Dr. Tirch is the author of 6 books, some of which include: The ACT Practitioner’s Guide to The Science of Compassion, Buddhist Psychology and CBT, and Experiencing ACT from the Inside-Out. His work has been covered by numerous media outlets, including; The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The New York Post, NPR, WIRED, and O Magazine. You can learn more about his unique approach to clinical psychology at www.mindfulcompassion.com, and follow him on Twitter at @DennisTirchPhD

In a sense, every form of psychotherapy aims to realize compassionate intentions. However, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2010) is distinct in the way that this approach targets compassion as an active psychotherapy process variable in assessment, case conceptualization, and interventions. CFT is based on an evolutionary model of motives and emotions, that recognizes the central importance of human affiliation and attachment dynamics in emotion regulation and optimal adaptive functioning.

From the moment we are born and throughout our lives, the presence of care, compassion, and love will affect us positively, on every level of our being, from our levels of anxiety and depression to our heart rate variability and immune system functioning. Drawing on applied research in compassion science, contextual behavioral science this discussion will examine how cultivating compassion for self and others relates to psychological flexibility, our ability to mindfully contact the present moment, and to pursue the realization of our values with wisdom, strength, and courage. Making these connections is one small step in our community process of moving beyond therapy labels, to develop process-based methods of alleviating and preventing human psychological suffering.