Fierce Self-Compassion | 1 Credit Hour | May 22nd | 10:00-11:00AM EST

Fierce Self-Compassion: How to Harness the Power of Compassion for Motivation 📅 Date and Time: Friday, May 22nd | 10:00 – 11:00 AM EST 📍 Location: Virtual 🎤 Facilitator: Stacy Blankenship, MSW, LCSWS This training explores the evidence-based distinction between tender and fierce self-compassion and how clinicians can use both to support meaningful, shame-free change. Drawing on Dr. Kristin Neff's research and 2022–2025 synthesis literature, it challenges the misconception that self-compassion undermines accountability — and demonstrates why it's one of the most powerful motivational tools in clinical practice. Participants will examine how self-compassion manifests in two complementary forms: the tender, validating "being with" suffering, and the fierce, action-oriented capacity to protect, provide, and motivate without shame — and how to identify which a client needs in any given moment. Participants will learn to: - Identify barriers clients face in practicing self-compassion - Distinguish between tender and fierce self-compassion and when each is indicated - Apply the Protect–Provide–Motivate protocol - Use the Compassionate Coach and Mama Bear Visualization techniques - Reframe anger as protective energy - Integrate fierce self-compassion with third-wave behavioral therapies Learning Objectives: 1. Identify barriers clients encounter to using self-compassion 2. Teach clients about the two ways self-compassion can manifest in practice 3. Implement skills to increase self-compassion in sessions 🎓 1 Credit Hour | NBCC Approved | ACE Certified 💻 Online Format