Learn the skills of self-compassion and compassionate leadership

We all need ways to cope more effectively in these challenging times. A valid but under-used resource for this is Self-Compassion. Developing self-compassion allows us to better care for and protect ourselves from the inevitable difficulties we will all experience. Additionally practicing self-compassion encourages a more compassionate approach to others, which creates more compassionate and inclusive workplace cultures. Self-Compassion teaches us that adversity is a normal part of life, provides us with the tools to deal with it and builds our inner resilience. The best news is that self-compassion is a trainable skill.

Creating Compassion runs programmes and provides coaching, informed by evidence and the most recent research in the field of psychological development, to help anyone develop deeper levels of compassion for themselves and others, in their daily life and work.  Our approach is based on understanding why we need self-compassion and how by practicing it, we can better cope with the difficulties in our lives.

Our work in developing compassion

Our work consists of helping individuals develop the skills of self-compassion, developing compassionate leaders  and working with organisations to help them build more resilient and compassionate cultures.

Stop self-sabotaging

Our programmes draw upon self compassion scales to understand and test where the individual currently is. Working with participants through a variety of methods which include online training courses and workshops, compassionate leader coaching and the teaching of self-compassion exercises we help participants reframe difficult situations in a more positive way, change self critical habits and introduce ways to stop self-sabotaging.

What our clients say:

“I can honestly say that this programme has changed my life. I have always been a very exacting and self-critical person, and this has helped me really begin to accept myself and my imperfections for the first time in nearly 42 years!”

“I loved the way that self-compassion, mindfulness, kindness and the theories were explained and how this approach can be utilised personally and in a work situation. I have massively benefitted from the sessions.”

A diverse group of four people in the workplace, smiling and showing compassion.

What is meant by Self-Compassion?

Self-Compassion is described as giving ourselves the same kindness and treatment as we would give a good friend. It consists of three core components which are:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about recognising what we are thinking and feeling in the present moment without judgement rather than overreacting.

Self Kindness

Being supportive and understanding towards ourselves when we’re having a hard time, rather than being harshly self critical.

Common Humanity

Common Humanity is about remembering that everyone makes mistakes and experiences difficulties at time. We are not alone.

The power of Self-Compassion for Wellbeing

Research consistently shows that Self-Compassion is a powerful protective factor in a range of wellbeing indicators including mental health, stress and burnout. And it is positively associated with greater happiness, optimism and gratitude as well as better relationships with others.

Self-compassion is a tool we can use to authentically and sustainably develop our psychological resilience and improve our health and wellbeing.

Contact us to find out how we can help
Dr Amanda Super, founder of Creating Compassion and Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Executive Coach

About Dr Amanda Super

Our programmes have been created by Dr Amanda Super, a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Executive Coach, who is recognised as a leading expert in the development of self-compassion, compassionate leadership, and organisational compassion. Amanda has dedicated the past 25 years to positively impacting on the effectiveness and performance of individuals, teams and organisations by helping them to develop greater compassion for themselves and their colleagues as well as the people who use their services and the communities who the organisations serve. Throughout her career, she has worked with hundreds of senior executives, senior clinicians and leaders and managers at all levels with her evidence-based training, coaching and leadership development support.

Amanda founded her consultancy, in the North West of England, in 2009. She has worked extensively across the UK with individuals, teams and at organisational level with clients across the private, public, higher education and not-for-profit sectors.

Amanda is the author of ‘A Year of Self-Compassion’, which draws on her experiences to help individuals develop more self kindness, mindfulness and to use practical techniques to respond to difficult emotions with self-compassion.

Through our work, we wish to encourage and empower you to be a force for compassion in your family, workplace and community. It is our greatest hope to see the world become a kinder and more compassionate place. We wish you only well on your self-compassion journey.

Learn more about Amanda Super

Why Practice Self-Compassion?

Research shows that people who are more self-compassionate are

Happier

Practising self-compassion leads to more happiness, optimism, gratitude and better relationships with others

Less stressed
Self-compassion is a powerful antidote to the self-criticism and perfectionistic thinking that can lead to stress, anxiety and depression
More resilient

Self-compassionate people bounce back more easily from set-backs and are more likely to learn from their mistakes

Testimonials

Working with Amanda on the Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme was one of the most personally developmental programmes I have engaged with in a very long time.

Lisa Gresty (Assistant Director of Organisational Development)

Having completed the Self-Compassion at Work Programme, I found the four modules easy to access and concise and the content is user friendly, both personally and in terms of sharing the ideas presented with clients. I think this programme is necessary as part of a whole organisation approach to embedding compassion for self and others.

D. Joyce (CBT and EMDR Therapist -Accredited)

Creating Compassion has delivered a number of Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programmes within our organisation. The feedback from attendees has been extremely positive, with those completing the programme inspired to engage in a community of practice. We are very much looking forward to continue working with Creating Compassion to further support our workforce in leading with compassion.

Ruth Heggie (Head of Organisational Development, Learning and Culture)

In the current climate we work in these days, it is very important to think of having compassion for yourself as well, since so much is asked of us in relation to colleagues and our patients, it’s very easy to forget about our own wellbeing. The Self-Compassion at Work Programme has taught me to be kinder to myself.

Rosemary Okeke (Matron)

The Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme enabled me to take time out and focus on my own resilience; developed my coping mechanisms in challenging situations; and, as a consequence, be able to do the same for others.

Helen Curtis (Deputy Accountable Officer and Director of Quality and Performance)

Having attended the Self-Compassion at Work Programme I found the webinars very accessible and a good method to deliver this programme. I have found the tools and techniques have made a really big difference to me both at work and at home in terms of how I relate to myself and those around me.

Stephen Jenkins (Senior Engineer)

I would definitely recommend the Self-Compassion at Work Programme. I think this should be offered to everyone as part of an organisation’s responsibility for employee welfare and wellbeing. I think it could be used within team supervision to create a more caring atmosphere in my place of work and should form part of appraisals.

Charlie Jones-Taylor (Department Manager)

In terms of the Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme, the feedback has been so positive. Not only the evidenced increase in the participants’ Self-Compassion and Mental Wellbeing, but their personal feedback relating to the difference it has made for them is inspiring.

Ruth Barker (Head of HR)

The Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme gave me a range of self-compassion techniques to use both in work and my personal life, that I continue to use to this day. I would highly recommend this programme if you are seeking personal development and practical tools that you can use in a range of situations.

Safia Barber (Head of Research, Development and Innovation)

I would highly recommend the Self-Compassion at Work Programme. It has been valuable and has provided some useful tools. The format of this course was very flexible and worked well with having a young family.

Mohammed Khan (Project Manager)

The benefit I gained from the coaching sessions and exercises on the Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme made a huge difference to my life and work. Eight months on from starting, I am able to manage my stress levels to ensure I am balanced and happy at work and home.

Lee Bushell (Head of Capital Projects)

The Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme has given me the confidence and permission to be a compassionate leader when working with my direct reports and peers. It has been one of the best courses I have been on and has really changed me.

Rachel Bold (Department Manager)

Amanda’s Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme combined a wealth of Compassion Focused Therapy and Self-compassion research into simple theory webinars and practical, easy to follow exercises. Amanda embodies self-compassion; coaching and inspiring participants to develop their own personalised regular practice. The impact for me has been an enduring practice that has helped me to thrive and maintain my mental wellbeing through very turbulent times.

Jean Ellis (Programme Manager)

All the material on the Self-Compassion at Work Programme was very useful, and I was able to apply the knowledge straight away into my work and practice.

Mark James (Doctor)

The Self-Compassion at Work Programme was very inspiring and gave guided practices and practical tips about how to implement self-compassion into your everyday life - even with a busy schedule! It also opened my eyes to how critical and negative I was towards myself and started me on the journey towards a more content and happier self, which will make me a better professional too.

Lucy Rowe (Organisational Development Practitioner)

The Compassionate Leadership Coaching programme taught me so much that I thought I knew, but actually didn’t! Using the practices that Amanda taught me, I am certainly a more compassionate leader and will never again fail to consider others and my emotions when dealing with difficult workplace scenarios.

Ian Wright (Associate Director, Estates and Facilities Management)

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