COMPASSIONCULTIVATION

TRAINING

Development of CCT

• Author: Geshe Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D.• Contributors:

Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D.*Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D.*Margaret Cullen, M.F.T.*Philippe M. Goldin, Ph.D.Wiveka Ramel, Ph.D.

* CCT senior teachers

WHAT IS COMPASSION?

What is Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)?

A secular course that provides learners with tools that may assist in strengthening compassion for others and for oneself

• Meditation• Daily prompts and exercises• Sharing with co-participants

CCT Aim

• To be more aware of and connected to our compassionate nature.

• To avoid responses of negative excessive judgment.

How?

• 8/9-week session of classes; 2 hours/week• Daily home meditation practices (with

recordings)• Informal practices

Class Structure

• Opening practice:– Intention setting– Settling mind

• Checking in on home practice/discussion• Pedagogy (around weekly theme)• Exercises (e.g., in dyads)• Formal meditation practice• Closing Gesture

A Progression of Skills

Settling the mind Opening the heart

Cultivating connection Active compassion

8 WEEK TRAINING

8 WEEK TRAINING

Training in the 3 Elements of Compassion

• Extending L/K Compassion for Others• Receiving L/K Compassion from Others• Self-Compassion and L/K

Instructor Training Program

• Three academic courses at Stanford:Science of CompassionPhilosophical Perspectives on CompassionClinical and Teaching Perspectives• Three Residential Retreats• Three Quarters of Small Group supervision• Supervised Practicum

Gonzalo Brito

What is Different about CCT?

• A major focus on relationships– With others (patients, family members, other staff)– With oneself – self-compassion, receiving compassion

• Adaptations of a well-tested course to different populations– Cancer survivors– Veterans with PTSD– Stanford students– Healthcare professionals

CCT

Jazaieri et al 2012