Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT)
An evidence-based 8-week journey to reduce stress, build resilience, and cultivate compassion.
“Self – compassion is like a muscle. The more we practice flexing it, especially when life doesn’t go exactly according to plan ( a frequent scenario for most of us), the stronger and more resilient our compassion muscle becomes” – Sharon Salzberg
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”-Buddha
What is Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT)?
CBRT is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Joe Loizzo at the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. Originally created for patients at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, CBRT combines modern neuroscience with ancient contemplative practices to help people live with greater balance, resilience, and compassion.
Through eight weekly modules, participants learn to:
- Reduce stress and reactivity with mindfulness.
- Build resilience and emotional balance.
- Cultivate compassion for self and others.
- Develop tools to thrive in an interconnected world.
CBRT has been studied at Weill Cornell Medical Center and shown to improve quality of life, reduce stress biomarkers, and enhance resilience in patients and caregivers alike.
Embracing Suffering with Body Mindfulness
Learn to calm the body and cultivate presence by gently observing sensations and stress.
Stopping Reactive Habits with Mindful Sensitivity
Recognize automatic stress responses and create space for choice and compassion.
Breaking Free of the Stress Cycle with Mindful Awareness
Develop deeper awareness of thoughts, emotions, and patterns that drive reactivity.
Mindful Insight: The Lifelong Path of Self-Healing
Use insight practices to reframe experience and foster resilience and self-care.sed rutrum vel, dapibus et leo.
Disarming Social Stress and Bias with Equal Empathy
Learn to reduce judgment and bias, building empathy for self and others.
Healing Reactive Emotions and Beliefs with Self-Compassion
Replace self-criticism with care, turning wounds into sources of healing.
Cultivating Prosocial Emotions with Wise Give and Take
Practice joy, gratitude, and compassion in relationships and community.
Embodying a Resilient Self and Life with Caring Imagery
Integrate all practices to embody resilience and live with compassion.
“Weeks 1–4: Empathy, Sensitivity, Awareness, Healing”
Week 1 :Disarming Social Stress and Bias with Equal Empathy
Week 2 :Stopping Reactive Habits with Mindful Sensitivity
Week 3 :Breaking Free of the Stress Cycle with Mindful Awareness
Week 4 :Mindful Insight: The Lifelong Path of Self-Healing
“Weeks 5–8: Connection, Compassion, Generative Practice, Integration”
Week 5 :Disarming Social Stress and Bias with Equal Empathy
Week 6 :Replace self-criticism with care, turning wounds into sources of healing.
Week 7 :Practice joy, gratitude, and compassion in relationships and community.
Week 8 :Integrate all practices to embody resilience and live with compassion.
What Participants Receive
Video Lessons
weekly lectures by Dr. Joe Loizzo.
Guided Meditations
audio/video practices for daily use.
Student manual
readings, optional deep dives, and reflection.
Facilitated Discussion
live group dialogue, Q&A, peer support.
How Do I Join
✅ Cohort size (e.g., 10–18 students)
✅ Format (in-person / Zoom hybrid)
✅ Commitment (8 weeks, 1.5 hrs/week, plus daily practice)
✅ Start date placeholder (“October Cohort – starting soon”)
Meet Marc Becker
Marc Becker is a Chemical Dependency Counselor, wellness facilitator, and founder of Compassion Grove. Drawing from years of experience working with adolescents and adults in recovery, Marc specializes in integrating evidence-based practices with creative approaches like storytelling, mindfulness, and compassion training.
He is a Teacher in Training of Compassion-Based Resilience Training (CBRT) through the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, where he learned directly from Dr. Joe Loizzo, the founder of CBRT. Marc combines this training with his own frameworks—including trauma-informed processing, symbolic storytelling, and interactive group facilitation—to help individuals cultivate resilience, self-compassion, and community healing.
Marc’s work is grounded in both personal experience and professional practice, and his mission is simple: to help people move from survival to thriving—within themselves, their families, and their communities.
“I believe that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about growing forward. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where people can discover their own strength and bring that compassion into the world around them.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy or education?
CBRT is an educational program, not psychotherapy. It teaches mindfulness, compassion, and resilience skills that can support your well-being and complement therapy or medical care, but it does not replace professional treatment.
Is this CBT?
No. While CBRT shares some similarities with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), it is based on mindfulness and compassion practices, supported by neuroscience and contemplative science, and designed to cultivate awareness and resilience.
Do I need prior meditation experience?
Not at all. CBRT is beginner-friendly. Each session includes guided instructions and practices, so you can follow along at your own pace.
What if I miss a session?
Don’t worry — you’ll have access to recorded materials and can continue your daily practices to stay on track.
How much time should I plan to commit each week?
Expect one live class (about an hour) plus 15–30 minutes of practice on most days. Many participants find the practices easily fit into daily routines.
Who created CBRT?
CBRT was developed by Dr. Joe Loizzo at Columbia University and the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science. It is evidence-based and has been taught in hospitals, wellness programs, and academic settings.
Will I receive materials?
Yes — participants receive guided meditations, readings, and access to the student site for ongoing support.
What Participants & Research Say
Testimonial
“This program gave me the tools to face my anxiety with calm and compassion. I feel more resilient in everyday life.”
— CBRT Participant
Research Highlight
“Research at Weill Cornell Medicine found CBRT improves quality of life, reduces stress biomarkers, and decreases post-traumatic symptoms.”
— Weill Cornell Medical Center Study
Testimonial
“CBRT helped me shift from survival mode into a new way of living with more compassion and connection.”
— CBRT Graduate
👉*Ready to Begin Your Resilience Journey?
Join our upcoming 8-week CBRT program this January. Experience guided meditations, evidence-based tools, and a supportive group to help you build resilience, compassion, and lasting well-being.
Stay Connected
Have questions before enrolling? I’d love to hear from you.
Compassion Grove
From Self-Compassion to Collective Care — Growing Together
info@compassiongrove.com
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