In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Australia’s leading compassion researcher, Dr James Kirby to discuss why high performers use self compassion.
Dr James Kirby is an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. He examines compassionate responding, and the effectiveness of compassion focused interventions. James is an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK. In 2022 he authored Choose Compassion, and in 2020 he co-edited Making an Impact on Mental Health. He serves as an Associate Editor for two international journals. His new book is called, The Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians.
Tune in to hear our discussion on -
- how high performance is incompatible with self-compassion, yet compassion is essential
- why compassion is about courage and wisdom not simply self soothing
- the impact of perfectionistic self-sacrifice
- why we shouldn't strive to be in top gear all the time
- the importance of understanding how self-compassion is the antidote to self critcism
And so much more.
For more information and to connect with Dr Jame Kirby -
Choose Compassion,
Making an Impact on Mental Health.
New book, The Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians.
Website, https://jameskirby.com.au/ for books, speaking engagements + workshops starting in 2026
Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia/Amazon).
If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.
Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and leave a comment or send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com