20 Hours / 20 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Mindfulness & Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) | Compassionate Mind Retreat Proceedings, is presented by Dennis Tirch, PhD, and the Center for Compassion Focused Therapy.

This is an immersive and meaningful CFT program. It is expansive and involves personal practice and advanced psychotherapy skill development. Some of the deepest compassion-focused psychotherapy methods presented in the US are explored. Participants learn compassion-focused imagery, meditation, attachment science, yoga, contemplative music, Zen Focusing, and evidence-based psychotherapy techniques from the inside out.

This program is a cutting-edge, research-based psychotherapy. Participants grow their personal practice of fierce compassion and profound mindfulness. Participants develop as therapists and practice self-compassion and personal growth. It is appropriate for individuals new to mindfulness and compassion-based practice, as well as for those wishing to deepen their work into advanced territory. The science of meditation, evidence-based psychotherapy, and the motivation of great compassion for ourselves and others come together in shared practice and learning.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe the self-practice/self-reflection training model.
  • 2 Describe the practice of experiential exercises for focusing attention in preparation for affective deepening.
  • 3 Describe the varieties of evidence-based, compassion focused practice.
  • 4 Describe the research supporting advances in personal practice in compassion-informed therapies.
  • 5 Describe compassionate mind training practices and can lead such an exercise.
  • 6 Describe the foundations of compassionate skills, using the senses and physical embodiment, and understand how to communicate this to others.
  • 7 Describe the relationship of attachment based emotions and traumatic memories.
  • 8 Describe two basic practices for working with embodied experiences of safeness and empowerment in response to trauma memories.
  • 9 Describe a CFT consistent case conceptualization for treating people with trauma related difficulties.
  • 10 Describe experiential imagery practices adapted to work with trauma.
  • 11 Describe the application of chairwork and embodiment techniques in Compassion Focused Therapy for addressing self-criticism, shame, and trauma-related difficulties.
  • 12 Describe the use of imagery, sensory awareness, and compassionate self-talk practices to enhance emotional regulation and promote psychological flexibility in CFT.

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for clinicians interested in integrating mindfulness and compassion-based practices into their clinical work, with a focus on personal practice as a foundation for effective care. It is suitable for professionals specializing in psychotherapy, compassion-focused therapy, or mindfulness-based interventions, as well as those in related fields such as social work and allied health.

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Psychologist
    • Counselor
    • Therapist
    • Social Worker
    • Allied Health Professional (e.g., occupational therapist, nurse)

  • Experience Level

    This immersive Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) program is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at all experience levels, from those new to mindfulness and compassion-based practices to those seeking advanced skill development.

    • Beginner: New to mindfulness, compassion-focused, or experiential psychotherapy; interested in foundational skills, personal practice, and basic CFT concepts.

    • Intermediate: Familiar with mindfulness or compassion-based interventions; seeking to deepen experiential skills, integrate CFT into clinical work, and expand self-reflection practices.

  • Practice Setting

    Clinicians who participate in this training typically work in environments that support therapeutic, reflective, and client-centered care. These settings are designed to foster safety, confidentiality, and emotional well-being, allowing for the integration of mindfulness and compassion-based practices into clinical work. The environment may be private and quiet, with access to resources for personal practice and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Such settings encourage ongoing professional development, self-reflection, and the application of evidence-based interventions.

    Examples of practice settings:

    • Outpatient mental health clinics
    • Private psychotherapy practices
    • Hospital behavioral health units
    • Community counseling centers
    • University counseling services
    • Integrated primary care clinics
    • Social service agencies
    • Rehabilitation and allied health centers
    • Group therapy or wellness centers

Presented By

Dennis Tirch, PhD Founding Director The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy

Dr. Tirch is a Founding Director The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, the first clinical training center for Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) in the United States. Dr. Tirch has been described as one of the country's foremost leaders in compassion training in evidence-based psychotherapy. He is an internationally acknowledged expert therapist, supervisor and trainer in CFT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist Psychology (BP). Dr. Tirch is an author of 6 books, and numerous chapters and peer reviewed articles on mindfulness, acceptance and compassion in psychotherapy. His books include the new Guilford Publications release, Experiencing ACT from the Inside Out, a self-practice/self-reflection workbook for therapists, and The Compassionate Mind Guide To Overcoming Anxiety, the first evidence-based self-help book to apply the science of compassion to the treatment of anxiety. With Dr. Laura Silberstein-Tirch and others, Dr. Tirch’s ongoing research involves the development of psychotherapy protocols integrating behavioral science and CFT for treating anxiety, worry and fear-based difficulties through courage cultivation.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Dennis Tirch, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction, Summit Opening, and Morning Meditation/Experiential Practice

  • Developing Compassion-Focused Practice and Core Skills

  • Yoga, Attachment, Compassion, and Trauma

  • Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for Complex Trauma and Clinical Applications Panel

  • CFT and Motivational Interviewing in Clinical Practice

  • Advances in CFT Treatment Development and Compassionate Mind Training

  • Chairwork, Self-Image, and Working with the Selves and Emotions in CFT

  • Mindful Yoga-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (MYACT) and Compassionate Self Imagery

  • Compassion, Mindfulness, Movement, Music, and Zen Focusing Techniques

  • Completion Discussions, Q&A Panels, Self-Transcendence, and Compassion Science Integration

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.