The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life's Challenges (Compassion Focused Therapy) - Softcover

Paul Gilbert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1849010986 ISBN 13: 9781849010986

Publisher: Constable, 2010

Synopsis

Throughout history people have sought to cope with a life that is often stressful and hard. We have actually known for some time that developing compassion for oneself and others can help us face up to and win through the hardship and find a sense of inner peace. However in modern societies we rarely focus on this key process that underpins successful coping and happiness and can be quick to dismiss the impact of modern living on our minds and well-being. Instead we concentrate on 'doing, achieving' and having'. Now, bestselling author and leading authority on depression, Professor Paul Gilbert explains how new research shows how we can all learn to develop compassion for ourselves and others and derive the benefits of this age-old wisdom. In this ground-breaking new book he explores how our minds have developed to be highly sensitive and quick to react to perceived threats and how this fast-acting threat-response system can be a source of anxiety, depression and aggression. He describes how studies have also shown that developing kindness and compassion for self and others can hep in calming down the threat system: as a mother's care and love can soothe a baby's distress, so we can learn how to soothe ourselves. Not only does compassion help to soothe distressing emotions, it actually increases feelings of contentment and well-being. Here, Professor Gilbert outlines the latest findings about the value of compassion and how it works, and takes readers through basic mind training exercises to enhance the capacity for, and use of, compassion.

About this title

Review:

As somebody who suffers from severe depression, I know the depressive's harshest critic is themselves. It is never helpful to be told to pull ourselves together by others but saying it to ourselves leads us in only one direction - into a spiralling descent into despair. This wise and perceptive book teaches us self-compassion and the consolations of kindness. I recommend it all the time. (Sally Brampton, author of Shoot the Damn Dog: A Memoir of Depression and the Aunt Sally column in The Sunday Times )

The increasing drive to find a competitive edge in all aspects of our lives may create efficiencies but they are cold, heartless and unpleasant to live with. Gilbert shows how and why this occurs, and explains why our capacity for compassion is the antidote. (Oliver James, Author Of Affluenza And The Selfish Capitalist )

A timely book for a time when competitiveness, materialism and narcissism have failed us. This book provides timeless wisdom that you can use every day. It will make a wonderful gift for someone you care for - especially, if you give it to yourself. (Robert L Leahy, Author Of The Worry Cure And President Of The International Association For Cognitive Psychotherapy )

Fascinating ... thoughtful and well written ... this book is a resource to be owned and used with enjoyment (Nursing Standard )

A challenging and useful addition to anyone's self-help shelf, as well as a refreshingly rigorous look behind why our brains work the way they do. In fact, this is a self-help book for people who don't like self-help books. (ONEinFOUR magazine )

Important and enjoyable. (The Psychologist )

A landmark book (The Scientific and Medical Network )

Interesting and helpful. (Mental Health Practice ) --Mental Health Practice

A landmark book. --The Scientific and Medical Net

Like so frequently in the past, Paul Gilbert has come forth again with a book about the mind, its unused potential, and how to harness that potential to one s and others benefit. The Compassionate Mind is a roadmap to compassion for the self and towards others. It is a book for those curious enough to explore their hidden potential to attain a special kind of humanness and happiness. A 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. --Michael McGuire, author Darwinian Psychiatry

Book Description:

A brand new cover for this bestselling title.

About this edition

• Publisher: Constable
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1849010986
• ISBN 13: 9781849010986
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 540