Self-Compassion Development
Life and work are increasingly stressful and challenging for us all. Research shows that self-compassion is a protective factor in a wide range of wellbeing indicators, including psychological health. In fact, self-compassion training enables us to increase our emotional resilience and self-care. As occupational psychologists, we are particularly interested in how we can develop self-compassion in the workplace to assist with the daily challenges we all face and improve our health and wellbeing in our working lives.
Self-compassion is an entirely trainable skill. Developing this approach enables us to act more compassionately towards ourselves in moments of difficulty and to protect ourselves from harm. Our approach is based on understanding why we need self-compassion and how it can assist us in our daily lives and work. The benefits of adopting a self-compassionate approach are widely felt and act as the foundation for the authentic and sustainable compassion we are able to give others in all aspects of our lives. If you would like to develop your self-compassion, we are able to offer you the evidence-based Self-Compassion at Work Programme to assist.
Dr Amanda Super’s White Paper entitled ‘Improving Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace with Self-Compassion’ outlines her advanced approach in this critical and evolving field and is freely available to you. The paper also includes the findings of a research study that was conducted to test the Self-Compassion at Work Programme using a randomised waitlist control trial with a large sample of working professionals as well as the application of this unique programme in the workplace. Please use the download button below to access the White Paper.
Self-Compassion at Work Programme
This innovative user-friendly programme, delivered across four modules, is based on the latest academic literature, data and best practice in the field of self-compassion.
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
I recently took part in the Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme and was taken aback at how Amanda was able to tap into my inner emotions and found myself opening up to co-participating work colleagues. Her understanding of the workplace and personal pressures that I talked about was simply amazing. The course taught me so much that I thought I knew, but actually didn’t. Using the practices that Amanda has 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)
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. Thank you!
Lucy Rowe (Organisational Development Practitioner)
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)
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)
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)
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)
All the material presented 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)
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. As an Organisational Development Team, 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)
Attending 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. Thank you.
Rachel Bold (Department Manager)
In terms of the Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme that we offered leaders across the organisation, the feedback has been so positive. Not only the evidenced increase in the participants’ Self-Compassion and Mental Wellbeing, having completed the programme, their personal feedback relating to the difference it has made for them is inspiring.
Ruth Barker (Head of HR)
I attended the Compassionate Leadership Coaching Programme which has given me a range of self-compassion techniques to use both in work and my personal life, that I continue to use to this day. Amanda was great at facilitating the programme, creating a safe space and allowing open discussion with other members of the group. I would highly recommend this programme if you are seeking personal development and practical tools that you can use in a range of situations. Thank-you Amanda!
Safia Barber (Head of Research, Development and Innovation)
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)
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)
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 the programme, I am able to manage my stress levels to ensure I am balanced and happy at work and home. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the programme.
Lee Bushell (Head of Capital Projects)
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)