Paul Gilbert is Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and honorary visiting Professor at the University of Queensland. He has written/edited 24 books and over 300 papers and book chapters. He has researched evolutionary approaches to mental health problems and developed Compassion Focused Therapy for people who come from troubled backgrounds. This webinar will explore how humans have the capacity to be one of the most compassionate species on the planet, although at the same time we can also be one of the most vicious and callous. We will explore ways in which we can cultivate compassion in order to inhibit the dark side of our minds.
The Mindfulness and Compassion Retreat was a full-day event that took place on 25 February 2023 at the beautiful Tsz Shan Monastery in Hong Kong. The retreat aimed to help participants cultivate mindfulness and compassion through various activities and talks. The retreat started with a guided tour of the monastery and a water offering ceremony, followed by a session of Zen calligraphy and forest therapy to help participants connect with nature and find inner peace. Afterwards, participants enjoyed a mindful lunch together. In the afternoon, the retreat resumed with more forest therapy and Zen calligraphy, followed by a Dharma talk on how Buddhism can help people face the stresses and challenges of modern life. The talk was given by a respected Dharma teacher and provided valuable insights and guidance. The retreat concluded with a small group sharing session where participants discuss their experiences and insights from the day.
This workshop provides an overview of the principles and practices of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Led by Dr. Chris Irons, a clinical psychologist, researcher, writer and trainer specializing in CFT, participants will gain foundational knowledge about the CFT model, the theoretical context and historical development of the approach, and the key psychoeducational components of the method. Participants will learn about compassion, including common myths, fears, blocks and resistances to compassion and self-compassion. They will also explore core compassionate mind training practices and learn how to put the compassionate mind to work. This workshop is a prerequisite for further clinical training in CFT or to become a Facilitator of Compassionate Mind Training: The 8-week protocol. Dr. Irons works with the Compassionate Mind Foundation and is a Visiting Lecturer at University College London (UCL). He has published numerous articles and book chapters on compassion, attachment, shame, and self-criticism. As co-director of Balanced Minds and BalO, Dr. Irons is passionate about bringing greater compassion and balance to individuals and organizations.