This intermediate level workshop will explore more deeply the practice and theory of self-compassion, drawing on the work of Kristen Neff and Paul Gilbert and Alison’s own practice and research. A series of gentle exercises and reflections will give participants the tools to begin cultivating a regular, sustaining self-compassion practice. The workshop will explore how deepening our own relationship with self-compassion can strengthen and enrich our work with clients, building a deeper therapeutic relationship which recognises our interconnectedness and shared humanity.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- Participants will build a deeper understanding of the evidence-based theory and practice of self-compassion and how this can sustain us in work and life
- Participants will gain insight into the common barriers to self-compassion and how these can be approached and overcome
- Participants will leave the workshop equipped with accessible tools and resources to begin cultivating a self-compassion practice and ideas to share with clients
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- Counsellors, psychotherapists and all who work in the helping professions.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- This workshop will deepen participants understanding of the interconnectedness of personal and professional wellbeing. Developing self-compassion enables us to work more compassionately with other people, thus strengthening our ability to assist in the healing journeys of others.
Course Content
Presenter
Alison is a therapist, trainer and supervisor with 25 years experience of compassion focused practice. She has been privileged to work in prisons, Romanian orphanages, with older adults, military veterans and survivors of complex trauma. She worked for several years as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Counselling and Psychotherapy at University of South Wales. She is the Co-Founder of Re-Live, an award-winning Arts and Health charity, co-creating Life Story Theatre with people affected by trauma and adversity.
Alison’s Churchill Fellowship in 2016 opened the door to a compassionate approach to wellbeing which links the personal, the political and the spiritual. She co-founded a social enterprise, Moral Injury Partnership, offering restorative retreats for frontline professionals impacted by moral injury and burnout. Self-compassion is at the heart of this programme, as a guide for healing and growth.
Alison is committed to enhancing practitioner wellbeing by co-creating restorative, reflective experiences that allow people in the helping professions to be well in the work they do. Therapists, counsellors, nurses, doctors, care workers, police, teachers, prison staff, all who work at the human frontline. The work hurts at times. Support is vital.
