How Compassion Can Save Your Relationship | Michelle Becker

In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Michelle Becker, a licensed marriage and family therapist, international teacher, and co-founder of the Wise Compassion Program. Michelle shares her remarkable journey from certified public accountant to compassion-focused therapist, and how that path led her to create the groundbreaking Compassion for Couples program.We explore how compassion can transform relationships — from understanding the three-circle model of emotion regulation developed by Paul Gilbert, to practical dyadic exercises that help couples connect more deeply and respond to conflict with care. Michelle offers heartfelt insights and powerful examples of how cultivating self-compassion and partner compassion can heal, strengthen, and sustain love.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Compassion in a T-Shirt01:23 Michelle Becker’s Journey to Compassion03:47 The Importance of Healthy Relationships06:06 Understanding Compassion in Relationships07:51 Self-Compassion and Partner Compassion09:57 Threat System in Relationships20:17 Drive System and Relationship Dynamics28:54 Exploring Dyadic Practices for Couples29:24 Powerful Exercises to Understand Patterns32:22 Loving Kindness Practice33:26 Customising Compassionate Practices38:12 Challenges in Receiving Compassion42:47 Communicating Needs in Relationships46:48 A Real-Life Example of Compassion in Action51:25 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsLinks:Compassion for Couples: Building the Skills of Loving Connection (Becker, 2023)https://www.amazon.com.au/Compassion-Couples-Building-Skills-Connection/dp/1462545157If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts-of-compassion-how-to-understand-and-overcome-suffering/ Say hi on social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstansteindl Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StanSteindl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_stan_steindl/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-steindl-150a5264/ Website: https://www.stansteindl.com/ YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/Gq4RkLl5bfI *Affiliate Disclaimer: Note this description contains affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this video and support the channel at no cost to you. While this channel may earn minimal sums when the viewer uses the links, the viewer is in no way obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support! Video hashtags:compassionfocusedtherapy, mindfulselfcompassion, relationships, couplescounselling, compassionforcouples, michellebecker