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Compassion Cultivation Training©
An 8 week course designed at Stanford University, taught around the world by certified facilitators
A Proven Program with Global Reach
An 8-week program for the general public, Compassion Cultivation Training© (CCT™) draws on insights and techniques from psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative practice.
The course integrates evidence-based meditation techniques, interactive discussions, and lectures as well as real-world exercises to put learning into practice.
CCT™ is taught worldwide and offers practical skills, tools, and knowledge. As a graduate, you establish the habit of relating to yourself, others, and the world around you from a place of greater understanding, joy, and purpose.
CCT™ was developed in 2009 at Stanford University by principal author Thupten Jinpa, Ph.D, with contributions from our Founding Faculty.
What does CCT look like?
Weekly 2 hour class
including lecture, discussion, and in-class exercises
Daily meditation practices
Real-world assignments
for practicing compassionate thoughts and actions
The 8-Week CCT Journey
Week 1 Settling and focusing the mind
Week 2 Loving-kindness & compassion for a loved one
Week 3 Compassion for oneself
Week 4 Loving-kindness for oneself
Week 5 Embracing shared common humanity and developing appreciation for others
Week 6 Cultivating compassion for others
Week 7 Active compassion practice
Week 8 Integrated daily compassion cultivation practice
What effects can I expect?
While everyone will have their own unique experience, research has shown CCT can lead to:
- Support for your health, happiness, and well-being
- Reduction of stress, depression, and anxiety
- Improvements in relating to others and the world
CCT is taught worldwide.
Can I get continuing education credits?
16 Hours of continuing education may be available to participants of CCT through the joint providership between Compassion Institute and AffinityCE for a variety of health professionals, including:
- Physicians
- Physician assistants
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Other health professionals through a statement of participation
CCT courses listed on the CI website will indicate on the course information page if continuing education may be available for participants of that cohort.
Compassion Institute courses providing continuing education to health professionals are offered through our Health program. You can view upcoming CI Health Sector Public Courses here, including information about continuing education. For inquiries regarding continuing education for CI Health program courses, email [email protected] prior to registering.
Compassion Institute offers courses through our Law Enforcement and Public Safety program, Courageous Heart: The Human Behind the Badge, that are certified by California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and provide POST-certified training credits to qualified law enforcement officers and professional staff. You can view upcoming CI Law Enforcement Courses here. For questions, please contact us at [email protected].
For inquiries regarding continuing education for courses offered directly by Certified CCT Teachers, please reach out to the instructor directly prior to registering.
Questions about CMEs? Contact us: