Evolution & Compassion Focused Therapy – Professor Paul Gilbert OBE

Can an evolutionary understanding of our minds help explain, and offer solutions to many of the mental health problems we face today? This talk, from the Founder of Compassion Focused Therapy and one of the world’s leading evolutionary psychologists, will explore how, by understanding the evolved nature of the human mind, and the importance of the social and cultural contexts in which it develops, it can help us better treat common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Particular attention will be given to the nature and difference between evolved motives (that guide us throughout life) emotions (that come and go according to the contexts in our lives) and competencies (our abilities to do certain things such as think reason and have empathy). It is the patterning of these different aspects of mind that give rise to different states of mind. The talk will then go on to explore the rapidly developing evidence base for Compassion Focused Therapy, and how compassion, like anger or aggression, is an extremely powerful motivational force that can bring about real, lasting change . You’ll learn how this groundbreaking form of therapy can help you be kinder both towards yourself and others, end toxic self criticism, heal trauma and shame, and improve your emotional wellbeing. Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”. Links: Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ Paul’s books: https://amzn.to/2Iroq1J The Compassionate Mind Foundation: https://compassionatemind.co.uk/