Compassionate Mind Training
In Compassion Focused Therapy compassion is understood as having two core components:
- The sensitivity to suffering, in ourselves and others
- The desire or commitment to alleviate or prevent suffering
When we direct this compassion toward our own experience, it becomes self-compassion.
There are many myths about compassion – one common one is the belief that it’s a sign of weakness. In reality, compassion often requires great strength. It takes courage turn towards with suffering, be with it, and respond with care. From a nervous system perspective, we also need to have enough of a sense of safety (enough regulation) to stay present with suffering and then take wise, compassionate action.
What Is Compassionate Mind Training?
Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) is a core element of Compassion Focused Therapy, developed by Professor Paul Gilbert. While CFT is used in psychological therapy, CMT can be used outside of this context, making its benefits accessible in a broader range of settings.
CMT supports people in developing their compassionate self through structured psychoeducation and a range of evidence-informed compassionate practices. CMT is grounded in evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and contemporary compassion research. It uses a variety of practices aimed to stimulate and grow our compassionate mind and compassionate way of being. CMT incorporates:
- Psychoeducation
- Guided compassionate Imagery
- Self-soothing and grounding techniques
- Elements of mindfulness
- Practices to work with the inner critic and cultivate the compassionate self
These practices support the cultivation of compassion in daily life and help to nurture a more resilient, compassionate way of living and being over time.
Ann’s Approach
Ann integrates Compassionate Mind Training into her therapeutic and wellbeing work, alongside other compassion-based practices. She draws from extensive training, ongoing self-study, and embodied experience.
Her approach is:
- Compassionate
- Trauma-informed
- Nervous system aware
- Integrative and somatic
How Is Compassionate Mind Training Offered?
Ann offers CMT in within both individual and group offerings:
1:1 Integrative Somatic Therapy
Compassion practices are tailored to each person’s unique needs and experiences. The practices are often blended with mindfulness, somatic practices, and embodiment work.
Group Workshops
One example is the 8-week Embodied Compassion series, part of the Listening to Our Inner Wisdom workshop series. This group program is grounded in CMT and includes a little psychoeducation (a little theory), guided practices, reflection, and community connection.
To learn more visit:
What Are the Benefits?
Research shows that Compassionate Mind Training can lead to:
- Reduced stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity
- Lower levels of self-criticism and shame
- Increased psychological flexibility and resilience
- Greater overall wellbeing and quality of life
CMT may also support people in managing chronic health conditions such as:
- Persistent pain
- Fibromyalgia
- ME/CFS
- Long covid
Who Is It For?
CMT is for anyone who wants to:
- Cultivate a more compassionate relationship with themselves and others
- Understand and soothe emotional distress
- Build resilience and inner safety
- Support healing from shame, self-criticism, or trauma
- Navigate chronic health conditions with more ease and self-care
Learn More: A Compassion-Focused Approach to Stress
For a deeper look at how Compassion Focused Therapy can support stress awareness and management, you can read Ann’s blog post on the Balanced Minds website:
In this article, Ann introduces her 5-step model for stress awareness and management, integrating CFT principles and CMT practices in a practical and compassionate way.
Would You Like to Explore more?
If you’re curious about how Compassionate Mind Training and somatic work could support your wellbeing, you’re warmly invited to explore more, on the Integrative Somatic Wellbeing webpage, about how Ann weaves compassion-focused practices into her broader therapeutic work in a way that’s grounded, evidence-informed, trauma-informed and deeply compassionate:
You’re also welcome to get in touch to book a free 15 minute discovery call – a space to explore whether this work feels like the right fit for you, there is no obligation to book an appointment after this call – email Ann info@unityphysio.co.uk, or call 07871240188, or send a contact for by clicking book now in the blue box below.
To explore appointment options or make an appointment, visit the appointments page.
Location
You can arrange a virtual appointment for anywhere in the UK or an in person appointment in North Hykeham, Lincoln.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out how Ann can help manage and change fatigue, do what you love, live well and thrive again get in touch to book your appointment, or a free 15 minute call to help you decide if working with Ann is right for you.