About the researchers
Lead researcher
Dr James Kirby is a Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist. He graduated with his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Queensland in 2013. His focus of research is on compassion. He has a broad research interest in compassion. However, specific research areas include: a) examining Compassionate Mind Training program; b) measuring compassion; c) examining compassion with children; d) what fears, blocks, & resistances people have towards compassion; and e) developing and evaluating compassion interventions. James also holds a Visiting Fellowship at the Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and is an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK.
Administrator
Dr Stan Steindl is a Clinical Psychologist and Director at Psychology Consultants Pty Ltd, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland. He is also co-director of the UQ Compassionate Mind Research Group. Stan has worked with clients from a compassion focused therapy perspective for the past 20 years and is experienced in facilitating Compassionate Mind Training group programs. Stan’s research interests include a) motivation; b) compassion and compassion-based interventions; c) the role of cultivating compassion and self-compassion in the context of trauma, shame, self-criticism and clinical disorders; and d) promoting psychological wellbeing. He has authored The Gifts of Compassion: How to Understand and Overcome Suffering, and The Gifts of Compassion: Personal Practice Workbook.
Co-Researchers
Hannah Dillman is a provisionally registered psychologist presently studying a Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) degree at the University of Queensland. She completed her Honours degree in Psychology at the University of Queensland. Hannah’s past research evaluated the role of compassionate norms in a context of resource inequality. As a Counselling Psychology student, Hannah is interested in the benefits compassion can have among young people experiencing adversity.
Lydia Chan is a provisionally registered psychologist presently studying a Master of Psychology (Counselling Psychology) degree at the University of Queensland. Lydia currently works with children, youth, and young people. Previously, Lydia conducted research looking at the benefits of mindfulness for chronic pain and the mediating role self-compassion plays. As a Counselling Psychology student, Lydia is interested in working with complex trauma and the value cultivating compassion can have in promoting wellbeing for traumatised populations.