Psychologist Professor Paul Gilbert developed a new style of therapy while working for the UK's National Health Service more than 30 years ago.
He was treating a cohort of patients for whom available therapies, in particular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, were not working.
They were typically patients whose depression was accompanied by intense self-criticism, and shame.
Paul developed Compassion Focused Therapy, which helps people use compassion as a motivation.
He says compassion is not about kindness, but is about confronting the reality of life and death with wisdom, and taking beneficial action.
Paul says evolutionary psychopathology is the key to understanding why human brains are so contrary, equally capable of extreme cruelty and great goodness.
Drives and instincts inherited from ancient forebears, are complicated by our 'newer' brains' insight, intelligence, and social conditioning.
Further information
Paul is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Derby and is a Visiting Professor at The University of Queensland, Australia
Paul's most recent book is Living Like Crazy (available online)
Paul established charitable organisation The Compassionate Mind Foundation in 2006