In this episode of "Into the Magic Shop," Dr. Jim Doty hosts Professor Paul Gilbert, a pioneer in Compassion Focussed Therapy. Gilbert shares his personal journey from a carefree childhood in Gambia, to his youth in the often harsh British school system, to his development of compassion-focused therapy. They discuss the impact of Gilbert's father's PTSD from WWII and his own experiences with depression and anxiety. The conversation covers the importance of human connections, the physiological effects of relationships, and the role of compassion and mindfulness in emotional regulation. They also explore the concept of free will, the effects of psychedelics, and the profound responsibility to use consciousness to alleviate suffering and contribute positively to the world. https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk/