What is Compassionate Inquiry?
Compassionate Inquiry® is a therapeutic approach to working with trauma, developed by Dr. Gabor Maté over several decades through his work with patients and retreat participants. It was further shaped into a structured training program by Sat Dharam Kaur, ND.​
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*While this approach can have a firmer structure to it than traditional talk-therapy, I often weave principles from this approach into sessions. This allows for people to feel like they are actually getting somewhere, coming away with insight or skills, rather than just having had a kind listener and minimal change.​​
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Through the Compassionate Inquiry process, both the client and practitioner work together to unveil the mental climate, implicit memories, body states, hidden assumptions, and deeper levels of consciousness that shape the internal narrative. By bringing these unconscious patterns to light—and ultimately releasing the grip of the stories that bind them—individuals experience a shift toward greater spontaneity, presence, and personal agency.
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Somatic awareness, parts work, mindfulness, and compassion are the foundational components of Compassionate Inquiry.
Somatic Awareness & Parts Work
Some people are overwhelmed by bodily sensations, while for others it may be hard to notice much of anything. Bringing awareness to our bodies can help draw connections between thoughts, feelings, and sensations. We can better understand how to work with nervous system responses in order to change beliefs and old patterns.
In addition to somatic attention, parts-work may be used to understand defense mechanisms, coping strategies, and inner conflict. At a pace that is comfortable enough, this approach can address and help release layers of childhood trauma, emotional constriction, and suppressed feelings embedded in the body—factors that can impact mental and physical illness, as well as addiction.
Resolution and Insight On:
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Sense of disconnection or confusion
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Difficulty opening up to form and maintain meaningful relationships
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A sense of disconnection from your inner self, and a loss of meaning or purpose in life
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Obsessive thinking
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Poor attention/focus
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Mindfulness & Compassion
Many people are suspicious of self-compassion; Self-compassion is often experienced as unfamiliar/confusing and/or viewed as just a way to make excuses. However, when Individuals are encouraged to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, this can foster insight.
This non-reactive awareness can allow people to recognize how past experiences influence their present behavior and emotional responses. As individuals begin to build a kinder relationship with themselves, this can loosen the grip of self-criticism and shame, which often accompanies trauma.
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Resolution and Insight on:
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Persistant shame/self-criticism
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Behaviors or reactions that leave you feeling guilty upon reflection.Listening
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Aggression vs. Assertion
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Discomfort with feeling or expressing anger
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