Mindfulness, Nonviolent Communication,Self-Compassion, and Compassionate Inquiry are modalities with proven effectiveness. They are rooted in common sense, and are supported by practitioners, educational institutions, and publications. There are many resources available — here are a few I recommend if you would like to learn more about any of these modalities.
Learning & Growth
Resources
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of deliberately paying attention to the present moment — our thoughts, feelings, and sensations — with openness and without judgment. It is the foundation of much of the work we do together, and a skill that can be cultivated by anyone.
Websites
- Mindful.org
A leading publication offering articles, guided practices, and the latest research on mindfulness in everyday life. ↗ Visit
- Center for Mindfulness, UMass Medical School
The birthplace of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — the most widely researched mindfulness programme in the world. ↗ Visit
Books
- Full Catastrophe Living
The definitive guide to MBSR — practical, grounded, and deeply transformative.
- Wherever You Go, There You Are
An accessible and reflective introduction to mindfulness for everyday life.
- The Miracle of Mindfulness
A gentle, beautifully written classic on bringing mindful awareness into ordinary moments.
Videos
- Jon Kabat-Zinn: Defining Mindfulness
A clear and compelling introduction to mindfulness by the creator of MBSR. Widely available on YouTube.
- Thich Nhat Hanh: The Art of Mindful Living
A moving exploration of how mindfulness transforms daily experience. Available on YouTube.
Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, is a communication framework grounded in empathy and honesty. It teaches us to express ourselves clearly and to listen to others in a way that fosters connection rather than conflict — a profound shift for parents, teens, and anyone seeking more authentic relationships.
Websites
Books
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
The foundational text — clear, practical, and transformative. Essential reading for anyone wanting to communicate with more empathy.
- Raising Children Compassionately
A concise and practical application of NVC principles specifically for parenting.
- The Surprising Purpose of Anger
A short, insightful exploration of how NVC reframes anger as a signal pointing to unmet needs.
Videos
- Marshall Rosenberg: NVC Introduction
Marshall Rosenberg's live workshop recordings are among the most compelling introductions to NVC available. Widely accessible on YouTube.
- Marshall Rosenberg: Making Life Wonderful
A full-length workshop that brings NVC to life with warmth, humour, and depth. Available on YouTube.
Self-Compassion
Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same warmth and understanding you would offer a good friend in a moment of suffering or failure. Research by Dr. Kristin Neff has shown it to be one of the most powerful foundations for emotional wellbeing.
Websites
- Self-Compassion.org — Dr. Kristin Neff
The definitive resource on self-compassion research, with free guided meditations, exercises, and a self-compassion test. ↗ Visit
- Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley
Research-based articles and practices on compassion, gratitude, and emotional resilience. ↗ Visit
Books
- Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
The foundational text on self-compassion — clear, research-backed, and full of practical exercises.
- The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion
A warm and accessible guide to freeing yourself from destructive thoughts and emotions.
- Fierce Self-Compassion
Explores the active, protective side of self-compassion — how to stand up for yourself with kindness.
Videos
- Kristin Neff: The Space Between Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion
An eye-opening TEDx talk on why self-compassion is more powerful than self-esteem. Available on YouTube.
- Christopher Germer: The Fierce Side of Self-Compassion
A compelling talk on how self-compassion includes healthy boundaries and self-advocacy. Available on YouTube.
Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is an evidence-based programme developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. It teaches the combined skills of mindfulness and self-compassion, offering a practical path to greater emotional resilience, reduced anxiety, and a healthier inner relationship.
Websites
Books
- The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook
A step-by-step practical guide to the MSC programme, complete with exercises and meditations.
- Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program
A comprehensive guide for professionals wishing to teach MSC — also deeply valuable for personal understanding.
Videos
- Introduction to Mindful Self-Compassion
Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer offer numerous introductory talks and guided practices on YouTube.
- MSC Guided Meditations
A rich collection of audio and video guided practices is freely available at self-compassion.org and on YouTube.
Compassionate Inquiry
Compassionate Inquiry is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté. It explores how unconscious beliefs formed in childhood shape our behaviour and sense of self today. It is a gentle, powerful process of uncovering and releasing patterns that no longer serve us.
Websites
- Compassionate Inquiry
The official site for Compassionate Inquiry — with information about the approach, practitioner training, and how to find a trained practitioner. ↗ Visit
- Dr. Gabor Maté
Dr. Maté's personal site, offering articles, interviews, event information, and links to his books and talks. ↗ Visit
Books
- The Myth of Normal
A sweeping examination of how trauma and disconnection underlie much of modern illness — and what genuine healing looks like.
- When the Body Says No
A profound exploration of the connection between emotional repression, stress, and physical illness.
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
A compassionate and deeply human look at addiction and its roots in childhood trauma and unmet needs.
Videos
- Gabor Maté: The Myth of Normal
A wide-ranging and deeply moving talk on trauma, authenticity, and healing. Available on YouTube.
- Gabor Maté: On Compassionate Inquiry
Several demonstrations and explanations of the Compassionate Inquiry process are available on YouTube.