Compassionate Inquiry Therapy
An invitation to meet yourself with presence, honesty, and care.
Compassionate Inquiry is a gentle yet powerful therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté that helps individuals uncover and understand the unconscious beliefs, emotional wounds, and body-held memories that shape their current patterns, behaviours, and ways of being.
This approach invites you to slow down, turn inward, and explore your inner landscape with compassionate curiosity. It’s not about fixing what’s “wrong,” but rather about making sense of your experiences, so that healing and change can happen from a place of truth, safety, and self-connection.
What is Compassionate Inquiry®?
Compassionate Inquiry® is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté, designed to help individuals uncover the unconscious beliefs, emotional patterns, and body-held memories that shape their lives. This method emphasizes present-moment awareness, non-judgmental curiosity, and the exploration of underlying patterns to facilitate healing and integration.
The Essence of Compassionate Inquiry®
“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.”
— Dr. Gabor Maté


What Compassionate Inquiry® Offers

1. A Safe and Attuned Space
Compassionate Inquiry® provides a secure environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences with compassion and curiosity. The therapeutic relationship serves as a container for clients to acknowledge and examine past traumas, internalized beliefs, and suppressed emotions, contributing to the healing process.
2. Mind-Body Integration
This approach recognizes the profound connection between the mind and body. By tuning into bodily sensations and emotional cues, clients can uncover how unprocessed emotional wounds are stored physically, leading to a more holistic healing experience.
3. Uncovering Core Beliefs
Through compassionate exploration, individuals can identify and understand the unconscious dynamics and core beliefs that influence their behaviors and relationships. This awareness opens the door to releasing long-held patterns and embracing new ways of being.
4. Client-Led Exploration
Unlike directive therapies, Compassionate Inquiry® emphasizes a client-led process. Therapists act as guides, facilitating self-discovery through reflective questioning and presence, allowing clients to uncover their truths at their own pace.
5. Restoring Authenticity
At its core, Compassionate Inquiry® aims to reconnect individuals with their authentic selves. By peeling back layers of conditioning and self-protection, clients can rediscover their innate wholeness, leading to greater freedom and self-connection.
Who Can Benefit?
Compassionate Inquiry® is beneficial for individuals experiencing:
-
Anxiety, depression, or emotional distress
-
Chronic stress or trauma
-
Addiction or behavioral patterns
-
Relationship challenges
-
A desire for deeper self-understanding
It is also valuable for therapists, healthcare professionals, educators, and anyone interested in personal development and healing.
Embarking on the path of Compassionate Inquiry® is a step toward self-discovery and healing. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or professional development, this approach offers tools to explore your inner world with compassion and curiosity.

Want to Learn More? Contact Us Today and We Will Support You in Finding the Right Fit.
Therapy
Contact
(226) 396-2200
hello@attunedtherapy.ca
1802 Highway 21, Kincardine ON N2Z2X4
