Audio Collection: Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion
This audio collection is designed to introduce self-compassion skills taking compassion focused therapy (CFT) approach. It offers structured exercises that help individuals cultivate self-compassion.

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Overview
Self-compassion is a helpful skill for emotional well-being. The Psychology Tools For Developing Self-Compassion Audio Collection provides a structured approach to developing self-compassion using principles from compassion focused therapy (CFT). CFT is an evidence-based psychological approach that integrates evolutionary, cognitive, and affective neuroscience to help individuals cultivate compassion and alleviate high levels of shame and self-criticism.
This resource is designed for either independent use and integration into therapy. It consists of guided exercises divided into six sections, each addressing different aspects of self-compassion, from understanding compassion to engaging in mindfulness, imagery, and self-directed compassion practices.
Why Use This Resource?
This collection offers a systematic, research-backed approach to self-compassion.
- Helps individuals develop self-compassion in an experiential way.
- Works from foundational principles to more advanced practices.
- An excellent adjunct to clinical work.
- Suitable for therapists, clients, and self-guided practice.
Key Benefits
Structure
Experiential
Practicality
Effectiveness
Who is this for?
Transdiagnostic
Suitable for most clients irrespective of diagnostic status.
Perfectionism
Helps individuals reduce harsh self-evaluations.
Burnout And Stress
Supports emotional regulation and recovery from stress.
Low Self-Esteem
Cultivates self-acceptance and reduces self-criticism.
Depression
Supports emotional resilience and self-kindness.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Aids in reducing shame and self-blame.
Integrating it into your practice
Educate
Introduce the concept of self-compassion and the role of CFT.
Practice
Assign guided exercises for between-session practice.
Reflect
Discuss experiences with exercises to enhance development of self-compassion.
Maintain
Encourage ongoing practice to develop long-term self-compassion skills.
Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance
Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is an integrative psychological approach that helps individuals respond to distress, shame, and self-criticism by cultivating compassion for themselves and others. Drawing on insights from evolutionary psychology, affective neuroscience, and attachment theory, CFT supports the development of a more balanced emotional system by strengthening the brain’s soothing and affiliative responses. This audio collection applies CFT principles through guided experiential exercises that help individuals shift from harsh self-judgment to a more kind, grounded, and emotionally regulated way of relating to themselves and others.

What's inside
- An introduction to compassion focused therapy and the science of compassion.
- Attention and mindfulness exercises.
- Practices for activating the soothing system.
- Imagery and memory-based exercises for cultivating compassion.
- Exercises for developing a compassionate mindset and identity.
- Directing compassion towards self and others.
FAQs
How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes
Clinicians and clients using this resource can expect:
- Exercises specifically target self-attacking thoughts and promote self-compassion.
- Strengthens the ability to manage distress with self-soothing strategies.
- Helps clients respond to challenges with greater self-compassion.
- Encourages lasting change through structured practice and integration into daily life.
Clinicians Who Use This Resource Also Use
References And Further Reading
- Gilbert, P. (2014). The origins and nature of compassion focused therapy. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 53(1), 6–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12043
- Gilbert, P. (2020). Compassion: From its evolution to a psychotherapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 586161. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.586161
- Irons, C., & Beaumont, E. (2017). The compassionate mind workbook: A step-by-step guide to developing your compassionate self. Robinson.
- Irons, C., & Heriot‐Maitland, C. (2021). Compassionate mind training: An 8‐week group for the general public. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 94(3), 443–463. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12315
- Leboeuf, I., Andreotti, E., Irons, C., Beaumont, E., & Antoine, P. (2022). A randomized controlled study of a French compassionate mind training. Mindfulness, 13(11), 2891–2903. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-01974-2
- Savari, Y., Mohagheghi, H., & Petrocchi, N. (2021). A preliminary investigation on the effectiveness of compassionate mind training for students with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Mindfulness, 12(5), 1159–1172. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01582-6
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