Grounding Psychotherapy in Self-Compassion

Presenting innovative ways to infuse self-compassion into psychotherapy, this book shares ideas and tools from leaders in the field. Clinicians from any orientation are guided to cultivate self-compassion themselves and incorporate it into interventions with clients. Rich case material throughout the chapters illustrates applications for frequently encountered clinical problems, from anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and emotional dysregulation, to addictions, eating disorders, chronic pain, and more. Core processes of self-compassion and mindfulness are reviewed, including cutting-edge findings from interpersonal neurobiology. The companion website features 18 downloadable audio tracks of guided practices from the book, together with reproducible scripts.

“Our profession is abuzz with ideas for how we can bring the promise of self-compassion into the consulting room. The editors and their chapter-author colleagues lay out what we know and what we don’t, and make concrete suggestions that can be integrated into our healing work and scientific efforts today.”--from the Foreword by Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno; codeveloper of acceptance and commitment therapy

"An invaluable resource that bridges the gap between self-compassion and trauma-informed care. The book offers a wealth of strategies, from grounding techniques to mindfulness practices, all designed to support clients in their healing journey."--David Treleaven, PhD, developer of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness

“This stunning volume offers cutting-edge insights by top experts from around the globe. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how self-compassion can transform the therapeutic relationship, and can help both therapists and clients be with painful thoughts and emotions with more space, warmth, and resilience. In addition to providing foundational knowledge, the book gives concrete, pragmatic suggestions for therapists to incorporate self-compassion into their practice.”--Kristin Neff, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin; co-founder, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

"This volume explores a breadth of perspectives on self-compassion as a transformative element in psychotherapy. Self-compassion is presented as a therapeutic orientation and practice that benefits not only clients, but also therapists. The book spans both the theory and practice of self-compassion and uses memorable case examples to illustrate practical applications with diverse clinical populations. This book is a valuable resource for both seasoned and new clinicians from a range of theoretical orientations."--Joanna Arch, PhD, Yvonne Kristy Endowed Chair, Renée Crown Wellness Institute, and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder-

“Our profession is abuzz with ideas for how we can bring the promise of self-compassion into the consulting room. The editors and their chapter-author colleagues lay out what we know and what we don’t, and make concrete suggestions that can be integrated into our healing work and scientific efforts today.”--from the Foreword by Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno; codeveloper of acceptance and commitment therapy

“This stunning volume offers cutting-edge insights by top experts from around the globe. It provides a comprehensive understanding of how self-compassion can transform the therapeutic relationship and can help both therapists and clients be with painful thoughts and emotions with more space, warmth, and resilience. In addition to providing foundational knowledge, the book gives concrete, pragmatic suggestions for therapists to incorporate self-compassion into their practice.”--Kristin Neff, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin; cofounder, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion

"An invaluable resource that bridges the gap between self-compassion and trauma-informed care. The book offers a wealth of strategies, from grounding techniques to mindfulness practices, all designed to support clients on their healing journeys."--David Treleaven, PhD, developer of Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness

"This volume explores a breadth of perspectives on self-compassion as a transformative element in psychotherapy. Self-compassion is presented as a therapeutic orientation and practice that benefits not only clients, but also therapists. The book spans both the theory and practice of self-compassion and uses memorable case examples to illustrate practical applications with diverse clinical populations. This book is a valuable resource for both seasoned and new clinicians from a range of theoretical orientations."--Joanna Arch, PhD, Yvonne Kristy Endowed Chair, Renée Crown Wellness Institute, and Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder

“This comprehensive work is rich with insights, research, and wisdom for clinicians and students dedicated to integrating self-compassion deeply into their work. Contributors offer a thorough overview of the application of self-compassion to a broad range of client concerns. The book also offers practical guidance on how therapists can extend self-compassion to themselves, thereby fostering presence and enhancing effectiveness.”--Jason Luoma, PhD, Cofounder, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center; Senior Scientist, Portland Institute for Psychedelic Science

“Self-compassion in therapy is a powerful approach, and this fine handbook illuminates how it can be understood and employed.”--Jack Kornfield, PhD, author of The Wise Heart-

Galia Tyano Ronen, MA, LCP, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Israel, serves on the faculty of the Shiluv Mind Body Spirit Center, affiliated with the University of Haifa. She has specialized in mind–body–spirit mindfulness-based psychotherapy and supervision since the 1990s. Ms. Tyano Ronen is an artist, a certified focusing-oriented therapist, a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and mentor trained by Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, and a certified mindful self-compassion (MSC) teacher. She is program developer and former director of the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy Certificate Program offered by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Ms. Tyano Ronen has pioneered MSC in Israel, has led worldwide workshops, and is responsible for the translation of the MSC program into Hebrew and for creating a bilingual MSC course for Arabs and Jews.

Shari Geller, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, author, and certified Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) teacher, recognized for her expertise in therapeutic presence. With over 30 years of experience integrating psychology and mindfulness, she advocates for presence to be foundational in psychotherapy training. Dr. Geller serves on the teaching faculty at York University and is Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Music at the University of Toronto. She is a co-developer and trainer in the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy Certificate Program and chair of the networking committee for the International Society for Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). As co-director of the Centre for MindBody Health in Toronto, Dr. Geller offers training, supervision, and therapy in EFT and MSC. She loves playing the handpan, her dogs, and being in nature, and founded the Therapeutic Rhythm and Mindfulness Program. Her websites are and .

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