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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.

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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

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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.