Prof Paul Gilbert has been a clinical psychologist of over 45 years with the focus of working with people with mood disorders, complex shame and trauma, and harsh self-criticism. He is professor at the university of Derby and visiting professor at the university of Queensland Australia. He has published over 350 academic papers and 22 books. In 2006 he established the international charity the compassionate mind foundation (www.compassionatemind.co.uk) which is now one of the leading international organisations for the study of compassion and its applications. In recognition for his contributions to mental health he was awarded an OBE by the then UK Queen in 2011. He remains compassionate about the study of compassion especially its fears blocks and resistances.