Compassion is the ability to show empathy, love, and concern to people who are in difficulty. Many people are able to extend compassion toward others but find it difficult to extend the same compassion toward themselves. Self-compassion is about turning the kindness and care you show to others inwards.

It is common that we can be self-critical when we fail, make mistakes or feel inadequate, but giving ourselves the same kindness and compassion we would give a good friend can improve our mental and physical wellbeing and make us more resilient.

Ceara Clarke is a consultant clinical psychologist working in the Northern Health and social Care Trust and Ed Sipler is a Health Development Specialist working in the South Eastern Health and social Care Trust. This course will help you understand and practice self-compassion. You can complement the course by downloading the Using Self Compassion to Improve Wellbeing and Support Growth workbook we have produced with practical exercises and tools.