A collection of manuals for Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT®).
Increasing awareness of stress, anxiety, and depression has heightened demand for programs that build emotional resilience and support mental well being. Evidence shows that structured contemplative practices can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms while improving emotional regulation and overall quality of life. As organizations, clinicians, and educators seek preventative mental health strategies, compassion oriented training is gaining traction as a scalable method for strengthening empathy, emotional clarity, and prosocial behavior. Corporate and institutional wellness programs increasingly incorporate these approaches to reduce burnout and improve interpersonal dynamics in high stress environments. This growing emphasis on emotional skills development reflects a broader shift toward holistic mental health support that equips individuals with long term tools for managing stress and fostering healthier relationships.
Emory researchers have developed a structured series of course manuals for cognitively based compassion training, collectively known as the CBCT® Guides. The program is designed for weekly delivery over 6, 8, or 10 weeks, depending on the needs of the participating group. Specialized manuals are available for educators, healthcare providers, mental‑health professionals, business and leadership audiences, and certified CBCT® teachers, with corresponding implementation guides tailored for each group. All courses are facilitated by certified CBCT® instructors to ensure consistency and fidelity across settings. The training follows six progressive steps, beginning with cultivating attention and a stable state of mind and culminating in the development of engaged compassion as the course advances. Research on cognitively based compassion training has documented several positive effects, including the prevention and reduction of depression levels. Together, these structured guides provide an accessible framework for strengthening emotional well‑being and fostering compassionate engagement across diverse professional and community environments.
The guides are available for purchase at the following link: https://compassion.emory.edu/cbct-compassion-training/cbct-courses/index.html.