In this discussion, Paul Gilbert, a pioneer of compassion-focused therapy, and Jeremy Holmes, a leading attachment expert, dive deep into the nuances of therapeutic dynamics. They explore the critical distinction between 'safety' and 'safeness' in relationships and how early attachment influences emotional growth. They emphasize the role of compassion in fostering connection and well-being, underscoring how attachment shapes our capacity for empathy. Their insights make a compelling case for integrating compassion in psychotherapy and caring relationships.
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insights INSIGHT
Safety vs. Safeness
Safety is identifying, monitoring, and avoiding threats, regulated by the threat system.
Safeness, linked to the attachment system, allows exploration and relaxation due to perceived social support.
insights INSIGHT
Caregiving in Compassion Focused Therapy
Paul Gilbert's work emphasizes caregiving, an aspect Bowlby's attachment theory somewhat neglected.
In "The Body Has a Mind of Its Own," Sandra Blakeslee and Matthew Blakeslee explore the intricate connection between the body and the brain. They delve into the fascinating world of the body's internal senses, known as interoception, and how they influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The book highlights the importance of paying attention to bodily sensations and how this awareness can improve our overall well-being. It also discusses the role of the body in shaping our perception of the world and our interactions with others. The book is a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the mind-body connection and how it impacts our lives.
Attachment in Psychotherapy
David Wallin
In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Paul Gilbert and Professor Jeremy Holmes. Paul is the developer of Compassion Focused Therapy and one of the world’s leading clinical psychologists studying the scientific application of compassion in therapeutic practice. Jeremy is an award winning attachment expert, clinician, and author, whose books include: In Search of the Secure Base, Attachment & Psychotherapy, and most recently The Spirit of Psychotherapy.
In this wide ranging discussion, we explore:
— The difference between “safety” and “safeness” and why this is vital to understand in therapeutic practice
— How early attachment dynamics shape our developmental trajectory and relationships throughout life
— How attachment theory helped to form the theoretical foundations of Compassion Focused Therapy.
And more.
You can find Jeremy’s books at http://bit.ly/jh-books and learn more about Paul’s work at http://compassionatemind.co.uk
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Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression.
He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”.
Professor Jeremy Holmes is a clinician, author, leading Attachment expert, and three-time speaker at The Weekend University.
For 35 years, he was Consultant Psychiatrist/Medical Psychotherapist at University College London (UCL) and then in North Devon, UK, and Chair of the Psychotherapy Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists 1998-2002.
He is visiting Professor at the University of Exeter, and lectures nationally and internationally. In addition to 200+ peer-reviewed papers and chapters in the field of psychoanalysis and attachment theory, his books include John Bowlby and Attachment Theory, Exploring In Security, Attachment in Therapeutic Practice, and most recently: “The Brain has a Mind of Its Own”.
He was the recipient of the Bowlby-Ainsworth Founders Award 2009.
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Interview Links:
— Jeremy’s books - http://bit.ly/jh-books
— Paul’s work - http://compassionatemind.co.uk
The Weekend University 