Course curriculum

  • 1

    Compassion in Practice: Speaking to the heart of change

    • Welcome to Compassion in Practice
  • 2

    Module 1: What is Compassion?

    • Lesson 1: Definition of compassion

    • Lesson 2: Compassion vs empathy vs kindness vs sympathy

    • Lesson 3: Introducing the science of compassion

    • Lesson 4: Why compassion matters in society

    • Compassion in Practice Workbook: Module 1

  • 3

    Module 2: The Biology and Psychology of Compassion

    • Lesson 1: Brain systems behind care and threat

    • Lesson 2: Stress and compassion shutdown

    • Lesson 3: Compassion and wellbeing

    • Lesson 4: Compassion as cognitive construction

    • Compassion in Practice Workbook: Module 2
  • 4

    Module 3: Self-Compassion

    • Lesson 1: Self-criticism vs self-support

    • Lesson 2: Common humanity

    • Lesson 3: Emotional resilience

    • Lesson 4: Practicing self-compassion in real time

    • Compassion in Practice Workbook: Module 3
  • 5

    Module 4: Compassionate Awareness

    • Lesson 1: Attention and Awareness

    • Lesson 2: Understanding Emotions

    • Lesson 3: Staying Present with Suffering

    • Lesson 4: Curiosity Instead of Resistance

    • Compassion in Practice Workbook: Module 4
  • 6

    Module 5: Compassionate Communication

    • Lesson 1: Listening deeply

    • Lesson 2: Validating emotions

    • Lesson 3: Responding vs reacting

    • Lesson 4: Speaking with compassion during conflict

    • Compassion in Practice Workbook: Module 5

  • 7

    Module 6: Barriers to Compassion

    • Lesson 1: Bias and dehumanisation

    • Lesson 2: Burnout and compassion fatigue

    • Lesson 3: Fear, anger and moral judgement

    • Lesson 4: Overcoming barriers to compassion

    • Compassion in Practice - Module 6 Workbook
  • 8

    Module 7: Compassion in Action

    • Lesson 1: Compassion in personal relationships

    • Lesson 2: Compassion in workplaces and leadership

    • Lesson 3: Compassion in communities and society

    • Lesson 4: How compassion shapes our world

    • Compassion in Practice - Module 7 Workbook
  • 9

    Module 8: Compassionate Practice

    • Introduction: Why This Module Exists - Compassion fatigue isn't a sign you care too little

    • Lesson 1: Compassion in the Helping Relationship - The quality of your presence is the foundation of your practice.

    • Lesson 2: Holding Boundaries with Compassion - Clear limits are an act of care, not a withdrawal of it.

    • Lesson 3: The Rescuer Trap - When helping becomes about us, it stops being about them.

    • Lesson 4: Helping Clients Find Their Own Compassion - Your clients don't need you to give them compassion — they need you to help them find their own for themselves.

    • Compassion in Practice - Module 8 Workbook
  • 10

    Module 9: Closing and Interviews

    • Reflecting on Compassion

    • Interview with Dr Donna Hutchinson

    • Interview with Dr David Hamilton