This workshop will introduce participants to the practice and theory of self-compassion, drawing on the work of Kristen Neff and Paul Gilbert and Alison’s practice and research in burnout prevention. A series of gentle exercises and written reflections will invite participants to reflect on their own wellbeing and consider their needs at this point in their professional lives. The workshop will explore how deepening our own relationship with self-compassion can strengthen and enrich our work with clients. Self-compassion offers us an anchor in times of challenge and uncertainty, and serves us well in moments of professional doubt and transition.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- Participants will understand the evidence-based theory and practice of self-compassion and how this relates to professional wellbeing
- Participants will leave the workshop equipped with accessible tools and resources to begin cultivating a self-compassion practice
- Participants will gain insight into the transformative potential of relating to oneself with kindness and how this can be shared 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 others, thus strengthening our ability to assist in the healing journeys of our clients.
Course Content
Presenter
![](https://onlinevents.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Alison-OConnor.jpeg)
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.