Dr Chris Irons is a clinical psychologist, researcher, author, and international trainer dedicated to helping people transform their lives through compassion. With decades of experience, he has become one of the world’s leading voices in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), an evidence-based approach developed by Professor Paul Gilbert.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
From the beginning of his career, Dr Chris Irons has been motivated by one clear mission: to help people replace shame, self-criticism, and feelings of inadequacy with courage, connection, and self-compassion. He has trained more than 20,000 clinicians worldwide, spoken in over 25 countries, and co-developed the popular Self-Compassion App.
The Journey of Dr Chris Irons
Raised in a family devoted to education and social justice, Dr Chris Irons witnessed early examples of compassion in action. His academic path led him to psychology, and a life-changing placement with Professor Paul Gilbert introduced him to compassion as a therapeutic force. This experience inspired his PhD and shaped his career as a clinical psychologist.
Working with clients, Dr Chris Irons observed how deeply people suffer from harsh self-criticism and persistent feelings of not being “enough.” Through Compassion Focused Therapy, he saw that compassion is not weakness, but courage—the ability to face pain with wisdom, kindness, and strength.
Why Compassion Matters
Compassion is often misunderstood as soft or passive, but Dr Chris Irons emphasizes that true compassion requires courage. It means recognizing suffering, our own or others’, and taking wise steps to reduce it. His work shows that compassion can:
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Reduce shame and self-criticism
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Improve resilience and emotional balance
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Strengthen relationships
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Foster well-being and fulfillment
Explore the Work of Dr Chris Irons
Dr Chris Irons continues to teach, write, and provide training to individuals, professionals, and organizations who want to integrate compassion into their lives and practices. His dedication is clear: compassion is not just an idea, it’s a practical skill that can transform how we live, work, and connect with others.
Learn about Dr Chris Irons’ journey and work: About Dr Chris Irons
