Can compassionate mind training help with self-criticism for university students

Compassionate Mind Training is an 8 session course, that is 2.5 hours each session, with each session delivered weekly (so over 8 week period). The program is delivered face to face in a group format (size ranges from 8-20) with a facilitator. The facilitator being a clinical psychologist with training in Compassion Focused Therapy. The mode of training used include didactic presentation of psycoeducation of material, experiential exercises of meditations and imagery practices, and pair and group work. The participants are guided through CMT training, all based on Gilbert's (2014) model of compassion to help with self-critcism. The manual used is the one based on irons & Hertiot-Maitland (2020), which includes 8 sessions. Below is what each session covers: Session 1: Exploration of the evolutionary based, CFT definition of what compassion is, the reality checks of how and why we suffer, and an introduction to the concept of the ‘tricky brain’ and loops in the mind Session 2: Exploration of the three system model of emotions – threat, drive and soothing – along with ideas about how to balance the systems in a way that may lead to less distress, and more well-being in life Session 3: Explore the concept of self as full of multiple ‘parts’, rather than unitary, and of compassion as a self-identity. Practices involved ways to develop the ‘compassionate self’ Session 4: Introduction of the concept of compassion as flow (to others, from others and to self), with a focus on directing the compassionate self to others. Discussion of what can make being compassionate to others difficult (i.e., the fears, blocks and resistances to compassion for others) Session 5: Discussion about the importance of being open to care and compassion from others, including what can get in the way of this (i.e., the fears, blocks and resistances of compassion) Session 6: Focus on self-compassion, including various practices and an exploration of what can block this (the fears, blocks and resistances to self-compassion) Session 7: Exploration of self-criticism, its functions and how to direct compassion to it, and to the reasons for why it operates as it does. Exploration of how the compassionate mind can be used to approach an upcoming difficulty. Session 8: Exploring how to explore different emotional reactions to a difficulty (multiple selves), and how compassion can support this process. Exploration of different ways to extend compassion to oneself, and how to take a compassionate approach to the future In each program a research assistant (a psychology masters student) will be completing a protocol adherence checklist.