Grounding Psychotherapy in Self-Compassion

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 www.sharigeller.ca and www.cmbh.ca.

“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-

• Foreword, Steven C. HayesIntroduction: Where Do We Begin Our Journey?, Galia Tyano Ronen & Shari GellerI. Self-Compassion as a Change Process1. A Model of Self-Compassion-Based Therapy, Christopher Germer2. Compassion and Self-Compassion: A Biopsychosocial and Evolutionary Approach, Paul Gilbert3. Expanding the Contemporary Meaning of “Self”: An Interpersonal Neurobiology Perspective on Inner-Compassion and Intraconnection, Elli Weisbaum, Shelby L. Alsup, & Daniel J. Siegel4. Working with Challenges of Cross-Cultural Psychotherapy with Self-Compassion, Sydney Spears & Tracy Ochester5. Why Does Self-Compassion Work?: Implications for Psychotherapy Practice, José Ramón, Yela Bernabé, & Antonio Crego DíazII. A Self-Compassion-Based Clinician: What Shapes and Informs Practice6. Exploring the Interplay between Therapeutic Presence and Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy, Shari Geller7. The Power of a Self-Compassionate Mindset, Shauna Shapiro, Shayda Roohparvar, & Jill Lillie8. Cultivating the Practice of Self-Compassion, Galia Tyano Ronen9. Self-Compassion: A Powerful Addition to Trauma Therapy, Susan M. Pollak10. The Inner Process of Inquiry in Psychotherapy, Steven HickmanIII. Applications of Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy11. Self-Compassion for Shame in Psychotherapy, Christopher Germer12. Alcoholism, Addictions, and Self-Compassion, Alfie Wishart13. Compassion and Self-Compassion for Depression, Paul Gilbert14. Implementing Self-Compassion in the Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, Christian Stiglmayr15. Cultivating Self-Compassion in Response to Anxiety, Lizabeth Roemer, Gerson F. Borrero, Molly Sawdy, & Jessica R. LoPresti16. The Process of Self-Compassion in Eating Disorder Recovery, Ann Saffi Biasetti17. Couple and Relationship Distress: The Power of Self-Compassion Training in Therapy, Michelle Becker18. Self-Compassion and Teens, Lisa Shetler & Lorraine M. Hobbs19. Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Chronic Pain, Ronald D. Siegel20. Integrating Self-Compassion into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Other Third-Wave Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, Benjamin Weinstein- Concluding Reflections: Integrating Self-Compassion into Psychotherapy, Shari Geller & Galia Tyano Ronen- Appendix. Practices and Exercises- Index- List of Audio FilesAudio Downloads:1. Self-Compassion Break (5:54)2. Giving and Receiving Compassion (21:20)3. Compassion Practice Sequences to Aid Cultivating Compassion Brain, Body, and Mind States (21:25)4. Self-Compassion Practice for My Social and Cultural Identities (11:23)5. Soften, Calm, Allow (16:09)6. Embodied Presence Practice: Core Body Centering (5:28)7. Sitting Compassion Meditation Practice (7:36)8. The Practice of Self-Compassion with Equanimity (14:38)9. Anchoring Safely in the Body Practice (2:42)10. Self-Compassion Break for Shame (7:49)11. Being with Difficult Emotions (16:09)12. Feet, Spine, and Seat: Welcoming the Body into the Room/Body Forgiveness Practice (9:22)13. Exercise to Help Identify Relational Patterns (4:17)14. Holding Your Own Hand Practice (A Modified Soothing Touch) (7:16)15. Separating Pain from Aversion (7:07)16. Kind Coach (8:47)17. Mindfulness through Music (2:09)18. Modified “Compassionate Friend” Practice (4:29)