This two‑day experiential workshop introduces therapists to Radically Embodied Compassion, a martial‑arts‑informed deliberate‑practice approach designed to strengthen therapeutic courage, distress tolerance, and equanimity. Drawing on Compassion Focused Therapy, polyvagal‑informed regulation, and structured movement practices from traditional martial arts, participants learn embodied methods for cultivating presence, navigating relational threat, and responding compassionately during moments of rupture and high emotional intensity. Grounded in emerging research demonstrating significant improvements in therapist distress tolerance and experiential acceptance, the training offers a practical, evidence‑based pathway for developing the therapist self through embodied skill, relational safety, and compassionate action.
Day 1 is an introduction or a refresher for past attendees.
Day 2 is an advanced workshop for people who have previously attended one of our workshops.
This is a highly interactive, experiential workshop that relies on active participation rather than passive learning. Participants engage directly in embodied practices, partner drills, movement‑based exercises, and guided reflections, with real‑time feedback and deliberate‑practice coaching. The format is immersive, practical, and skills‑focused, featuring gentle martial‑arts‑informed activities suitable for all fitness levels.
This workshop is suitable for qualified or trainee psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and mental‑health practitioners. No martial arts experience is required, and all physical practices are accessible to participants with typical mobility and fitness levels.
Presenters:
Dr Syd Hiskey is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist in private practice and co-founder of Fierce Compassion Martial Arts. He has experience in a wide range of martial arts and has trained in both traditional and non-traditional systems for the last three decades. He has co-run courses on martial arts and therapist courage over the last several years, alongside co-founder Neil Clapton. He has co-authored several papers on this approach, dating back to 2018.
Dr Neil Clapton is a Clinical Psychologist working in both the NHS and private practice. He is the co-founder of Fierce Compassion Martial Arts (FCMA), a system he co-developed to entrain Radically Embodied Compassion (REC). Neil’s martial arts background and experience is predominantly in traditional Taekwondo. He has co-run courses on martial arts and therapist courage over the last several years, alongside co-founder Syd Hiskey. He has co-authored several papers on this approach, dating back to 2018.
Fees and what's included:
One day (either day 1 or 2) €300
Both days €500
Early bird for both days, paid in full by 9.00am Thursday 18th June €450
Materials, light refreshments will be included
To book:
Please contact Dr. Katie Baird
[email protected]
085 721 6957