotions as well as CFT for anxiety and depression. About Dennis Tirch Dr. Dennis Tirch Dennis Tirch, Ph.D. is the Founder of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in NYC, Past-President of The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), President of The Compassionate Mind Foundation, North America and an Associate Clinical Professor at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, NYC. He is an internationally acknowledged expert psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer in CFT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist Psychology (BP). Dr. Tirch is an author of 7 books, numerous book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on mindfulness-based psychotherapies. Dr. Tirch regularly trains CFT and ACT globally, through workshops and courses in-person and online. His work has been covered by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and NPR among other media outlets. Through regular Twitter and other social media posts, Dr. Tirch shares compassion focused insights with tens of thousands of people each day. Dr. Tirch is an Ambassador for the Ram Dass Fellowship, and an advocate for yoga, sobriety, and vegetarian/vegan living. Dr. Tirch is a Zen dharma holder, lay teacher of Sharma. 50. Compassion Focused Therapy with Dr. Russel Kolts145. Caring, Compassion, and Cooperation with Paul Gilbert90. Dr. Paul Gilbert on Tricky Brains, Caring, and Living like Crazy147. Extending Compassion with Dr. Janina Scarlet and Sara Shairer 46. Altruism and the Flow of Compassion with Dr. Yotam Heinberg131. COVID-19 Anxiety, Cultivating Safeness, and Polyvagal Theory with Dr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the assessment, case formulation and treatment planning of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), the CFT therapist often moves onto introducing compassion, the definition of compassion from the CFT perspective, and the multidimensional model of the compassionate mind. In this video, Dr Stan Steindl introduces these concepts, the CFT definition of compassion, and the attributes and skills of the compassionate mind, all of which become the basis of CFT treatment.

In the last video from Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr Stan Steindl discussed What is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)? In this video, he explores this question further by outlining an example session-by-session CFT therapy plan, divided into four phases and 12 sessions. The original video on YouTube can be found here: https://youtu.be/JA-jYu9YDOU

In Episode 4 of Compassion Collective, we sit down with licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Russell Kolts, founder of Inland Northwest Compassionate Mind Center in Spokane Valley, Washington. In this interview, we explore stigma and gender stereotypes related to compassion, as well as how self-compassion can be used to help us cope with anger and other intense emotions that arise. Russell shares with listeners the journey that led him to Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and how he utilizes self-compassion in his own life.Visit us online at https://compassion-collective.com and follow us on Instagram @collective_compassion

In Episode 3 of Compassion Collective, we sit down informally to reflect on our recent conversation with Dr. Paul Gilbert FBPsS, PhD, OBE, founder of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and president and founder of The Compassionate Mind Foundation. We discuss some of the topics that arose in our interview with Paul that we consider to be particularly important and relevant in our own everyday lives.Visit us online at https://compassion-collective.com and follow us on Instagram @collective_compassion

In Episode 2 of Compassion Collective, we sit down with the founder of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Dr. Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE, who is also the president and founder of The Compassionate Mind Foundation. In this interview, we explore the origins of CFT and introduce small steps to begin fostering greater compassion and self-compassion (including using skills you already possess). We also dispel some common myths around compassion and identify common barriers that can arise when we dig into these practices.Visit us online at https://compassion-collective.com and follow us on Instagram @collective_compassion

Prof. Paul Gilbert, founder of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) joins us to explore the concept of compassion and its importance in both clinical practice and in our everyday lives. *** SUPPORT US ON PATREON *** http://patreon.com/mowe ***

Can our evolutionary past help explain, and offer solutions to the mental health problems we face today? In this talk, Professor Paul Gilbert OBE – the Founder of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), will discuss the evolutionary sources of common mental health problems. The talk will explore how our minds have developed to be highly sensitive and quick to react to perceived threats, and how this fast-acting threat-response system can be a source of anxiety, depression and aggression. Professor Gilbert will then discuss the latest scientific research about how purposefully cultivating our evolved capacities for compassion and altruism can offer a solution. Professor Paul Gilbert OBE is a British clinical psychologist, and the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life's Challenges and Overcoming Depression. Before retirement Gilbert was head of the Mental Health Research Unit, Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. He remains Professor at the University of Derby. In 2011 Gilbert was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his continued contribution in mental healthcare.

Everything You Need To Know About Self-Compassion (Interview with Paul Gilbert) This week’s episode of Your Anxiety Toolkit is going to blow your mind!  Yes!  You better believe it! If you have been thinking you should start a self-compassion practice for yourself, THIS is the episode for you.  Today we are going to discuss everything you need to know about self-compassion. This week I am so honored to talk with Paul Gilbert, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Derbyshire Health Care Foundation Trust. Paul Gilbert is what I consider a Self-Compassion and Shame “Guru.”  We all know shame and we all know how difficult shame can be when it comes to Anxiety Disorders, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB’s), such as Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and Dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking).  Paul shares with us his beautiful insight and understanding of the human brain and how to apply self-compassion in our daily living.  So much of what Paul has to say compliments the discussions we have had on the podcast already. Professor Gilbert performed psychopathology research for over 35 years with a special focus on shame and the treatment of shame-based difficulties. Paul Gilbert was the founder of Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and I am certain you are going to LOVE what he has to say.  Paul Gilbert has written and edited 20 books and established the Compassionate Mind Foundation in 2006. He was awarded an OBE in March 2011. During this interview, Paul shares everything you need to know about self-compassion. Paul explains his work and research on self-compassion and how he came to practice and develop Compassion-Focused Therapy.  Paul addresses why he thinks we are so hostile or self-critical towards oneself and what he considers the most important tools for practicing self-compassion The most beautiful part of this podcast episode is that we ALL need to be better at practicing self-compassion. As a reminder, it's BFRB Awareness Week (October 1-7)!  Click here for more information on BFRB School, which is a complete online course for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB's). Lastly, OCD Awareness Week is coming up from October 7-13!  OCD SoCal will celebration OCD Awareness Week on October 7 from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego.  Go to IOCDF.org or search your local area for events.

Find out more at www.mentalhealthbookclub.com Trigger warning: this podcast discusses Sydney’s treatment with Compassion focused Therapy and trauma. We were so privileged to speak to Dr Elaine Beaumont PhD Lecturer and co-author of The Compassionate Mind Workbook. We speak about Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). This was a fantastic interview and I learnt so much. Hope … Continue reading "Episode 61 – Interview with Dr Elaine Beaumont"

Find out more at www.mentalhealthbookclub.com Trigger warning: this podcast discusses Sydney’s treatment with Compassion focused Therapy and trauma. We were so privileged to speak to Dr Elaine Beaumont PhD Lecturer and co-author of The Compassionate Mind Workbook. We speak about Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). This was a fantastic interview and I learnt so much. Hope … Continue reading "Episode 61 – Interview with Dr Elaine Beaumont"

In this this interview, cross-posted from the podcast Psychologists Off The Clock, Dr. Diana Hill interviews Dr. Russell Kolts, expert in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) about his new workbook for therapists Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out (The Guilford Press, 2018). In their discussion, Hill and Kolts explore the tricky human brain and compassion as “the only thing that makes sense” given the nature of our minds. Dr. Kolts describes the emotion regulation model of CFT and strategies to move from threat and drive to safeness. Russell L. Kolts, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University, where he has taught for the past eighteen years and has received numerous awards, including twice being named the Associated Student Body’s Faculty of the Year (in 2002 and 2014). An internationally-recognized trainer in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Kolts has authored or coauthored numerous books and scholarly articles on compassion and CFT, including CFT Made Simple, The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger, and Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out. See Dr. Kolts’ in action during his TEDx Talk, entitled “Anger, Compassion, and What it Means to be Strong.” Diana Hill, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist practicing in Santa Barbara, California, and a co-host of the podcast Psychologists Off The Clock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this this interview, cross-posted from the podcast Psychologists Off The Clock, Dr. Diana Hill interviews Dr. Russell Kolts, expert in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) about his new workbook for therapists Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out (The Guilford Press, 2018). In their discussion, Hill and Kolts explore the tricky human brain and compassion as “the only thing that makes sense” given the nature of our minds. Dr. Kolts describes the emotion regulation model of CFT and strategies to move from threat and drive to safeness. Russell L. Kolts, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University, where he has taught for the past eighteen years and has received numerous awards, including twice being named the Associated Student Body's Faculty of the Year (in 2002 and 2014). An internationally-recognized trainer in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Kolts has authored or coauthored numerous books and scholarly articles on compassion and CFT, including CFT Made Simple, The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger, and Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out. See Dr. Kolts' in action during his TEDx Talk, entitled “Anger, Compassion, and What it Means to be Strong.” Diana Hill, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist practicing in Santa Barbara, California, and a co-host of the podcast Psychologists Off The Clock. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Are You Curious How Therapy Can Increase Compassion Towards Yourself And Others? Want To Know More About Our Tricky Brains And How To Use Compassion As An Alternative To Shame And Blame? Are You A Therapist That Wants To Practice Compassion Focused Therapy On Yourself? Then Join Us For An Interview With Dr. Russell Kolts! In this episode, Diana interviews Dr. Russell Kolts, expert in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). We explore the tricky human brain and compassion as "the only thing that makes sense" given the nature of our minds. Dr. Kolts describes the emotion regulation model of CFT and strategies to move from threat and drive to safeness. Russell L. Kolts, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Eastern Washington University, where he has taught for the past eighteen years and has received numerous awards, including twice being named the Associated Student Body's Faculty of the Year (in 2002 and 2014). An internationally-recognized trainer in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Kolts has authored or coauthored numerous books and scholarly articles on compassion and CFT, including CFT Made Simple, The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger, and Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out. See Dr. Kolts' in action during his TEDx Talk, entitled "Anger, Compassion, and What it Means to be Strong." Resources: Experiencing Compassion-Focused Therapy from the Inside Out CFT Made Simple The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger TEDx Talk: Anger, Compassion, and What it Means to be Strong

CURIOUS HOW TO CULTIVATE QUALITIES OF ALTRUISM, COMPASSION AND HEROISM? INTERESTED HOW CUTTING EDGE SCIENTISTS ARE USING ANCIENT AND INDIGENOUS PRACTICES IN THEIR RESEARCH? WANT TO KNOW WHY RECEIVING COMPASSION FROM OTHERS IS AS IMPORTANT AS GIVING COMPASSION TO OURSELVES? THEN JOIN US FOR AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. YOTAM HEINEBERG. In this episode, Dr. Diana Hill interviews Dr. Yotam Heineberg, clinical psychologist at Stanford's Center for Compassion and Altruism, Research and Education program and clinical faculty member for the PGSP-Stanford Consortium. Dr. Heineberg discusses his work using Compassionate Mind Training to heal the cycle of violence in traumatized populations as well as promote prosocial and collaborative work environments. Resources: Contact Dr Heineberg: yheineberg@paloaltou.edu Brightsity : An online training program for organizations, healthcare providers, university students, and individuals aimed at increasing psychological wellbeing. Watch Dr. Heineberg on TEDx Watch Dr. Heineberg discuss compassion and resilience in healthcare systems Dr. Yotam Heineberg, Psy.D.  Dr. Heineberg earned his doctorate at the PGSP-Stanford consortium at Palo Alto University. His interests originally focused on the cycle of violence, trauma and aggression, which led him to seek out solutions to address these fundamental human problems through the vehicle of compassion. He went on to pursue post-doctoral training at Stanford's CCARE (Center for Compassion and Altruism, Research and Education). He trained in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) with Professor Paul Gilbert, who developed the approach in the UK. He currently works as a clinical faculty member offering clinical supervision and training at the PGSP-Stanford program and Palo Alto University. He also He continues to collaborate with the Compassionate Mind Foundation, UK. He is the Dignity Health senior research fellow at Stanford with CCARE. His work at Stanford is focused on devising high scale solutions in healthcare settings; developing and implementing online compassion focused training modalities for nurses, physicians and leaders. He is the author of Compassion Skills Training, an experiential evidence-based peer to peer program which has been implemented with thousands of people worldwide, via the Brightsity learning platform. In his work he strives to implement programs that provide personal well-being benefits, as well as positive systemic outcomes by enhancing teamwork functioning, and alliance focused, collaborative attitudes. He lives in San Francisco, and conducts various compassion focused workshop nationally and internationally.

Dr. Tirch is the Founder of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, the first clinical training centre for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in the USA.   He is also the President of The Compassionate Mind Foundation USA – the North American wing of the training, research and development community for CFT. Dr. Tirch has been described as one of the country's foremost experts on CFT and the contextual psychology of compassion. He has dedicated his research and scholarship to bettering our understanding of how therapies like ACT and CBT can be strengthened and further developed by bringing a compassion focus to our work. For more information on Dennis, all the links he spoke about and his best self-care tip, check out the show notes on the website!

Episode # 41 Running Time: 35:50 Podcast Relevance: Professionals   In this episode R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S. interviews Dennis Tirch, PhD about Buddhist Psychology and CBT. They discuss: What Buddhist Psychology is Why Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists should be interested in Buddhist Psychology What aspects of Buddhism remain to be explored by Cognitive and Behavioral researchers/therapists And, much more! Dennis Tirch, PhD Biography   Dr. Tirch is the Founder and Director of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, the first clinical training center for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in the USA. Dr. Tirch is also the President of The Compassionate Mind Foundation USA – the North American wing of the training, research and development community for CFT. Dr. Tirch has been described as one of the country's foremost experts on CFT and the contextual psychology of compassion. He has dedicated his research and scholarship to bettering our understanding of how therapies like ACT and CBT can be strengthened and further developed by bringing a compassion focus to our work. Dr. Tirch is the author of  6 books, and numerous chapters and peer reviewed articles on mindfulness, acceptance and compassion in psychotherapy. His books include The Compassionate Mind Guide To Overcoming Anxiety, the first evidence-based self-help book to apply the science of compassion to the treatment of anxiety. Dr. Tirch is also the co-author of the books Emotion Regulation:  A Practitioner’s Guide, Mindfulness in Clinical Practice, and The ACT Practitioner’s Guide to The Science of Compassion. This Autumn, the co-authored book, Buddhist Psychology and CBT: A Clinician's Guide will be released. Dr. Tirch is a New York State licensed clinical psychologist who served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Weill-Cornell Medical College, and as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Albert Einstein Medical School. Dr. Tirch is an Associate Editor of the Journal for Contextual Behavioral Science.  Prior to founding The Center, Dr. Tirch collaborated with leading CBT therapist, Dr. Robert Leahy, at The American Institute for Cognitive Therapy for 12 years, serving as Associate Director of The Institute. Dr. Tirch has worked closely with CFT Founder, Dr. Paul Gilbert, in the development of compassion focused approaches for anxiety, using elements of ACT, which are currently being researched. Dr. Tirch is a Diplomate, Fellow & Certified Consultant & Trainer for The Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Tirch is a Founding Fellow and the President of The New York City CBT Association, & The Compassion Focused Special Interest Group of The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). Tirch is also President Emeritus of The New York City Chapter of The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.Tirch's work has been covered by numerous media outlets, from The Wall Street Journal to O Magazine. Dr. Tirch regularly conducts training workshops globally and serves as an invited speaker for many organizations, such as Columbia University, The University of New South Wales, The University of Hong Kong, The NYC-CBT Association, ABCT, ACBS, New York Univeristy, Cornell University, and the Kagyu Samye Ling Buddhist monastery in Scotland. Dr. Tirch also provides online consultation groups and webinar based trainings, and has delivered these for The Association for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ABCT)  and The Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy (IMP). Throughout his clinical experience, Dr. Tirch has specialized in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, addictions, and relationship problems. His internship and post-doctoral residency took place at the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center in Bedford, MA., where he served as the Assistant Director of the Bedford CBT Center, co-authored articles based on research supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, (NIMH) and developed the “Continual Awareness” meditation based group therapy for trauma survivors. Dr. Tirch completed a second year post-doctoral fellowship at AICT with Dr. Leahy. In addition to his training in Western psychology, Dr. Tirch has had extensive experience in Eastern meditative and philosophical disciplines over the past 25 years. This training includes work in Japanese Zen and Vajryana Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and other Central Asian meditative disciplines. Dr. Tirch has benefited by participating in numerous trainings with many mentors, experts, friends and colleagues such as Paul Gilbert, Robert Leahy, Kelly Wilson, Steven C. Hayes, Robert Fripp, Robyn Walser and Zindel Segal.  Dr. Tirch is a founding participant in the ACT peer consultation group for New York City and Environs (ACTNYCE). The primary valued aim of all of Dr. Tirch’s research, writing, training and psychotherapy practice is an expanding sensitivity to human suffering, combined with the development and dissemination of ever more effective, evidence based methods for the alleviation of this suffering. Dr. Tirch received his PhD from Fairleigh Dickinson University.   Episode-Related Links   Websites: The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy   The Compassionate Mind Foundation USA   The Compassionate Mind Foundation    Training: The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy - Training calendar and information on clinical supervision and consultation   BehaviorTherapist.org - 4.5 online Course "Compassion Focused Therapy for Anxiety: Beyond the Basics" APA and NBCC credits available   Book: Buddhist Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: A Clinicians Guide