COMPASSION

CULTIVATION 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?
RECOGNITION OF SUFFERING

A WILLINGNESS TO ACT

FEELING OF CONCERN & CONNECTION

A DESIRE TO RELIEVE SUFFERING

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

L/K Loving Compassion Mindfulness/S Compassion Kindness for for Self ettling the for Loved Self Mind One

8 WEEK TRAINING

Shared Common Humanity

L/K Active Compassio Compassion n for Others

Integrated Compassion

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 Compassion Philosophical Perspectives on Compassion Clinical 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