The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast Compassion: The Antidote to Shame, Criticism & Trauma | Prof Paul Gilbert OBE
Why is compassion so powerful in healing shame and trauma? In this very special 200th episode of The Aspiring Psychologist Podcast mini-series, Dr Marianne Trent is joined by Professor Paul Gilbert OBE, founder of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). Together, they explore how compassion can soothe the harsh inner critic, reduce shame, and help us build healthier relationships with ourselves and others.
From evolutionary psychology to everyday practices, this episode brings warmth and wisdom to one of the most transformative therapeutic approaches in modern psychology. Whether you’re an aspiring psychologist, a qualified practitioner, or simply curious about compassion, this milestone conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
⏱️ Highlights & Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and celebrating 200 episodes 🎉
02:15 – Paul Gilbert’s journey into psychology and the origins of CFT
05:20 – Understanding shame: why it’s so pervasive and painful
08:42 – The inner critic: how self-attacking thoughts take hold
11:33 – Why compassion is the antidote to shame and self-criticism
14:10 – Evolution, threat systems, and why our brains get stuck in loops
17:25 – Practical compassion exercises to calm the nervous system
20:54 – How CFT differs from CBT and other therapeutic models
24:19 – Trauma, attachment, and the role of compassion in recovery
28:46 – Building a compassionate mind: soothing rhythm breathing
32:18 – Common misconceptions about compassion (it’s not weakness!)
35:00 – Real-world applications of CFT in clinical and everyday settings
38:12 – Paul’s reflections on bringing compassion into healthcare systems
41:05 – Words of advice for aspiring and early-career psychologists
44:20 – Closing thoughts: why compassion is essential for all of us
#CompassionFocusedTherapy #ShameAndTrauma #MentalHealthPodcast #ProfPaulGilbert
Check out my other episode with Professor Paul Gilbert OBE on Mental Health Careers: https://youtu.be/N40b5TmxQko
📚📲Resources mentioned:
- The Compassionate Mind Book: https://amzn.to/3W7PJ7g
- Paul's website, The Compassionate Mind Foundation: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk
Links:
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#CompassionFocusedTherapy #Compassion #CFT #ShameAndTrauma #MentalHealthPodcast #ProfPaulGilbert