Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course

Introduction

Embark on a transformative journey with the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course, an insightful program designed to introduce you to a powerful therapeutic approach for healing trauma and understanding the roots of mental and physical illness. Developed by the renowned Dr. Gabor Maté, a physician, bestselling author, and internationally acclaimed speaker, and further structured by Sat Dharam Kaur ND, this course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the principles of Compassionate Inquiry. Its purpose is to empower individuals—both health professionals and laypeople—with the foundational knowledge to explore the unconscious stories and beliefs that shape our lives. Students can expect a rich, self-paced learning experience, featuring over 30 hours of video content, including direct teachings from Dr. Maté, workshop recordings, module summaries, and real-life demonstrations. This course is your gateway to understanding how compassion can unlock profound self-awareness and healing, guided by one of the most influential voices in trauma and addiction therapy today.

Course Description

The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is a comprehensive self-study program designed to provide an accessible yet profound introduction to Dr. Gabor Maté’s acclaimed therapeutic method. The course is meticulously structured into four key sections: a Course Introduction with welcome messages and downloadable resources; the full video recording of a 2-day Compassionate Inquiry Workshop with Dr. Gabor Maté himself; detailed Summaries of 8 Core Modules narrated by Sat Dharam Kaur ND, covering the practice and Gabor’s teachings related to Compassionate Inquiry; and a series of 10 videotaped Conversations where Dr. Maté models the Compassionate Inquiry process with participants. This multi-faceted approach combines theoretical learning with practical observation. The teaching style leverages video lectures, narrated PowerPoint presentations, and extensive PDF materials, including the Compassionate Inquiry Map and reading lists. As Dr. Gabor Maté states, “The purpose of Compassionate Inquiry is to drill down to the core stories people tell themselves – to get them to see what story they are telling themselves unconsciously; what those beliefs are, where they came from; and guide them to the possibility of letting go of those stories, or letting go of the hold those stories have on them ….” Participants receive unlimited access to all course content, which is streamed online to protect participant privacy. This ensures you can learn and integrate the material at your own pace, revisiting crucial concepts as needed. The course is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, French, Hungarian, and ASL, making it globally accessible.

Ideal Student

The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is designed for a diverse audience, united by a common interest in understanding and healing trauma, and fostering self-awareness. If you resonate with any of the following, this course is likely an excellent fit for you:

• Individuals impacted by Dr. Gabor Maté’s teachings: Those who have read his books or heard him speak and wish to deepen their understanding of his approach to trauma and healing.
• Health Professionals: Therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, medical doctors, nurses, and other healthcare practitioners seeking to integrate a trauma-informed, compassionate approach into their work. The course offers valuable insights and frameworks that can enhance therapeutic efficacy.
• Coaches and Alternative Health Practitioners: Life coaches, wellness coaches, yoga instructors, and bodyworkers who want to support their clients on a deeper level by understanding the impact of trauma.
• Laypeople on a Journey of Self-Discovery: Anyone interested in personal growth, understanding their own emotional patterns, triggers, and the root causes of their suffering. No prior professional experience is required.
• Individuals Seeking to Heal Personal Trauma: Those who are looking for tools and perspectives to navigate their own healing journey from past adverse experiences.
• Educators and Caregivers: Teachers, parents, and anyone in a caregiving role who wishes to cultivate more compassion and understanding in their interactions with others, particularly those affected by trauma.
• Organizations and Teams: Groups of professionals (e.g., in healthcare, social services, education) who wish to develop a common language and approach to trauma-informed care. A facilitated group option is available for organizations.
• Students of Psychology and Mental Health: Individuals studying related fields who want an introduction to a cutting-edge therapeutic modality developed by a leading expert.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course, participants will have achieved a foundational understanding of this powerful therapeutic approach and will be equipped with valuable insights for personal and professional application. Specifically, you will be able to:

• Understand Core Principles of Compassionate Inquiry: Articulate the fundamental concepts, purpose, and psychotherapeutic underpinnings of Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry method.
• Identify Unconscious Stories and Beliefs: Develop the ability to recognize how past experiences and trauma contribute to the formation of limiting core beliefs and unconscious narratives that influence present behavior and well-being.
• Recognize the Connection Between Trauma and Health: Gain a clearer understanding of the intricate links between emotional trauma, stress, and the development of mental and physical health conditions, as elucidated by Dr. Maté.
• Learn Key CI Skills and Qualities: Be introduced to the 9 essential qualities to cultivate as a practitioner (or for self-inquiry), the 22 practical skills to utilize during an inquiry, and the 17 Stepping Stones that can guide the process.
• Witness Compassionate Inquiry in Action: Observe Dr. Gabor Maté directly applying the Compassionate Inquiry technique in real-time conversations with course participants, providing invaluable modeling of the approach.
• Develop Greater Self-Compassion: Cultivate a more compassionate stance towards oneself and others by understanding the adaptive nature of responses to trauma and difficult life circumstances.
• Explore Key Thematic Areas: Gain insights into crucial areas addressed by Compassionate Inquiry, including presence, safety, attunement, triggers, pain, shame, trauma, disconnection, attachment, adaptation, addiction, memory, family dynamics, and the potential for change.
• Acquire Foundational Tools for Self-Reflection: Begin to apply principles of compassionate self-inquiry to your own life experiences, fostering deeper self-awareness and emotional processing.
• Access and Utilize Course Resources: Effectively navigate and use the provided materials, including video lectures, workshop recordings, module summaries, transcripts, and the Compassionate Inquiry Map, for ongoing learning and reference.

Course Modules

The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is meticulously structured to guide you through the foundational elements of this transformative approach. While the course is broadly divided into four comprehensive sections (Course Introduction, CI Workshop with Dr. Gabor Maté, Summaries of 8 Modules with Sat Dharam, and Conversations with Dr. Gabor Maté), the core theoretical teachings are distilled into eight pivotal modules. These modules, presented as narrated PowerPoint videos by Sat Dharam Kaur ND, provide an overview of both the practice of Compassionate Inquiry and Dr. Gabor Maté’s teachings related to it. Each module offers a deep dive into specific aspects, equipping you with the 9 qualities, 22 skills, and 17 Stepping Stones integral to the CI process. Let’s explore these crucial modules:

Module 1: Presence, Safety, Attunement

This foundational module in the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course emphasizes the critical importance of establishing a secure and empathetic environment for any therapeutic inquiry, whether with oneself or another. You will learn about:

• The Quality of Presence: Understanding what it means to be fully present and how this state facilitates deeper connection and insight. Techniques for cultivating presence are explored, highlighting its role in creating a non-judgmental space.
• Creating Safety: This section delves into the practical steps and internal attitudes necessary to foster a sense of safety. It covers how past traumas can impact an individual’s ability to feel safe and how the inquirer can navigate this with sensitivity and care. The module underscores that safety is paramount before any deep exploration can occur.
• The Art of Attunement: Attunement involves accurately sensing and responding to another’s emotional state. This module explains how to develop attunement skills, listen beyond words to the underlying emotions and body language, and reflect this understanding back to the individual. It highlights how attunement builds trust and allows the person being inquired into to feel seen and understood.
• Therapeutic Relationship: The module discusses how these three elements – presence, safety, and attunement – form the bedrock of a strong therapeutic relationship, which is essential for effective Compassionate Inquiry. It also touches upon the inquirer’s own self-awareness and regulation in maintaining this environment.

This module provides the essential groundwork for all subsequent learning within the Compassionate Inquiry framework, stressing that without these core conditions, true healing and self-discovery are significantly hindered.

Module 2: Triggers, Pain, Shame

Module 2 of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course delves into some of the most common and challenging human experiences that often lie at the heart of our suffering. Understanding these concepts is crucial for navigating the Compassionate Inquiry process effectively. Key areas covered include:

• Understanding Triggers: This section explores what triggers are, how they develop (often from past unresolved experiences), and why they evoke such strong emotional and physiological reactions. You’ll learn to identify common triggers and understand their function as signals pointing to underlying wounds.
• The Nature of Pain: The module differentiates between physical and emotional pain, emphasizing that emotional pain is just as real and impactful. It discusses how individuals often develop coping mechanisms to avoid pain, and how Compassionate Inquiry gently approaches these defenses to uncover the original hurt.
• The Pervasiveness of Shame: Shame is explored as a powerful and often hidden emotion that can deeply affect self-worth and behavior. The module examines the origins of shame, often rooted in childhood experiences, and how it can manifest as self-criticism, withdrawal, or aggression. The importance of addressing shame with compassion is highlighted.
• Interconnectedness: You will learn how triggers, pain, and shame are often interconnected. A trigger can reactivate old pain, which in turn can lead to feelings of shame. Understanding this cycle is key to breaking free from it.
• Compassionate Approach: The module emphasizes how to approach these difficult emotions and experiences within the Compassionate Inquiry framework – not by trying to eliminate them, but by understanding their origins and messages with curiosity and non-judgment.

By exploring these core human experiences, this module provides tools to navigate sensitive emotional terrain and fosters a deeper understanding of the defensive patterns people develop.

Module 3: Trauma, Disconnection, Constriction

Module 3 of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course focuses on the profound impact of trauma and its manifestations in our lives. It explores how traumatic experiences can lead to a sense of disconnection from oneself and the world, and result in physical and emotional constriction. Key topics include:

• Defining Trauma: Dr. Maté’s perspective on trauma is central here – not just as an event, but as the wound sustained from that event. The module clarifies that trauma is less about what happened externally and more about the internal impact and the adaptations made in response. It covers both overt (Big ‘T’) traumas and more subtle, developmental (little ‘t’) traumas.
• The Experience of Disconnection: This section explores how trauma can lead to a disconnection from one’s body, emotions, authentic self, and others. This disconnection is often a survival mechanism, but in the long term, it can lead to feelings of isolation, emptiness, and a lack of vitality.
• Understanding Constriction: Trauma often results in a state of physiological and psychological constriction. The module explains how the body holds trauma, leading to chronic tension, restricted breathing, and other physical symptoms. Emotionally, constriction can manifest as a limited range of feelings or an inability to express oneself fully.
• The Nervous System’s Role: There’s an exploration of how trauma impacts the nervous system, leading to states of hyperarousal (fight/flight) or hypoarousal (freeze/shutdown). Compassionate Inquiry aims to help individuals become aware of these states and gently move towards regulation.
• Pathways to Reconnection: While detailing the impacts of trauma, the module also implicitly points towards healing by highlighting what has been lost or constricted. The CI process aims to gently explore these areas to foster reconnection and expansion.

This module is crucial for understanding the deep-seated effects of adverse experiences and sets the stage for how Compassionate Inquiry can help individuals safely explore and begin to heal these wounds, fostering a return to connection and wholeness.

Module 4: Attachment, Adaptation, Addiction

In Module 4 of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course, the focus shifts to the fundamental human need for attachment, the adaptive strategies we develop in response to our early environments, and how these can relate to addictive behaviors. This module provides critical insights into the developmental roots of many adult patterns. Key concepts explored are:

• The Importance of Attachment: Drawing on attachment theory, this section emphasizes the critical role of early bonding experiences with primary caregivers in shaping an individual’s emotional and psychological development. It discusses how secure attachment fosters resilience, while insecure attachment patterns (anxious, avoidant, disorganized) can lead to various difficulties later in life.
• Adaptation as Survival: The module explores how children, in their inherent need to maintain attachment relationships for survival, adapt to their caregiving environments. Even if these environments are less than optimal, children will unconsciously modify their behavior and suppress parts of themselves to fit in and ensure connection. These adaptations, while ingenious for survival in childhood, can become limiting or dysfunctional in adulthood.
• The Roots of Addiction: Dr. Maté’s perspective on addiction is central here: addiction is not a primary disease but an attempt to solve a problem of pain, often stemming from trauma and attachment disruptions. The module examines how addictive behaviors (to substances, processes, or even emotional states) serve as attempts to self-soothe, escape intolerable feelings, or create a false sense of connection or control.
• Compassionate Inquiry into Adaptations: The module highlights how CI can help individuals uncover these early adaptations and understand their original purpose with compassion, rather than judgment. It’s about recognizing the intelligence behind these survival strategies.
• From Compulsion to Choice: By understanding the underlying pain and unmet needs that drive addictive behaviors and maladaptive patterns, individuals can begin to move from compulsive reactions towards conscious choices and healthier coping mechanisms.

This module provides a profound understanding of how our earliest relational experiences and subsequent adaptations can shape our lives, including our vulnerabilities to addiction, paving the way for more compassionate self-understanding and healing.

Module 5: Children, Family, Responsibility

Module 5 of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course delves into the intricate dynamics of childhood experiences, family systems, and the often-misunderstood concept of responsibility, particularly in the context of trauma and healing. This module helps to reframe common societal narratives and encourages a more compassionate perspective. Key areas include:

• The Child’s Perspective: The module emphasizes understanding experiences from the child’s point of view. Children are inherently egocentric (not selfishly, but developmentally), meaning they often interpret events, especially negative ones, as being about them or their fault. This can lead to deeply ingrained feelings of guilt or inadequacy.
• Family Systems and Intergenerational Trauma: It explores how families function as systems, and how patterns of behavior, belief, and trauma can be passed down through generations. Understanding one’s family of origin is crucial for identifying inherited emotional burdens and relational dynamics.
• The Burden of False Responsibility: A core theme is how children often take on a sense of responsibility for their caregivers’ happiness, for family problems, or even for abuse they may have endured. This false responsibility is a heavy burden that can persist into adulthood, shaping choices and self-perception.
• Reclaiming True Responsibility: Compassionate Inquiry helps differentiate between this childhood-imposed false responsibility and true adult responsibility. True responsibility involves acknowledging one’s responses and choices in the present, without blaming oneself for circumstances or adaptations developed in childhood for survival.
• Parenting and Self-Reflection: For those who are parents, this module offers insights into how their own unresolved issues can impact their children. It encourages self-reflection to break cycles of trauma and foster healthier parent-child relationships.
• Compassion for All Involved: While examining painful family dynamics, the approach encourages compassion not only for the child self but also for parents and other family members, who were likely also products of their own conditioning and trauma.

This module is pivotal for understanding how early family life shapes our internal world and for beginning the process of releasing ingrained, unhelpful patterns of responsibility, paving the way for greater emotional freedom.

Module 6: Memories, Stories, Beliefs

Module 6 of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course explores the powerful interplay between our memories, the stories we construct from them, and the core beliefs that subsequently shape our perception of ourselves and the world. This module is key to understanding the cognitive and narrative aspects of our inner landscape. The main themes are:

• The Nature of Memory: The module discusses how memory is not a perfect recording of past events but is often fragmented, emotionally charged, and subject to reinterpretation over time. It emphasizes that the emotional truth of a memory is often more significant than its factual accuracy in the context of healing.
• Constructing Stories: From our memories and experiences, particularly significant or traumatic ones, we unconsciously weave narratives or stories to make sense of what happened. These stories often explain why things occurred and what they mean about us or the world.
• The Formation of Core Beliefs: These stories, repeated over time, solidify into core beliefs. These are deeply held convictions about ourselves (e.g., “I’m not good enough,” “I’m unlovable”), others (e.g., “People can’t be trusted”), and life itself (e.g., “The world is a dangerous place”). These beliefs then act as filters through which we interpret current experiences.
• Uncovering Unconscious Narratives: A primary aim of Compassionate Inquiry, as highlighted in this module, is to bring these unconscious stories and beliefs into conscious awareness. Many people are not aware of the powerful narratives that are running their lives.
• Challenging and Releasing Limiting Beliefs: Once identified, the module touches upon how CI facilitates a gentle questioning of these beliefs – not to invalidate the original experience, but to examine whether the belief still serves a purpose or accurately reflects current reality. The goal is to loosen the grip of these limiting stories.
• The Body’s Memory: The module may also touch upon how memories and beliefs are not just cognitive constructs but are often held in the body as sensations, tensions, or postures.

By understanding how memories, stories, and beliefs are formed and how they operate, participants can begin to identify their own limiting narratives and open to the possibility of creating new, more empowering ones, a central tenet of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course.

Module 7: Will, Compassion, Forgiveness

Module 7 of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course addresses three profound and often challenging concepts in the healing journey: will, compassion, and forgiveness. This module moves towards the transformative potential inherent in the CI process. Key explorations include:

• Understanding ‘Will’: The module may explore ‘will’ not merely as willpower or forcing oneself to change, but as a deeper alignment with one’s authentic self and intrinsic motivation. It might differentiate between the conscious will and unconscious counter-will that can arise from unresolved trauma, which often sabotages conscious intentions. True will, in this context, emerges from self-understanding and self-acceptance.
• Cultivating Self-Compassion: A cornerstone of Gabor Maté’s work, self-compassion is explored as a vital antidote to the self-criticism and shame often rooted in trauma. This section explains what self-compassion truly means – treating oneself with the same kindness and understanding one would offer a good friend during times of suffering – and how CI fosters this capacity. It distinguishes self-compassion from self-pity or self-indulgence.
• Compassion for Others: Extending from self-compassion, the module discusses developing compassion for others, including those who may have caused harm. This is not about condoning harmful actions but about understanding the pain and conditioning that often drive such behaviors.
• The Process of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is presented not as a forgetting or excusing of harm, but as a process of releasing the emotional burden and resentment associated with past hurts. The module may explore forgiveness of oneself and forgiveness of others, emphasizing that it is primarily a gift one gives to oneself to achieve inner peace and freedom. It is often a natural outcome of deep understanding and compassion.
• Authenticity and Choice: As individuals develop more self-compassion and begin to release old burdens, they can access a greater sense of authentic will and make choices that are more aligned with their true needs and values.

This module offers a pathway towards deeper emotional healing by highlighting the transformative power of self-compassion and the liberating potential of genuine forgiveness, moving beyond intellectual understanding to embodied emotional shifts. These are crucial components for lasting change facilitated by the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course.

Module 8: Relationship, Possibility, Change

The final core module of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course, Module 8, brings together the threads of the previous teachings to focus on the potential for positive transformation in our relationships and overall lives. It looks forward, emphasizing hope and the capacity for growth. Key themes include:

• Healing in Relationship: This section underscores the idea that as we heal our relationship with ourselves through Compassionate Inquiry, our relationships with others naturally begin to transform. It explores how resolving internal conflicts and understanding our own patterns can lead to healthier, more authentic connections. The therapeutic relationship in CI itself can be a model for such healing connection.
• Embracing Possibility: Once limiting beliefs and old stories are identified and their hold lessens, new possibilities for being and living emerge. This module encourages participants to look beyond the constraints of past conditioning and envision a future guided by greater self-awareness, compassion, and authenticity. It’s about recognizing that the future doesn’t have to be a repetition of the past.
• The Nature of Change: Change is presented not as a forceful act of will, but as an organic process that unfolds as understanding and compassion deepen. The module discusses how sustainable change arises from within, as individuals become more aligned with their true selves and less reactive to old triggers and patterns.
• Integration and Ongoing Practice: The module may touch upon the importance of integrating the insights gained from Compassionate Inquiry into daily life. It highlights that CI is not a one-time fix but an ongoing practice of self-awareness and compassionate self-reflection.
• Living More Fully: Ultimately, this module points towards the potential to live a more vibrant, connected, and meaningful life, free from the heaviest burdens of past trauma and conditioning. It’s about reclaiming parts of the self that were lost or suppressed and moving towards wholeness.

Module 8 serves as an inspiring culmination, reinforcing that the insights and practices learned throughout the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course are tools for fostering lasting positive change, healthier relationships, and a greater sense of possibility in one’s life journey.

Implementation Plan

To make the most of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course and integrate its profound teachings effectively, a thoughtful implementation plan is recommended. Given the depth and volume of material (over 30 hours of video plus resources), a structured approach will enhance your learning and personal growth. Consider the following steps:

• Allocate Dedicated Time: Treat this course as a serious commitment. Schedule regular, uninterrupted blocks of time for study, just as you would for an in-person workshop. Consistency is key to absorbing the material.
• Begin with the Introduction: Start with the Course Introduction by Dr. Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur ND. Download and familiarize yourself with the provided PDF resources, especially the Compassionate Inquiry Map, as this will be a valuable guide throughout.
• Engage Actively with the Workshop: Immerse yourself in the four-part video recording of the 2-day Compassionate Inquiry workshop with Dr. Maté. Take detailed notes, paying attention not just to the content but also to Dr. Maté’s process and interactions. Pause and reflect on points that resonate deeply.
• Systematically Progress Through Modules: Work through the 8 core modules narrated by Sat Dharam Kaur one by one. These modules distill the key principles. After each module, take time to reflect on how the concepts apply to your own life or professional practice. Consider journaling your insights.
• Observe the Conversations: Study the 10 videotaped Conversations where Dr. Maté models Compassionate Inquiry. These are invaluable for seeing the approach in action with diverse individuals. Note the questions asked, the pacing, and the shifts that occur. Use the provided transcripts for deeper analysis.
• Practice Self-Reflection: While this is a self-study course, actively apply the principles to your own inner world. Use the inquiries modeled as inspiration for gentle self-exploration. What stories are you telling yourself? What are your triggers?
• Utilize All Resources: Don’t overlook the transcripts and reading lists. These can provide further clarification and avenues for deeper study.
• Pace Yourself and Revisit: Since you have unlimited access, don’t feel rushed. Allow time for integration. Revisit challenging sections or particularly impactful demonstrations as often as needed. Some concepts may take time to fully absorb and appreciate.

By following a structured yet flexible plan, you can create a rich and transformative learning experience, allowing the wisdom of the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course to permeate your understanding and practice.

Real-World Applications and Success Stories

The principles and techniques introduced in the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course have far-reaching real-world applications, fostering profound shifts for individuals in their personal lives and for professionals in their practice. Personally, individuals often report a greater understanding of their emotional triggers, a reduction in self-criticism, and an enhanced ability to navigate challenging emotions with self-compassion. Many find they can identify and begin to heal from the impact of past trauma, leading to improved relationships, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of inner peace and authenticity. For instance, someone struggling with anxiety might uncover the childhood roots of their fears and, through compassionate self-inquiry, develop new, healthier coping mechanisms.

Professionally, therapists, counselors, coaches, and healthcare workers find that incorporating Compassionate Inquiry enhances their ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. It provides a framework for gently guiding clients to uncover the unconscious beliefs and unprocessed emotions that underlie their symptoms or challenges. This can lead to more effective and lasting outcomes in therapy and coaching. For example, a therapist might use CI techniques to help a client with chronic pain explore the emotional factors contributing to their physical suffering. While specific, detailed success stories are often shared in testimonials on the official Compassionate Inquiry website, the overarching narrative is one of empowerment, healing, and the cultivation of a more compassionate and trauma-informed approach to human suffering, both for oneself and when supporting others.

Pricing

The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is offered at a set price, providing comprehensive access to a wealth of knowledge and resources from Dr. Gabor Maté and Sat Dharam Kaur ND. Understanding the investment is key to appreciating the value offered:

• Course Cost: The self-study short course is priced at $350 CAD (Canadian Dollars).
• What’s Included: This one-time fee grants you:
  • Over 30 hours of video content, featuring teachings and demonstrations by Dr. Gabor Maté and module summaries by Sat Dharam Kaur ND.
  • A course welcome from Gabor and Sat Dharam.
  • Downloadable PDF resources, including the valuable Compassionate Inquiry Map, reading lists, and more.
  • The complete four-part video recording of a 2-day Compassionate Inquiry workshop led by Dr. Gabor Maté.
  • Eight detailed PowerPoint video module summaries covering the core tenets of CI.
  • Ten videotaped “Conversations with Gabor,” where he models the Compassionate Inquiry process with course participants.
  • Full transcripts of the training to aid study and review.
  • Unlimited, lifetime access to all course materials – there is no expiry date, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit content anytime.
• Important Considerations:
  • No Refunds/Discounts: The cancellation policy states there are no discounts, subsidies, or refunds available for this course.
  • Streaming Only: To protect the privacy of course participants featured in demonstrations, all videos are streaming only and are not downloadable for offline viewing.
  • Self-Study Format: The course is designed for self-study and does not include direct facilitation unless purchased as part of a group package by an organization.
  • Separate from Professional Training: This short course is an introductory program and is not a precursor to, nor does it offer discounts for, the more extensive Professional Online Training in Compassionate Inquiry.
  • Language Availability: The course is also available in Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, French, Hungarian, and ASL.
  • CE Credits: The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) has approved The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course for 10 CE Credits for Canadian psychotherapists.

Considering the depth of content, direct teachings from a world-renowned expert, and lifetime access, the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course offers significant value for those wishing to explore this powerful therapeutic approach.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Direct Learning from Dr. Gabor Maté: Access to the insights and direct teachings of a leading world expert on trauma, addiction, and child development.
• Comprehensive Introduction: Offers a thorough and deep introduction to the Compassionate Inquiry approach, suitable for both laypeople and professionals.
• Self-Paced Learning: The self-study format allows you to learn at your own speed, accommodating busy schedules and individual learning styles.
• Extensive Content: Over 30 hours of video material, including workshop footage, module summaries, and live demonstrations.
• Real-Life Demonstrations: Includes 10 videotaped conversations where Dr. Maté models the CI process, providing invaluable practical insight.
• Supportive Resources: Comes with downloadable PDFs, including the CI Map, reading lists, and full transcripts of the training.
• Unlimited Access: Lifetime access to course materials means you can revisit the content anytime for refreshment or deeper understanding.
• Dual Application: Beneficial for both personal growth and healing, as well as for professionals seeking to enhance their therapeutic skills.
• Developed with Sat Dharam Kaur ND: The course structure and module summaries benefit from her expertise in naturopathic medicine and yoga.
• Multi-Language Availability: Accessible to a global audience with versions in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, French, Hungarian, and ASL.
• CE Credits: Canadian psychotherapists can earn 10 CE credits recognized by the CCPA.

Cons

• Self-Study Limitations: The lack of direct interaction with instructors or fellow students might not suit all learning preferences; some may miss live Q&A or personalized feedback (unless taken via a facilitated group).
• No Direct Instructor Interaction: As a self-study course, there’s no opportunity for direct, individual engagement with Dr. Maté or Sat Dharam Kaur.
• Streaming Only Videos: Videos cannot be downloaded for offline viewing, requiring a stable internet connection for access.
• No Refunds or Discounts: The strict no-refund policy means prospective students should be certain before purchasing.
• Not a Professional Certification: This short course is introductory and does not lead to certification as a Compassionate Inquiry practitioner (which requires the separate, more intensive Professional Online Training).
• Potential Emotional Intensity: The subject matter (trauma, pain, shame) can be emotionally evocative; individuals should ensure they have adequate self-care practices or support systems in place.
• Cost Consideration: While offering good value, the $350 CAD price point might still be a significant investment for some individuals.

FAQs

What is Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry Short Course about?
The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is an introductory self-study program designed to teach the fundamentals of Dr. Gabor Maté’s therapeutic approach. It focuses on understanding and healing trauma, uncovering unconscious stories and beliefs, and exploring the roots of mental and physical illness. The course includes over 30 hours of video teachings from Dr. Maté, workshop recordings, module summaries by Sat Dharam Kaur ND, and real-life demonstrations of the CI process.

Who is the Compassionate Inquiry Short Course for?
This course is suitable for a wide range of individuals. This includes health professionals (therapists, doctors, counselors), coaches, educators, and laypeople who are interested in personal growth, self-discovery, and understanding Dr. Gabor Maté’s work on trauma. It’s beneficial for anyone seeking to heal personal trauma or learn a compassionate approach to human suffering, regardless of prior professional experience.

How long do I have access to the Gabor Mate Short Course materials?
Upon enrolling in the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course, you receive unlimited lifetime access to all course materials. There is no expiry date, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit the videos, PDFs, and transcripts whenever you wish.

Can I download the videos in the Compassionate Inquiry Short Course?
No, the video content in the course is available for streaming online only and cannot be downloaded. This policy is in place to protect the privacy of the course participants who are featured in some of the demonstration videos.

Does this Short Course count towards the full Compassionate Inquiry Professional Training?
No, the Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is a standalone introductory program. It is not a prerequisite for the Compassionate Inquiry Professional Online Training, nor does taking this short course provide any discounts or credits towards the professional training program. They are distinct offerings.

What is the cost of Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry Short Course?
The course is priced at $350 CAD (Canadian Dollars). This fee includes over 30 hours of video content, downloadable PDF resources such as the Compassionate Inquiry Map and reading lists, and complete transcripts of the training sessions. There are no discounts, subsidies, or refunds available for this course.

Final Verdict

The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course stands out as a deeply valuable and accessible entry point into Dr. Gabor Maté’s profound work on trauma, addiction, and healing. Its primary strength lies in providing direct access to Dr. Maté’s teachings and live demonstrations, coupled with a well-structured curriculum co-developed by Sat Dharam Kaur ND. For anyone who has been impacted by Dr. Maté’s books or lectures, this course offers a significantly more immersive and applied learning experience. The self-paced nature and lifetime access to over 30 hours of rich content make it a flexible and long-lasting resource for both personal development and professional enrichment.

This course is particularly well-suited for individuals seeking to understand the roots of their emotional patterns, health professionals wanting an introduction to a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, and anyone on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The detailed modules, workshop recordings, and real-life inquiry sessions provide a multifaceted understanding of how to uncover unconscious beliefs and foster self-compassion. While the self-study format may not appeal to those seeking interactive learning or direct mentorship (which is reserved for the Professional Training), the clarity and depth of the material largely compensate for this.

Considering the expertise of the instructors, the extensive volume of high-quality content, and the potential for profound personal insight and professional development, the $350 CAD investment represents excellent value. The Gabor Mate – The Compassionate Inquiry Short Course is highly recommended for anyone serious about exploring the intricate connections between past experiences, present suffering, and the innate human capacity for healing. It’s more than just a course; it’s an invitation to a more compassionate and understanding relationship with oneself and others. If you are ready to delve into the core stories that shape your life and are seeking tools for genuine transformation, this program is a worthy and enlightening endeavor.

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