Teacher
Timothy Pedigo taught the Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) to Mental Health and Social Service Professionals in Matteson, Illinois, USA
Community Impacted
This training was designed for 20 mental health professionals, caregivers, and individuals committed to social service and personal growth.
Why compassion is relevant
In today’s fast-paced world, stress, emotional fatigue, and burnout are common among mental health professionals and caregivers. While they are deeply committed to helping others, they often struggle to prioritize their own well-being.
Motivation to serve this community
Dr. Pedigo’s inspiration for offering this course came from his own journey with mindfulness and compassion practices. Over the years, he has seen how CBCT can transform the way people relate to themselves and others. His goal was to create a safe and supportive space where participants could explore self-compassion in a structured way, develop sustainable well-being practices and build a community of individuals committed to inner growth and compassionate action
How were they impacted
Participants found that by cultivating self-compassion, they became more effective in their professional and personal lives. Participants experienced significant personal and professional growth throughout the course:
- Deepened mindfulness practices – Many gained a clearer understanding of their own emotions and thought patterns, leading to healthier responses to stress.
- Stronger self-compassion – Participants learned to be kinder to themselves, reducing self-criticism and inner conflict.
- Improved ability to navigate emotional challenges – Several individuals reported that CBCT helped them reframe difficult situations, making them more resilient in both personal and professional settings.
- Better relationships and communication – Many found that practicing compassion improved their interactions with clients, colleagues, and loved ones.
Testimonials
- “Participating in CBCT was a deeply enriching experience. As someone experiencing burnout, I was looking for a way to reconnect with myself… This journey has reinforced my commitment to self-compassion as the foundation for offering compassion to others.”
– A.C. - “The CBCT course and practices were a real eye-opener… I also began recognizing moments where I felt safe and secure, helping me approach challenges with greater compassion instead of defensiveness. I now try to enter every encounter with an open heart rather than chaos.”
– Elizabeth Mabbott - “As a therapist and caregiver for a chronically ill spouse, this course had a significant influence both professionally and personally. The meditations and structured teachings were beneficial, especially in small group settings. The course helped me build more self-compassion, which has transformed how I care for myself and others. I now set healthier boundaries and integrate self-compassion practices into my daily life.”
– Lisa Jameyfield