Paul Gilbert
Founder of Compassion Focused Therapy

Paul Gilbert is a pioneer of compassion-focused therapy. He’s a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Derby. In his work, he has drawn on insights from Buddhist tradition as well as evolutionary psychology. His compassion training teaches people to quieten critical or hostile inner voices in order to treat themselves more kindly. That can mean working on breath, posture and tone of voice. Learning to feel compassion towards ourselves is a skill that can be taught.

Cultivating the Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert

David officially kicks off his tried and true plan, but friends (and more friends) keep tempting him to do anything but stay on the plan. Later David has an interview with journalist Steve Calechman about the effect thoughts and beliefs have on reaching our goals. 

The Weighting is sponsored by Darien Wellness, Southeastern Connecticut’s top mental health and wellness provider. If you want to change your life, go to DarienWellness.com or call 203.883.0464.

The Weighting, Episode 3: Derailed But On Track

So what’s the verdict? After months of minimal calories and maximal effort, it’s time to find out if David met his goal. He reviews the numbers and plans next steps with his coach. And then he talks about what he has learned and next steps for him and the podcast. 

Guests: Ryan L’Ecuyer
Hosted By: David Ezell

The Weighting, Episode 10 -  And the Winner is...Me!

Richard Layard is an Emeritus Professor at the London School of Economics where he is also Director of the Wellbeing Programme, as well as a member of the House of Lords and the co-founder of Action for Happiness. His books include Happiness: Lessons from a New Science, and Thrive. Lord Layard began his career as an economist and was one of the first to study the economic and social importance of happiness. Once we measure what makes people happy, he argues, we can develop policies to improve the happiness of our society. Our first priority should be to improve mental health services, particularly those from children. He says he’s seen profound cultural change in recent years as we have learned to talk more about these issues, but warns of the risks that social media can pose to our happiness.

The Value of Happiness by Richard Layard

Shows Main Idea – EMDR is Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. Though it has been around for decades, it has gained a lot of momentum within Christian circles the past few years. It’s a common question that comes to our ministry. In this episode, Rick explains what it is, does it work, and how Christians should view this soul care method.

Show Notes: https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-281-emdr-eye-movement-desensitization-reprocessing-therapy/

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Life Over Coffee

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Ep. 281 EMDR: Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy

It may seem improbable for us to change the world but, if we can do the inner work and bring peace to ourselves we individually add to the collective good. To find inner peace we must manage our negative thoughts and quiet our overstimulated minds. While it may be easier said than done, researchers are working to create mindfulness techniques that soothe and tame our monkey brain. To find out what alternative therapies exist to treat depression and ease suffering, Positive Psychology Podcast Host, Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two authors who promote being in the present moment and practicing mindfulness to heal the mind. Dr. Stuart Eisendrath developed an alternative method to mindfully manage depression and Mark Coleman is a meditation teacher who founded the Mindfulness Institute where he guides students through mindfulness and meditation practices.

Mindfully Managing Depression and Managing the Monkey Mind with Dr. Stuart Eisendrath & Mark Coleman

Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, “Life is what you make it.” And while it is true, we have little control over what happens outside of ourselves, we have total control over the experience we have on the inside. We all make mistakes but there is no need to judge ourselves for them. When we give ourselves permission to let things go we regain our power and become better aligned with the rhythm and flow of life. During the global pandemic, many people are feeling a sense of loss. To uncover strategies for creating opportunities from the uncertainty, Positive Psychology Podcast Host, Lisa Cypers Kamen speaks with two authors who flirt with profanity to help people shift their outlook on life. Jodie Eckleberry-Hunt is a Clinical Psychologist who researches and writes about how targeted profanity provides emotional catharsis. Gary John Bishop is a personal development sage who takes a practical approach to the game of life.

Cut the BS: How to Use Profanity and Reality Bombs to Make Shift Happen

A podcast about being fit inside and out.

Harvesting Happiness Talk Radio with Lisa Cypers Kamen brings to the airwaves a fresh talk radio approach promoting happiness, well-being and global human flourishing by presenting a diverse and proactive collection of the greatest thinkers and doers who have devoted their lives to creating a better world in which to live.


Rick has been training in the Upstate of South Carolina since 1997. After several years as a counselor and pastor, he founded and launched his own training organization in order to encourage and equip people for effective living. 

In the early ‘90s, he earned a BA in Theology. Later he earned a BS in Education. In 1993, he was ordained into Christian ministry, and in 2000, he graduated with an MA in Counseling. In 2006, he was recognized as a Fellow with Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

Today his organization reaches people in every country through training, blogging, podcasting, counseling, and coaching. His cyber home is RickThomas.Net 

Head Talks is a home for informative and inspiring talks on mental wellbeing and the mind.

New tracks tagged #CBT,