Compassion in a T-Shirt
Compassion in a T-Shirt explores the science and practice of compassion. Host Dr Stan Steindl offers clear, practical advice on cultivating compassion and self-compassion, drawing on experts in the field. The podcast is designed to help listeners through life's difficulties. Featured guests have included Paul Gilbert, Terri Moyers, James Doty, Deirdre Fay, Chris Germer, Kristin Neff, Marcela Matos, and James Kirby.
Episodes
Happiness at Work Is a Human Right | Daniela Jinés
What if happiness at work isn’t a perk, but something much more fundamental?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with organisational happiness and wellbeing strategist Daniela Jinés about what it really means to be happy at work — and why happiness, compassion and human performance may be much more closely connected than we realise.Daniela shares her remarkable journey from law and
Chris Irons Discussing the "Third Arrow" of Shame
Why do painful experiences sometimes spiral into shame and harsh self-criticism?In this excerpt from my conversation with clinical psychologist Dr Chris Irons, we explore a powerful idea in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): the Third Arrow. Building on the traditional Buddhist teaching of the Two Arrows, Chris explains how Paul Gilbert recognised an additional layer of suffering that many of us ex
How Self-Compassion Can Change Your Life | Clarissa Rayward
I think this interview speaks to anyone who has ever wondered whether success has come at too great a cost.After building a successful legal career, Clarissa Rayward reached a point where she dreaded driving to work. Rather than walking away from the profession she loved, she chose a different path—one that led her to rethink success, embrace self-compassion, and ultimately create Happy Lawyer Hap
Reflective Listening: The Magic Mirror of Compassionate Listening
What if the most powerful listening skill isn't asking better questions—but making better reflections?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr. Stan Steindl explores one of the core skills of compassionate communication: reflective listening. Drawing on Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and the work of Carl Rogers, you'll learn how reflections help people feel
Better Listening Starts With Better Questions
Most of us think good listening means staying quiet. But great listeners do something else as well—they ask better questions.When someone is struggling, it's natural to want to offer advice, share our own experience, or tell them what we think they should do. But what if, instead of giving another answer, we asked another question?In this episode, I explore one of the most powerful listening skill
Listening Without Fixing: Why Advice Often Backfires
The more I tried to help, the less effective I sometimes became.It sounds backwards, but years ago I discovered that the harder I pushed with advice, solutions, or persuasion, the more resistance I often encountered. That experience led me to one of the most important lessons I've learned as a psychologist: sometimes the most compassionate thing we can do is stop trying to fix and start trying to
The Three Circles Model Put to the Test | Dylan Moloney-Gibb
Can we actually measure the Three Circles Model? And if we can, what does that tell us about what's happening in our brains, bodies, and emotions?For years, the Three Circles Model has been one of the central ideas in Compassion Focused Therapy, helping therapists and clients make sense of threat, drive, and soothing. But until recently, it had never really been tested scientifically.In this episo
How to Listen Better: 7 Skills of Compassionate Listening
Most of us think listening is easy. But if we're honest, we often listen with the intention to reply, advise, fix, persuade, or tell our own story.In this follow-up to my recent episode on listening as compassion, I explore what compassionate listening actually looks like in practice. Drawing on ideas from compassion-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and the work of Carl Rogers, I share
Why Listening Is the Most Powerful Act of Compassion
After the unexpected death of a dear friend, I found myself doing what many of us do when faced with grief. I tried to stay strong. I tried to carry on. But it wasn't until I sat around a campfire with friends—sharing memories, expressing sadness, and listening to one another—that something began to shift.That experience got me thinking about listening.In a world increasingly shaped by social medi
Teacher Burnout, Stress Contagion & Self-Compassion | Dr Rita Princi-Hubbard
Teacher burnout doesn't just affect teachers—it affects students too.In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr Stan Steindl speaks with Clinical Psychologist, educator, researcher, and founder of the Institute for Neuroscience and Education, Dr Rita Princi-Hubbard, about compassionate pedagogy, teacher wellbeing, and the fascinating ways stress and emotional regulation can flow between teache
Therapist Burnout & the Fixer Mindset | Tania Kalkidis
What if therapist burnout isn’t a personal failure, but a consequence of how we train psychologists to relate to themselves?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Tania Kalkidis about therapist burnout, the pressure to “fix” clients, and how modern mental health systems can unintentionally reinforce shame, perfectionism, emotional disconn
Should Therapists be More Human? | Glenn Roberts
How personal should therapists be?Should helping professionals maintain emotional distance — or is genuine human connection part of what makes therapy healing?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with consultant psychiatrist, writer, and editor Dr Glenn Roberts about one of the most important questions in therapy, psychiatry, and helping work: how much of ourselves should we bring i
Compassion Is More Than Just Soothing
What if the opposite of threat isn’t relaxation… but safeness?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr Stan Steindl explores a powerful and often misunderstood idea from Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT): the soothing-affiliative system.Many people think compassion is simply about calming down, relaxing, or “down-regulating” stress. But drawing on Professor Paul Gilbert’s recent writing, Stan
Hope, Compassion & Motivational Interviewing | Denise Ernst
How do we find hope in the current global landscape?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with psychologist and motivational interviewing trainer Denise Ernst for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about hope — what it is, where it comes from, and why it may be one of the most important yet under-discussed elements of motivational interviewing.Denise describes hope not sim
Self-Criticism, Shame & Compassion From the Inside | Chris Irons
What happens inside your mind when you wake up irritable frustrated…and then start criticising yourself for it?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with clinical psychologist and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) expert Dr Chris Irons for a reflective, inside-out conversation on shame, self-criticism, and how compassion actually shows up in real life.We begin with a simple but, I
How Self-Compassion Can Help After Online Sexual Harm | Eve da Silva
What happens when shame keeps someone silent?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with clinical psychologist Dr Eve da Silva about the often hidden impact of online sexual harm — and how shame, self-criticism, and secrecy can leave young people feeling isolated and unable to seek help.Eve shares how her clinical work in CBT began to uncover a pattern: clients presenting with anxiety
Psychological Flexibility, Self-Criticism & Elite Performance | Toby Jenkins
What really drives elite performance — discipline, self-criticism, or something deeper? In this episode, I explore psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and high performance with Olympian Toby Jenkins.In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Toby Jenkins — Olympian, entrepreneur, speaker, and coach — to explore leadership, high performance, and the inner world that shapes
Why We Self-Sabotage (It’s Not What You Think) | Charlie Heriot-Maitland
Why do we self-sabotage, criticise ourselves, or even create chaos in our own lives — sometimes right when things matter most?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr Charlie Heriot-Maitland to explore his powerful new book Controlled Explosions in Mental Health. Together, we unpack a surprising and compassionate idea: that many of the things we struggle
Discovering Compassion in Therapy | Tiffany Luxford
What is it like to encounter Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for the very first time — not in a textbook, but in a real clinical service, working with people whose threat systems are truly activated?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Tiffany Luxford, an undergraduate psychology student working at the Anxiety Disorders Residential Unit at the South London and Maudsley NHS
How Compassion Really Works (And How to Train It) | Paul Condon
What if compassion isn’t just something we feel—but something we can train?In this conversation, I sit down with social psychologist Associate Professor Paul Condon to explore his new book How Compassion Works (with John Makransky) and their evidence-based approach to Sustainable Compassion Training (SCT).We dive into a powerful idea: that we already have an innate capacity for love, compassion, a
Student Burnout, Self-Criticism & Kindness | Elaine Beaumont
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with psychotherapist Dr Elaine Beaumont to explore the growing pressures facing young adults — especially university students — and how self-criticism, shame, and burnout are shaping their mental health.We discuss how social media, comparison, and constant connectivity are impacting young people’s inner worlds, and why kindness may be a powerf
Meditation Progress & Pitfalls: What Really Happens Over Time | Dr Lillian Ward
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with Dr Lillian Ward from the Contemplative Studies Centre at the University of Melbourne about what “progress” in meditation really looks like beyond beginner programs — including the positive changes people hope for and the genuine challenges that can arise along the way.Meditation is often promoted for its benefits, such as improved wellbeing,
Healthcare Burnout, Moral Injury & Self-Compassion | Caragh Behan & Brendan Kelly
Compassion in healthcare is more than a value statement — it is a clinical skill, a leadership stance, and a systemic responsibility. In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with psychiatrist Caragh Behan (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) and Professor Brendan Kelly (Trinity College Dublin) about burnout, moral injury, empathy fatigue, and how to make compassion real in modern evi
Compassionate Leadership and Burnout Recovery at Work | Natalia Sarro
What if burnout isn’t a personal failure — but a cultural signal?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with Natalia Sarro, an Argentinian psychologist based in Barcelona, Compassion Focused Therapy practitioner, and the first certified Spanish-speaking instructor with the Center for Compassionate Leadership.Natalia shares how her own identity became deeply tied to performance — and h
Menopause and Mental Health: How Self-Compassion Builds Resilience | Lydia Brown
Menopause is one of the most significant transitions in a woman’s life — and yet it’s often ignored, misunderstood, or reduced to stereotypes about hormones and hot flushes. But menopause is not just biological. It’s psychological. It affects sleep, mood, identity, relationships, work, and wellbeing.In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with Dr Lydia Brown, Senior Lecturer in Psychol
Team Compassion at Work: Psychological Safety & Better Outcomes | Helena Nguyen
Have you ever worked in a team where something went wrong — and you could feel the difference between blame and support?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr Stan Steindl speaks with Professor Helena Nguyen about workplace compassion as a team- and organisation-level capability, not just an individual trait.Interest in compassion at work has grown rapidly — driven by burnout, faster and l
What Is Equanimity and Why It Matters Now | Margaret Cullen
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Margaret Cullen, a licensed psychotherapist and one of the true pioneers of bringing mindfulness and compassion into mainstream psychology, healthcare, and community settings.Margaret was among the first teachers certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, has taught internationally for decades, and spent over 30 years supporting peopl
Using Motivational Interviewing to Create Change With Families | Doug Smith
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Douglas Smith, Professor of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Director of the Center for Prevention Research and Development, and a long-standing member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.Doug and I explore his 2025 book Motivational Interviewing with Families, which re-imagines how Motivationa
Exploring Life’s Little Secrets and Compassion | Emma Waddington & Chris McCurry
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by psychologists, writers, and podcasters Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry, the voices behind the podcast Life’s Little Secrets.Emma and Chris and I talk about how they first met and began working together, what drew them into collaboration, and how a shared curiosity about the inner lives of humans led to the creation of Life’s Little Secret
Beneath Coping: Modes, Vulnerability, and the Healthy Adult | Rob Brockman
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Rob Brockman, clinical psychologist, Schema Therapy practitioner, supervisor, and trainer.This is not a beginner’s introduction to Schema Therapy. Instead, Rob and I take a deeper, more nuanced look at how Schema Therapy understands the mind through modes — the vulnerable, angry, detached, critical, and healthy states we move in and out of
Self-Neglect, Burnout, and a Compassionate Path to Thriving | Hayley Quinn
In this returning conversation on Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m delighted to welcome back Dr Hayley D Quinn for a thoughtful and very grounded exploration of self-neglect, burnout, and what it really means to live with compassion.Hayley is a former clinical psychologist, wellbeing coach, author, and host of the Welcome to Self® podcast. She’s also the past president of Compassionate Mind Australia,
Bend, Don’t Break: The Power of Psychological Flexibility | Ross G. White
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Professor Ross G. White — clinical psychologist, researcher, and author of The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive. Together, we explore what it really means to live well in high-pressure, high-performance cultures, and why psychological flexibility may be one of the most important skills for thriving rather than burnin
When Compassion Comes Alive in Groups | Derek Griner
In the final guest interview of 2025, I’m joined by someone whose work has profoundly shaped the way we think about compassion, connection, and healing in groups: Dr Derek Griner, Clinical Professor and Associate Training Director in Counseling Psychology at Brigham Young University.Derek is one of the leading voices in developing Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for groups, co-authoring the CFT P
You Are Not Your Trauma: Healing with ACT and Compassion | Robyn Walser
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by someone whose work I’ve admired from afar for a very long time – Dr Robyn D. Walser.Robyn is a clinical psychologist, Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services, and on staff at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.
Why We Resist Change And How Compassion Helps | Patrick Berthiaume
Have you ever felt torn between a part of you that wants to change and a part that absolutely doesn’t? Or felt “held hostage” by a critical inner voice telling you what you should be doing? In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with my dear friend and motivational interviewing trainer, Patrick Berthiaume, to explore ambivalence, discord, and how compassion can transform both our r
Self-Criticism’s Hidden Role And Why Compassion Matters | Mary Welford
Join me on Compassion in a T-Shirt as I sit down with clinical psychologist, author, and CFT pioneer Dr Mary Welford for a rich and surprising conversation about self-criticism — what it is, why we do it, and the unexpected functions it serves.Mary reflects on her early journey into Compassion Focused Therapy, including the profound influence of Professor Paul Gilbert’s work on shame and self-crit
IFS Explained: Compassion, Parts, and the Self | Megan Buys
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Sydney-based psychotherapist Megan Buys to explore the rich and evolving world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Megan recently published a landmark paper, Exploring the Evidence for Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Scoping Review of Current Research, Gaps, and Future Directions, in Clinical Psychologist—the first comprehensive
How Compassion Can Save Your Relationship | Michelle Becker
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Michelle Becker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, international teacher, and co-founder of the Wise Compassion Program. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from certified public accountant to compassion-focused therapist, and how that path led her to create the groundbreaking Compassion for Couples program.We explore how compa
Do Men Really Need Therapy? Let’s Talk About It | Audra Horney
In this episode, I sit down with Dr Audra Horney, a licensed psychologist from Arizona, USA, who specialises in men’s mental health. Audra brings a refreshing mix of humour, honesty, and deep compassion to her work, helping men feel that therapy is a place where they truly belong.We explore how to make therapy relevant, comfortable, and safe for men — and what happens when men start to connect wit
EFT Tapping for Self-Compassion and Healing | Carol Look
What if healing emotional pain could start with the simple act of tapping? In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Carol Look, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and pioneering EFT Master, for an inspiring conversation about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), psychotherapy, and gratitude. Carol shares her journey from traditional psychotherapy to discover
Harm Reduction or Tough Love? Why Compassion Works | Dee-Dee Stout
What if compassion, not punishment, was at the heart of how we respond to drug use?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr. Stan Steindl welcomes Dee-Dee Stout, a renowned counselor, educator, and leading advocate for harm reduction. Dee-Dee discusses her groundbreaking book Coming to Harm Reduction Kicking and Screaming, which shares powerful stories of people who use drugs and the familie
Are You Feeling Too Much? The Hidden Cost of Empathy at Work | Tanya Cooper
Is your empathy helping you—or wearing you down?If you’re in a helping profession, this conversation will speak to your heart and your nervous system.In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr. Stan Steindl speaks with Tanya Cooper, a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist, Motivational Interviewing trainer, and longtime member of MINT. With over 25 years of experience, Tanya offers profound in
What Decades of Parenting Stories Taught Me About Humanity | Shevonne Hunt
What if parenting wasn’t just about raising children—but also about becoming more human yourself?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I speak with Shevonne Hunt—presenter, producer, writer, and longtime champion of human stories. Shevonne shares her journey from radio and Kinderling Conversation to creating the podcast A Better World Blueprint, a show that offers hope, insight, and inspirat
How to Have Compassionate Conversations That Heal | Stephen Andrew
What does it take to have a truly compassionate conversation—one that heals, connects, and even bridges deep divides?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Stephen Andrew—a seasoned therapist, trainer, storyteller, and the warm, wise voice behind the podcast Conversations in Compassion. Based in Portland, Maine, Stephen has spent decades working with
What Psychological Safety Really Means | Majella Greene
What if the greatest act of courage in a group is creating the psychological safety for all to have a voice?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Majella Greene—social worker, therapist, trainer, and thought leader in psychological safety. We explore what it really means to create spaces where people can show up authentically, speak openly, and feel safe enough to take risks,
How to Embody Mindfulness and Compassion | Rebecca Crane
What does it really mean to teach mindfulness with integrity, compassion, and care?In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Professor Rebecca Crane — a true pioneer in the field of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and director of the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at Bangor University. Together, we explore the heart of MBCT: where it came from, what makes
Can We Stop Violence with Compassion? | Ken McMaster
Can we hold people accountable and meet them with compassion?In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with my friend and colleague Ken McMaster, a social worker, trainer, author, and founder of HMA in Aotearoa New Zealand. Ken has spent over four decades working at the frontline of domestic and family violence intervention, and brings a wealth of insigh
Eating Disorder Recovery: Brain, Body, Soul | Warren Ward and Lexi Crouch
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with psychiatrist Dr Warren Ward and clinical nutritionist and recovery coach Lexi Crouch—co-authors of the new book Renourish, a compassionate, three-phase guide to eating disorder recovery.Together, they explore the brain, body, and soul of recovery:. Dr Ward unpacks the neuroscience of brain starvation, the cultural roots of the eating diso
Why Tough Love Doesn’t Work for Hoarding | Chia-Ying Chou
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr. Stan Steindl sits down with Dr. Chia-Ying Chou, a UCSF-trained psychologist and leading specialist in hoarding and cluttering. Chia-Ying combines Compassion Focused Therapy with years of clinical and research expertise to help people move beyond shame, self-criticism, and avoidance.Together, we explore:. What hoarding really is — beyond just “too muc
Why Compassionate Leaders Succeed | Gabriela Jones & Alexandra Thomas
What if the most powerful question a leader could ask was: “How can I best be helpful?”In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Gabriela Jones and Alexandra Thomas, co-authors of the compelling new book Compassion-Focused Leadership. Nominated for HR Book of the Year in Sweden, their work explores how compassion—defined as empathy in action—can transform leadership, organisations,
The Secret Ingredient to a Meaningful Life | Jenna LeJeune
What does it mean to live a good life—and how do we find our way there, even through pain?In this deeply thoughtful and delightfully down-to-earth conversation, I’m joined by clinical psychologist, ACT trainer, and author Dr. Jenna LeJeune, co-author of Values in Therapy. Together, we explore how reconnecting with our values—those freely chosen ways of being—can guide us toward a life that tr
Midlife, Burnout and Coming Home to Yourself | Shannon Swales
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined once again by Clinical Psychologist, writer, and podcast host Shannon A Swales. Shannon is the founder of Burnout Psychology Support, host of the Midlife Reclaimed podcast, and author of Nothing Left to Give: A Psychologist’s Path Back from Burnout.Shannon first appeared on the channel on 15 July 2023, where she shared
How Compassion Can Transform Schools | With Ashley Seidel Potvin
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Dr Ashley Seidel Potvin—educator, researcher, and lead author of the truly important book Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities: Leading Together to Address Everyday Suffering in Schools.Ashley brings such depth and heart to this conversation, drawing on her work at the Renée Crown Wellness Institut
Living with IBD, Healing with Compassion | Dr Inês Trindade
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I’m joined by Dr Inês Trindade from Örebro University in Sweden—an accomplished researcher in compassion, self-compassion, acceptance and commitment therapy, and health psychology.Together, we explore the psychological toll of living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and how self-compassion can act as a protective force against depression, anxiety,
How to Energise Your Life with Mindfulness and Positive Thinking | Nicola O’Neill
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Nicola O’Neill — a transformational mindset coach, spiritual teacher, and founder of a unique training program that helps people harness the power of thought to create meaningful, lasting change.Nicola shares her own personal journey of overcoming significant life challenges — from financial hardship to emotional distress — and how she us
Can AI Be More Compassionate Than Humans? | Michael Inzlicht
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Professor Michael Inzlicht from the University of Toronto and the Rotman School of Management to explore a question that feels both inspiring and unsettling: Can a machine be more compassionate than a human?Michael’s recent study, Third-Party Evaluators Perceive AI as More Compassionate than Expert Humans, found that people consistently r
Mobilising Compassion at the Edge of Therapeutic Opportunity | Kate Lucre
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Dr Kate Lucre — a remarkable psychotherapist, group specialist, climber, and author of Compassion Focused Group Psychotherapy.Kate shares how she works with people often labelled “too difficult” or “untreatable”, offering hope and healing to those at the edges of therapeutic opportunity. We talk about how her lifelong love of drama, actin
Reclaim Your Inner Freedom | Emma Seppälä
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Dr Emma Seppälä—clinical psychologist, researcher, and author of Sovereign: Reclaim Your Freedom, Energy, and Power in a Time of Distraction, Uncertainty, and Chaos.Emma’s work offers such a powerful and timely message: that even in the midst of modern chaos and overwhelm, we can reclaim a deep sense of inner freedom. In our conversation,
The shame is not for survivors to carry | Lisa McLean
"The shame is not for survivors to carry."[From the archive, this episode first aired on YouTube on 11 April 2021.]Dr Lisa McLean is a psychologist in private practice at Ocean Psychology, Sunshine Coast, Australia who provides support to adults across a wide range of mental health and other life concerns. Lisa offers a safe, warm, and compassionate space where clients are empowered to create posi
How One Hashtag Built a Global Compassion Community | Chris Winson
In this special episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Chris Winson, the heart and soul behind the beloved #365DaysOfCompassion initiative.For over eight years, Chris has cultivated a digital refuge for those drawn to compassion-focused ideas—sharing daily posts, uplifting articles, music, memes, and his beautifully curated monthly reflections. What began as a hashtag on Twitter bloss
Compassion-based approaches to working with grief | Darcy Harris
Professor Darcy L Harris currently works at Kings University College/Western University in the Department of Thanatology. Darcy does research in Grief, Bereavement, Non-Death Loss and Grief, and Compassion-based approaches in care settings. She has written and taught extensively in the field, and is doing some wonderful initiatives to integrate grief work with compassion focused therapy.TIMESTAMPS
Psych With Cancer: Turning Suffering Into Something Good | Glynn Chambers
In this deeply moving episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I reconnect with my old friend and colleague, Glynn Chambers—a psychologist based in Bendigo, Australia—who shares his raw and personal journey through cancer.Glynn speaks with honesty, insight, and even humour about his diagnosis, the emotional rollercoaster that followed, and what it means to live with uncertainty. He reflects on how he’s
The Thread of Compassion: A Journey Through Time and Humanity
What if compassion has always been with us—quietly guiding humanity through every age?In this video essay, I take you on a journey through time, exploring how compassion, kindness, and helpfulness have been understood and expressed by some of the world’s most influential thinkers, spiritual teachers, psychologists, and storytellers.From Aristotle and Confucius to Julian of Norwich and the Dalai La
Mindfulness, Compassion, and Addiction Recovery | Sarah Bowen
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Dr Sarah Bowen—clinical psychologist, Associate Professor at Pacific University in Oregon, and one of the co-developers of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP).I first met Sarah back in 2011 at the Joshua Tree Retreat Centre during an MBRP facilitator training. That experience had a lasting impact on me—d
Giving voice to compassion for new mothers | Michelle Cree, Ashleigh McLellan & Sam Norbury
What happens when a groundbreaking psychological resource is reimagined for the ears and hearts of new mothers?In this heartfelt episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, Dr. Stan Steindl explores the intersection of psychology, creativity, and compassion with three remarkable women: Michelle Cree, author of The Compassionate Mind Approach to Postnatal Depression; Ashleigh McLellan, the driving force be
Facing life's difficulties with compassion and courage | Elli Tholouli
"I'm trying to help people connect with their caring part, their caring motivation. 'I want to try this because it is going to help me, or help me to be with others,' rather than, 'I need to get rid of my anxiety.'" Elli Tholouli is a psychologist specializing in compassion focused therapy and compassionate mind training at www.compassioncentre.gr in Athens, Greece. She is an active member of the
How Compassion Heals from the Inside Out | Michaela Swee
In this heartfelt and enlightening conversation, I sit down with Dr Michaela Swee—a board-certified clinical psychologist, clinical investigator at McLean Hospital, and faculty member at Harvard Medical School. Michaela brings together deep scientific insight, clinical wisdom, and a personal story of transformation: from aspiring actress to a leader in trauma-informed, compassion-focused care.We e
Bringing compassion to leadership and organisations | Colleen Marshall
Colleen Marshall, LMFT, is Vice President of Clinical Care at Two Chairs, an organisation "building a world where everyone has access to exceptional mental health care." They provide therapy in-person and virtually in California, Florida, and Washington State, USA. Colleen is also a longstanding member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), having served leadership roles as p
The Art of Human Connection | Helen Mentha
What does it really mean to be someone good to talk to?In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Helen Mentha—clinical psychologist, specialist trainer, and author of Someone Good to Talk To. With decades of experience across mental health, addiction, healthcare, and corporate leadership, Helen shares her wisdom on what makes conversations truly healing and transformational.We expl
Mindful self-compassion for teens | Karen Bluth
As a follow on from last Friday's episode with Dr Lolly Hernandez about the psychological effects of boarding school, today's episode features a conversation with Dr Karen Bluth first published on YouTube on 26 April 2024.Karen Bluth, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A seasoned classroom educator, Dr. Bluth is now on
The Hidden Psychological Impact of Boarding Schools | Lolly Hernandez
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr Lolly Hernandez to explore the profound and often hidden psychological legacy of boarding school. Drawing on her powerful research involving over 600 adult participants, Lolly shares insights into how boarding school experiences shape compassion, self-criticism, and attachment well into adulthood.Together, we unpa
How to become safely embodied | Deirdre Fay
"What happened to me and how can I put myself back together again?”This episode is taken from Parts 1 and 2 YouTube videos published in June/July 2021.Deirdre Fay, MSW, LICSW, integrates trauma and attachment theory with yoga and meditation in embodiment. She is the founder of the Becoming Safely Embodied Skills, maintains a private practice working with individuals and groups, and presents around
Bringing Compassion to Life Through Movement | Adam Lacey
Can compassion be moved? In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Adam Lacey — a Counselling Psychologist and accredited T’ai Chi Chih teacher from Oxfordshire, UK — to explore a truly embodied path to compassion.T’ai Chi Chih is a gentle, mindful movement practice designed to cultivate Chi (intrinsic energy) and nurture wellbeing. But more than that, as Adam beautifully explain
What is compassion if it doesn't include all sentient beings? | Jamie Woodhouse
In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, first aired on YouTube on 9 October 2022, I interview Jamie Woodhouse from Sentientism.info and the Sentientism Podcast. From his website:"Sentientism is a philosophy or worldview – a way of thinking about what’s real and what matters. Sentientists use evidence and reason to work out what to believe in, so don’t hold supernatural beliefs. Sentientists al
Can Compassion Fix Politics? | Matt Hawkins
What if compassion wasn’t just a personal virtue, but the foundation of our politics, institutions, and societies?In this powerful and timely conversation, I speak with Matt Hawkins, CEO of the Global Compassion Coalition and co-founder of Compassion in Politics, about reimagining our world through the lens of compassion. Together, we explore what it means to embed empathy, fairness, and care into
Can compassion help narcissism? | Ruth Ann Harpur
Dr Ruth Ann Harpur is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in relationships and issues of narcissism, and helping people and couples to develop compassionate, strong relationships with themselves and each other. She is passionate about how important relationships are in how we navigate the demands and challenges of life, with people often repeating familiar patterns in relationships that may not s
How Compassion Transforms Health | Sarah Ann Macklin
What does it really mean to live well and be well?In this inspiring episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Sarah Ann Macklin—registered nutritional scientist, health journalist, founder of the Be Well Collective, and host of the acclaimed podcast Live Well Be Well. Sarah brings science and compassion together in a powerful and refreshingly human way.We explore her personal journey fro
The Power of Compassionate Coaching | Kathryn Wiseman & Aly Layt
What does it mean to live a brave, strong, and fulfilled life? In this inspiring episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I'm joined by the dynamic duo Kathryn Wiseman—former GP turned soulful life coach—and Aly Layt, neurocoach and founder of Bbrave Bstrong. Together, we explore what it takes to step into your values, face fear with courage, and create a life filled with intention and authenticity.Hea
Introducing therapeutic humour (& how it relates to compassion) | Lodge McCammon & Mallori DeSalle
In this video, I experience the practice of therapeutic humour under the kind and wise guidance of Mallori DeSalle and Dr Lodge McCammon. They demonstrate some warm up exercises, therapeutic exercises, and we have a lot of laughs! It was also interesting to consider how therapeutic humour might relate to compassion and self-compassion, as well as in the practice of compassion focused therapy (CFT)
5 surprising ways psychometric tools unlock the power of self-compassion | Ben Buchanan
Can data help us become more self-compassionate? In this thought-provoking episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Clinical Psychologist and NovoPsych co-founder Dr. Ben Buchanan to explore how psychometric tools—yes, those questionnaires we can sometimes overlook—can actually deepen our understanding of self-compassion.Together, we unpack five surprising ways these tools can uncover b
