Dr. Chris Irons

Dr Chris Irons is a clinical psychologist, researcher, writer and trainer specialising in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and self-compassion. He is co-director of Balanced Minds (www.balancedminds.com), an organisation providing compassion-focused psychological interventions and training. He is also co-director of BalO (www.balo.uk), a company focusing on bringing greater compassion and balance to leadership and organisations.

For over 25 years, Chris has worked with Professor Paul Gilbert and other colleagues on the research and clinical developments linked to CFT. He was involved in some of the initial research papers and book chapters on CFT (Gilbert & Irons, 2004, 2005), and has published many articles and book chapters on compassion, attachment, shame and self-criticism. He has authored five books, including ‘The Compassionate Mind Workbook’ (with Dr Elaine Beaumont), ‘CFT from the Inside Out’ (with Russell Kolts, James Bennett-Levy and Tobyn Bell), and ‘The Compassionate Mind Approach for Difficult Emotions’. Alongside Elaine Beaumont, he recently released the first CFT inspired app, called ‘The Self Compassion App’.

Chris is an internationally renowned trainer of CFT, having taught over 20,000 clinicians in over 20 countries. He is an experienced clinician, having worked in the NHS and in independent practice for many years. He has recently been leading on the development of compassion based approaches for the general public, and in integrating these approaches for leaders and in organisations.
 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Chris Irons is the director of Balanced Minds and has an employment relationship with School of Life. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Irons receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Chris Irons is a board member of Compassionate Mind Foundation.