Compassion Cultivation Training© (CCT™) is an 8 week program that was created to help individuals develop qualities of compassion, empathy, and kindness for both themselves and others. This program was developed at Stanford University by a team of scholars, clinical psychologists, and researchers. The program integrates traditional contemplative practices with contemporary psychology and scientific research on compassion.

Compassion is a response to suffering. This begins with a recognition of suffering which sparks thoughts or feelings of empathy and concern. These motivate action to relieve the suffering. The CCT™ program teaches individuals to express compassion to the fullest extent. Everyday life, stress, and social pressures can make it difficult or uncomfortable for some to act on their compassion that is naturally wired into humans. However, the program teaches that this compassionate instinct can be nurtured and grown, much like a plant that is cultivated carefully from a seed. This process requires patience, steady care, proper tools, and a supportive environment.

During the course, individuals learn how to develop strength, courage, and resilience in the face of suffering. This practice must be incorporated into everyday life to be effective and become a habit. CCT™ will show individuals how to practice mindfulness and be self-aware, encouraging self-compassion and self-care. This in turn reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and can deepen relationships with others in both work and personal settings.

The Compassion Cultivation Training© (CCT™) courses are eight weeks long, with a two hour class once a week. Daily meditation home-practice is assigned. Each class consists of a lecture, discussion, meditation, and in-class listening and communication exercises with partners and small groups. Assignments are assigned for outside of class to help attendees put the lessons into practice with real-world situations.