G013 | An Hour with Dr Stan Steindl, what is Compassion Focused Therapy?

Dr Stan Steindl shares his wisdom on Compassion Focused Therapy in conversation with Manaan. The talk provides a broad overview of what CFT entails including little nuances that you can introduce in your practice today.

Stan is a Clinical Psychologist, respected author of books on compassion, Ted ex speaker and an amazing  educator of both Motivational Interviewing and Compassion Focused Therapy. Above all he is a kind and humble person to whom you can listen to for hours. 

Have a think about how you may incorporate some of Stan's advice into your daily compassion practice:

• Compassion towards others
• Receiving compassion from others
• Self compassion

Connect with Assoc Prof Manaan Kar Ray on Linkedin
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Transcript

Compassion in the Heart of Care: A Conversation with Dr. Stan Steindl

In a world where the demands on healthcare staff are relentless, nurturing self-compassion becomes essential. In this episode of the Protect Suicide Prevention Podcast, Dr. Manaan Kar Ray engages with Dr. Stan Steindl, a leading expert in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), to explore how compassion can transform staff welfare and well-being.

Compassion in a T-Shirt: Making Compassion Accessible

Dr. Steindl, known for his YouTube channel and podcast "Compassion in a T-Shirt," emphasizes the importance of making compassion approachable. “Compassion sometimes gets misunderstood as 'woo-woo' or self-pity,” he notes, highlighting the need to convey it in plain, practical language. In the world of mental health care, compassion is often seen as a complex, highbrow concept. However, Stan's work focuses on demystifying it, framing compassion in everyday terms.

Navigating the Tricky Brain: Understanding CFT

Compassion-Focused Therapy, as Dr. Steindl describes, integrates evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and neuroscience to understand the human mind. At the heart of CFT is the "tricky brain"—the evolved mind that includes the threat, drive, and soothing systems. Dr. Kar Ray and Dr. Steindl delve into how these systems interact, especially for healthcare staff often caught in a cycle of threat-based drive states. This cycle can manifest as perfectionism, anxiety, and burnout.

Self-Criticism: The Silent Burden on Healthcare Staff

A core theme in the discussion is self-criticism. Dr. Steindl points out that healthcare professionals often hold high standards for themselves, leading to a harsh internal voice. Compassion-Focused Therapy offers a pathway to soften this voice, shifting the focus from blame to responsibility. As Dr. Kar Ray reflects, the self-criticism ingrained in medical training often lingers, making self-compassion challenging.

The Three Flows of Compassion: A Balancing Act

Compassion flows in three directions: towards others, from others, and toward oneself. Dr. Steindl emphasizes that many healthcare professionals find it easier to offer compassion to others than to receive it or direct it inward. Yet, the lack of self-compassion can contribute to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Guided by CFT, healthcare staff can learn to balance these flows, creating an environment where they can provide care without neglecting their well-being.

Guided Discovery: Awakening the Compassionate Self

How can staff become more self-compassionate? Dr. Steindl and Dr. Kar Ray discuss guided discovery—a central technique in CFT. This process involves exploring memories and examples of compassion, identifying the tone, behaviors, and emotions associated with compassionate moments. For healthcare workers, recalling instances when they offered or received compassion can help embody the compassionate self.

The Power of Tone: Small Gestures, Big Impact

Dr. Steindl emphasizes the significance of tone. Compassion is not just in what is said, but in how it is communicated. A shift in tone, even during routine interactions, can foster a sense of warmth and safeness. Dr. Kar Ray adds that integrating compassion into small acts—like a brief conversation or a comforting gesture—can deepen rapport and promote relational safety in clinical practice.

Soothing the System: Moving from Threat to Calm

For those entrenched in the "threat system," a key objective of CFT is to activate the "soothing system." The soothing system, fueled by affiliation, nurturance, and connection, can help staff find calm amidst their demanding roles. Dr. Steindl outlines practical techniques, such as soothing rhythm breathing and compassionate imagery, to facilitate this shift.

Self-Compassion in Practice: A Pathway to Sustainable Care

By incorporating self-compassion into their lives, healthcare staff can prevent burnout and foster resilience. Dr. Steindl encourages a mindset of “It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.” This dialectical approach acknowledges the challenges of healthcare work while highlighting the opportunity to cultivate compassion as an internal resource.

The Small Acts that Matter: Compassion in Everyday Life

The conversation closes with a powerful reminder: compassion need not be grand. Small, mindful actions can profoundly impact well-being. Whether it’s a tone of voice, a brief expression of care, or allowing oneself to receive compassion, these small gestures create ripples of change in staff welfare.

A Call to Action: Embodying Compassion for Ourselves

Dr. Steindl’s insights reveal a crucial element of staff well-being: the need to nurture our own compassion. As healthcare professionals navigate the complexities of their work, CFT offers a framework to practice self-compassion, creating a balanced, sustainable approach to care. By embodying compassion in small ways, staff can cultivate a deeper connection to their own well-being and the patients they serve.