What Is Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT)?

Discover a powerful program blending mindfulness, compassion, and science

Introduction

Stress and uncertainty touch every corner of modern life. Many of us look for tools not only to cope but to grow through challenges. Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) is one such program: a unique blend of mindfulness meditation, compassion practices, and insights from modern neuroscience and psychology.

Developed by Dr. Joe Loizzo at Columbia University and taught at leading hospitals and wellness centers, CBRT has helped countless people—from survivors of illness and trauma to healthcare professionals facing burnout—rebuild balance and cultivate resilience.

What Makes CBRT Different?

Unlike one-off workshops or simple relaxation exercises, CBRT is a structured, eight-module program. Each module builds upon the last, guiding participants step by step toward a deeper transformation.

CBRT combines:

Mindfulness practices to calm the body and steady the mind.
Compassion training to soften harsh self-judgment and increase empathy for others.
Evidence-based science showing how meditation changes the brain, supports emotional regulation, and reduces stress.

This integration makes CBRT equally practical for daily stress relief and meaningful for long-term growth.

Key Benefits of CBRT

Research and participant feedback show that CBRT helps people:

🌱 Reduce stress and anxiety by calming the nervous system.
🧘 Develop emotional balance even in the face of difficult emotions.
💞 Strengthen compassion for oneself and others, countering shame and isolation.
🧠 Build resilience through habits that rewire the brain toward calm and clarity.
🌍 Foster interconnection by recognizing how deeply our lives are linked with others.

How It Works

The eight modules cover a progression of skills:

Mindfulness of the Body and Breath – calming stress at its source.
Sensitivity and Awareness – breaking reactive habits.
Insight into Change – seeing patterns and freeing from old cycles.
Cultivating Compassion – healing through kindness.
Equalizing and Balancing – practicing fairness and empathy.
Self-Compassion – holding your own struggles with care.
Compassion in Action – bringing compassion into relationships.
Sustaining Resilience – rooting growth for lifelong practice.

Each week combines short teachings, guided meditation, and group reflection, supported by online videos and readings.

Who Can Benefit?

CBRT is designed for anyone facing stress, loss, or change, and it has been especially meaningful for:

People recovering from trauma or illness.
Professionals experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue.
Those in recovery from addiction or major life transitions.
Anyone seeking deeper meaning, purpose, and balance in daily life.

Invitation

CBRT is not about escaping life’s challenges—it’s about meeting them with strength, clarity, and compassion. As one participant put it: “CBRT gave me tools I can carry for the rest of my life, not just a quick fix.”

Whether you’re curious about mindfulness, looking for stress relief, or ready to dive into a structured path of growth, CBRT offers a safe and supportive framework.

👉 Ready to learn more? Explore the CBRT Training page or join the next cohort.