Insight & Action: The Compassion Science Series
This is the third event in our 2026 series exploring the hindrances to compassion, curated by Myriam Mongrain, PhD, Chair of the Global Compassion Coalition's Science Committee.
In this quarter's talk, we're shifting our focus from societal divides to the mental habits that limit care for ourselves.
Learning Together
Through dialogue and a live therapeutic demonstration, we will explore:
- The Biology of Inner Harshness: What happens to the body and mind when we fall into "threat mode," and how to physiologically restore a sense of safety when caught in emotional overwhelm.
- The Multiplicity of Selves: How to move from rejecting the parts we dislike to developing a genuine curiosity and compassion to our whole self.
- The Power of Playful Curiosity: Practical, experiential ways to safely engage with our inner critic and bring warmth to the wounded, fearful, or angry parts of us.
Meet the Speakers
Dr. Kate Lucre is a Birmingham-based Consultant Group Psychotherapist and Supervisor accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She specialises in working with complex attachment and relational trauma in both groups and individual therapy, particularly with people who
may attract a diagnosis of Personality Disorder. For over 20 years, she has been developing, delivering, and evaluating Compassion Focused Group Psychotherapy (CFGP) programmes within the National Health Service (NHS) and beyond. Her approach integrates Action Methods, Group Analysis, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
Dr. Niki Petrocchi is a professor of Psychology at John Cabot University and a CFT therapist and trainer based in Rome. They are the author of several national and international peer review publications and book chapters on compassion, compassion-focused therapy, and the physiological correlates of prosocial motivations. They are also the founder of Compassionate Mind Italia which is linked to the Compassionate Mind Foundation in the UK.
Dr. Myriam Mongrain is a clinical psychologist and Full Professor of Psychology at York University. She is an active clinician, researcher, and teacher. Recently, she has looked at positive psychology interventions to boost resilience, reduce depression and promote well-being. She has examined the effect of interventions such as the practice of gratitude, kindness, and optimism in large community samples and has found evidence for their benefits. Her current interests revolve around the understanding and impact of compassionate goals. She is currently Chair of the Science Committee for the Global Compassion Coalition.
Join Us
Date: Thursday, July 2nd
Time: 6.30pm UK / 10.30am PT (check your timezone here)
Duration: 60 mins (45 minutes of dialogue followed by audience Q&A).
If you can’t make it live, don’t worry! All registrants will receive a link to the recording.