Many clients—and counsellors themselves—report feeling guilt, discomfort, or even anxiety when encouraged to practice self-compassion. This one-hour practical session explores the psychological and cultural roots of this resistance, drawing on research from Kristin Neff and related clinical insights. Through discussion, brief experiential exercises, and case examples, participants will examine common fears and misconceptions about self-compassion (e.g. “it’s selfish,” “it will make me weak or lazy”) and learn how to address guilt-based blocks compassionately and effectively in therapeutic work.
This is the second in the series of Enhancing Practice: CPD Lunch Hour a regular one-hour online training session for counsellors and therapists, designed to support high-quality, reflective professional practice.
By the end of this one-hour session, participants will be able to:
Explain common psychological, developmental, and cultural reasons why individuals experience guilt when practicing self-compassion
Identify typical fears, beliefs, and misconceptions that underpin resistance to self-compassion (e.g. fears of selfishness, complacency, or loss of standards)
Recognise how guilt and shame-based learning histories influence clients’ responses to compassionate interventions
Apply practical, compassion-informed strategies to work with guilt and resistance in counselling sessions
Support clients to reframe self-compassion as a resource for responsibility, motivation, and emotional resilience rather than a moral failing
Introducing Enhancing Practice: CPD Lunch Hour
Enhancing Practice: CPD Lunch Hour is a regular one-hour online training session for counsellors and therapists, designed to support high- quality, reflective professional practice.
Each session revisits core aspects of therapeutic work through a contemporary lens, offering both timely reminders and fresh perspectives on topics central to effective, ethical practice. The focus is practical and applied, helping practitioners refine existing skills, deepen understanding, and integrate learning directly into their clinical work. Sessions are CPD-aligned and suitable for practitioners at all stages of their career, providing structured learning that contributes meaningfully to ongoing professional development — all within a convenient lunchtime format.
Participants can expect:
Focused input on essential practice topics
Opportunities for reflection and professional discussion
Practice-relevant insights grounded in current thinking
CPD-appropriate content for learning records and portfolios
Enhancing Practice: CPD Lunch Hour supports therapists to stay current, reflective, and confident in their work — one hour at a time.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
Counsellors, therapists and trainees working with people with low self-esteem.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
Support participants to reframe self-compassion as a resource for responsibility, motivation, and emotional resilience rather than a moral failing.
NB Times shown are CET