Join me on Compassion in a T-Shirt as I sit down with clinical psychologist, author, and CFT pioneer Dr Mary Welford for a rich and surprising conversation about self-criticism — what it is, why we do it, and the unexpected functions it serves.

Mary reflects on her early journey into Compassion Focused Therapy, including the profound influence of Professor Paul Gilbert’s work on shame and self-criticism, and her experiences during the formative years of the Compassionate Mind Foundation. We explore the challenges she faced in clinical practice, the breakthroughs that shaped her approach, and how CFT evolved into what it is today.

In this episode, Mary also shares practical, compassionate ways to work with the inner critic, insights from working with diverse populations — from young people to elite athletes — and the small, grounded practices that sustain her in daily life. Whether you're a therapist, a student, or simply someone trying to soften the harshness within, this conversation offers warmth, wisdom, and plenty to take away.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Self-Criticism

00:26 Meet Dr Mary Welford

01:42 Early Encounters with CFT

02:27 Challenges in Clinical Practice

06:13 Discovering Compassion-Focused Therapy

09:23 The Impact of CFT on Clinical Work

21:00 Personal Reflections on Self-Criticism

29:29 The Role of Compassion in Therapy

35:06 Exploring Self-Criticism and Shame

35:32 Personal Reflections on Shame and Social Performance

38:28 Changing Relationship with Self-Criticism

40:05 Working with Elite Athletes

42:58 Coaching and Self-Criticism in Sports

45:36 Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion

53:34 Personal Practices for Compassion

01:03:37 Future Projects and Personal Balance

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/ 

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