Continuing Education for Psychologists

THE MINDFUL PATH TO SELF-COMPASSION
Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions

Over his decades of experience as a therapist and mindfulness meditation practitioner, Dr. Christopher Germer has learned a paradoxical lesson: We all want to avoid pain, but letting it in–and responding compassionately to our own imperfections, without judgment or self–blame–are essential steps on the path to healing. This book illuminates the power of self–compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. You will learn to employ practical techniques for enabling your clients to live in the present moment, deal with hard emotional feelings, and be kind to oneself.

Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author's website.

Christopher Germer, Ph.D., has a private practice in mindfulness– and compassion–based psychotherapy in Arlington, Massachusetts, and is a part–time Lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance. He is a founding faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy and of the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion.

Sharon Salzberg is a New York Times best–selling author and teacher of Buddhist meditation practices in the West. In 1974, she co–founded the Insight Meditation Society at Barre, Massachusetts, with Jack Kornfield and Joseph Goldstein.

"Both the reasoning supporting the importance of the method and the method itself are presented in a clear and compelling fashion....Offers a good integration of Eastern spirituality with Western science to make a compelling argument for the values and effectiveness of mindfulness and compassion meditation. Not only is the argument clear and convincing, but the book also offers plenty of practical aids."
--PsyCRITIQUES

"The layout is clear and uncluttered, with a mix of explanation, theory, practice, along with case study examples from Germer's own life and that of his clients. There are useful websites scattered through the book....Mindfulness could well become an important part of my own self-care, which will also feed into my client work. This book is a helpful start and a handy resource."
--Independent Practitioner

"...Drawing upon decades of practice as a clinician and meditator, Dr. Germer offers a rich and insightful guide to emotional healing. While thoroughly covering the relevant psychological research, the book is written for a general audience, and will be of enormous benefit to both therapists and their clients....His years of meditation practice have clearly paid off in the writing of this book: every word is infused with wisdom and compassion. An invaluable guide to anyone wanting to learn how to transform their relationship with difficult emotions, this important book will undoubtedly change the lives of many who read it."
--British Journal of Psychology

"Those of us treating people who struggle with addictions know all too well how clients' feelings of shame or self-blame often undermine efforts to achieve effective interventions. In this remarkable book, Germer shows readers how to use mindfulness and self-compassion to open up to their pain and treat themselves with kindness. Ideal for recommendation to clients who have fallen off the wagon or who are blaming themselves for failed relationships, lost jobs, and scattered lives, this book offers a way out of a vicious cycle."
--G. Alan Marlatt, Ph.D., Dept. of Psychology and Director, Addictive Behaviors Research Center, Univ. of Washington

"In this important book, Christopher Germer illuminates the myriad synergies between mindfulness and compassion. He offers skillful and effective ways of making sure that we are inviting ourselves, as well as others, to bathe in and benefit from the kind heart of awareness itself, and from the actions that follow from such a radical and sane embrace."
--Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.

"Self-compassion is the ground of all emotional healing, and Dr. Germer has produced an invaluable guide. Written with great clarity, psychological wisdom, and warmth, this book will serve anyone seeking practical and powerful tools that free the heart."
--Tara Brach, Ph.D.

"Explains both the science and practice of developing kindness toward ourselves and others. Dr. Germer offers powerful and easily accessible steps toward transforming our lives from the inside out. It's never too late to start along this important path."
--Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.