Can data help us become more self-compassionate? In this thought-provoking episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Clinical Psychologist and NovoPsych co-founder Dr. Ben Buchanan to explore how psychometric tools—yes, those questionnaires we can sometimes overlook—can actually deepen our understanding of self-compassion.

Together, we unpack five surprising ways these tools can uncover blind spots, track progress, and help even high performers find a kinder relationship with themselves. From measuring depression, anxiety, and self-esteem, to navigating the tricky terrain of perfectionism and self-criticism, this conversation offers practical insights for clinicians, researchers, and anyone on a journey of emotional growth.

Ben also shares his mission to make psychometric science human-centred, guiding professionals to not only measure but to truly make a difference in the lives of their clients.

Whether you're a therapist, a researcher, or someone simply interested in self-development, this episode offers a fresh take on how compassion and data can go hand in hand.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – Introduction to Compassion in a T-Shirt

00:29 – Meet Dr. Ben Buchanan: Innovator in Psychometric Science

01:20 – Exploring Psychometric Tools for Self-Compassion

02:23 – Identifying Blind Spots with Psychometrics

05:20 – The Role of Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion

10:11 – Understanding Sources of Suffering

14:50 – The Impact of ADHD on Self-Criticism

20:33 – Balancing Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion

26:03 – Exploring Self-Compassion and Emotional Courage

27:13 – Differentiating Self-Compassion and Compassion for Others

28:45 – The Role of Self-Compassion in Therapy

29:48 – Impact of Professional Changes on Compassion Levels

31:36 – Compassion as a Verb: Sensitivity and Action

32:20 – The Dynamics of Self-Compassion and Self-Esteem

35:53 – Volunteering and Genuine Compassion

37:33 – The Power of Routine Outcome Monitoring

43:22 – Balancing Psychometric Tools with Compassion

50:51 – Introducing NovoPsych: A Tool for Clinicians

53:05 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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#CompassionInATShirt #psychometrics #CompassionFocusedTherapy #outcomes #BenBuchanan #psychotherapy #CBT #SelfCompassion #DrStanSteindl

LINKS:

Dr Ben Buchanan at NovoPsych:

https://novopsych.com/

The latest assist for therapists...NovoNote:

https://novopsych.com/novonote/

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here:

https://amzn.to/4knPv7h

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drstansteindl

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Website: https://www.stansteindl.com/

YouTube Video URL: https://youtu.be/kzf08u_zPKQ

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Video hashtags:

self-compassion, compassion, compassion focused therapy, paul gilbert, cft, psychometrics, self-criticism, shame, novopsych