Summer Series - How Self-Compassion Helps our Challenges, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist

In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher,  James Kirby, Ph.D.,  an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. 

James examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding, and the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically how they help with self-criticism and shame that underpin many depression and anxiety disorders. 

James is also an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and is an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK. In 2022 he authored Choose Compassion, and in 2020 he co-edited Making an Impact on Mental Health. His new book just published by Routledge is called, The Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians.

Listen in to our discussion on - 

- Why compassion is not just a feeling and more a motivational force shaping our behaviour and relationships

- The challenges in becoming a more compassionate person and developing a more compassionate society. 

- How self-compassion is part of self-regulation and linked to our health, functioning and performance.

And so much more!

You can connect with James via -

https://jameskirby.com.au/  for books, speaking engagements etc.

Plus check out his workshop - Introduction to Compassion Focussed Therapy in March 2026

Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).I

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