What is Compassionate Inquiry Informed Coaching?
Compassionate Inquiry Informed Coaching (CIIC) is a gentle type of therapy created by Dr. Gabor Maté. It helps you explore the hidden reasons behind your feelings and behaviours. Think of it as a way to connect the dots between what you've experienced in your life and the challenges you face today. The goal is to uncover and understand the root causes of your emotional and physical struggles in a caring and non-judgmental way.
How It Can Help You
Compassionate Inquiry Informed Coaching (CIIC) helps you gain insight into the root causes of your emotional and physical distress. Rather than just addressing the symptoms (like anxiety or addiction), it works to reveal the underlying trauma or painful experiences that created them. By bringing these unconscious patterns to light, you can develop self-awareness and begin to heal from the core issue, leading to:
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Emotional Freedom: Releasing old, stuck emotions and gaining a sense of peace.
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Improved Relationships: Understanding your own triggers can lead to healthier interactions with others.
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Reduced Stress: A deeper understanding of yourself can help you manage stress more effectively.
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Physical Healing: Acknowledging the mind-body connection can lead to improvements in chronic conditions or physical pain.
Who It Can Be For
Compassionate Inquiry is for anyone who feels stuck in unhealthy patterns and is ready to explore the deeper reasons behind their behaviors, thoughts, or physical symptoms. It is often chosen by individuals dealing with:
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Trauma: From childhood neglect to significant life events.
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Addiction: Including substance abuse, gambling, or codependency.
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Anxiety and Depression: Especially when other forms of therapy haven't been effective.
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Chronic Illness: When there is a suspected link between physical symptoms and emotional stress.
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Emotional Regulation Issues: Including anger, shame, or an inability to express feelings.
Many people choose CIIC over other types of therapy because of its focus on getting to the root cause, not just managing symptoms.
While other therapies might teach you coping skills to deal with anxiety or depression, CIIC is designed to uncover the past trauma or emotional wounds that created these issues in the first place. It is a mind-body approach that acknowledges the deep connection between your emotional pain and your physical health.
CIIC also stands out for its emphasis on gentle, non-judgmental exploration, creating a safe space for you to heal. Instead of being told what to do, you are empowered to discover your own truth, which leads to a more lasting and profound sense of peace.
A classic example of CIIC's success involves a client with severe social anxiety.
The client believed they were "just shy" and tried various coping mechanisms without success. Through Compassionate Inquiry, the therapist gently guided the client to explore their earliest memories of social interaction. They uncovered a childhood experience where the client was publicly shamed by a teacher for answering a question incorrectly.
The therapist then used compassionate questioning to help the client understand how that single event created an unconscious belief that "speaking up is dangerous." The client realised that their adult social anxiety was a protective mechanism based on that childhood trauma. By recognizing and validating this connection, the client was able to grieve the painful memory and release the protective pattern. This insight allowed them to begin engaging in social situations with newfound confidence, as they were no longer being held captive by a memory they weren't even aware of.
Ready for change?
If you're experiencing feelings of being stuck in a cycle of self-criticism, self-sabotage, or addictive behaviors. Coaching can help if you are:
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Struggling to create authentic relationships.
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Battling with weight, body image, or hormonal issues.
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Feeling overwhelmed by stress and overthinking.
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Seeking to build a healthier lifestyle.
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Navigating significant life changes like menopause, PCOS, or PMDD.
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Feeling trapped by past experiences or coping mechanisms that no longer serve you.
Essentially, coaching is a good option when you are ready to address the root causes of your struggles and transform your relationship with yourself and your emotions. It's for those who feel they need support to break free from old patterns and create a life that feels more authentic and in control.