Compassion in Therapy Training Series

Introduction

• Presenter: Sydney Spears
  • Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Center of Mindful Self-Compassion
  • Certified Mindful Self-Compassion teacher
  • Member of leadership team, Boston Area Center for Trauma and Embodiment
• Focus: Integrating self-compassion and trauma-sensitive strategies in therapy

Key Concepts

Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC)

• Definition: A contemplative practice aimed at increasing compassion towards oneself and others
• Components:
  • Mindfulness: Awareness of the present moment
  • Common Humanity: Recognizing shared human experiences
  • Self-Kindness: Treating oneself with care and understanding

Importance of Compassion

• Latin Roots: "Cum" (with) and "passion" (suffering)
• Therapist's Role: Be present with suffering, resonate with clients' experiences
• Embodied Compassion: Integrating mind and body through awareness of emotions and sensations
• Power Dynamics in Therapy:
  • Imbalance of power between therapist and client
  • Clients may feel "small" or disempowered

Client Perceptions

• Common feedback from trauma survivors:
  • Therapists may appear "not human enough" or inattentive
  • Methods-focused therapy can stifle client voice
  • Lack of understanding of diverse identities
  • Fear of therapist's expectations and homework

Trauma-Sensitive Practices

• Mindful Self-Compassion for Trauma Survivors:
  • Adjusting practices to be trauma-sensitive
  • Recognizing fears and discomfort with new practices
  • Allowing client choice and control
• Therapeutic Relationship:
  • Importance of therapist awareness and embodiment
  • Building trust and safety through mindful presence

Practical Strategies

• Reflective Exercises:
  • Encourage personal reflections on power dynamics and self-compassion
• Trauma-Sensitive Considerations:
  • Initial consults to gauge past therapy experiences
  • Use of voice and tone to convey safety
  • Offering choices in therapeutic methods
• Empowerment through Practices:
  • Self-compassion as a resource
  • Supporting survivors in setting boundaries and self-soothing

Additional Resources

• Books:
  • "Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook" by Kristen Neff and Chris Germer
  • "Finding Self-Compassion: A Mindfulness Workbook" by Sydney Spears

Conclusion

• Reflection: Encouraging therapists to reflect on their practices and integrate self-compassionate methods
• Acknowledgment: Gratitude for therapists working with survivors and their own self-care.