Dr. Gabor Maté
Compassionate Inquiry® is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté that reveals what lies beneath the appearance we present to the world. Using Compassionate Inquiry, both the individual and therapist unveil the level of consciousness, mental climate, hidden assumptions, implicit memories and body states that form the real message that words both express and conceal. Through Compassionate Inquiry, the client can recognize the unconscious dynamics that run their lives and how to liberate themselves from them.
“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 … That’s what Compassionate Inquiry is.”
~ Dr. Gabor Maté
I certified in September 2022 as a Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner. I help clients to connect with the part of themselves they have disconnected from. The is done through holding space for a person without judgement, with curiosity and a gentle presence and acceptance of the person exactly as they are. This intention helps each person open up in such a way they feel relationally held and supported. When this happens the client connects with and bridges together past trauma with their present day life.
It is an honour to be trusted by my clients in helping them to understand their story of pain, hurt and an inner battle they fought on their own. Working together within the trusting relationship lends to an openness to relational holding. This is where transformation takes place and the client feels safe to look at their story in its entirety.
"It was serendipity that brought me in touch with Mali, we started our sessions across time zones and oceans i suppose. It has been an absolute pleasure to be in the company of Mali, who is warm, magnanimous, inspiring, sharing personal anecdotes making an effort to understand me, inspire me, work with this Indian 40 something woman that she was meeting for the first time. It was a first for me, compassionate inquiry and as a therapist i learnt so much. I will always remember the turquoise horse story. Thanks to you it is etched in my heart. Thanks Mali! What a wonderful journey.”
I found Mali to be a very attuned and sensitive guide. The work helped me to go into some painful places and for them to be seen and held in compassion. I felt very safe working with Mali and my inner child felt very safe too. Your attunement helped so many parts who often don't get seen have some moments of loving attention. This I found very healing. Mali, you have a very soft, warm and loving presence which helped to soften some hard parts of myself. I grew and healed a lot working with you and am very grateful for this. I liked how well organized and reliable you were with emails in advance reminding of the session with the zoom link. I found you very professional and reliable to work with. I think what struck me the most was the kindness you have and the ability to speak to my wounded child parts with such care and love. This was very healing for me."
"Mali has an incredible capacity to create a space of comfort and gentle guidance to explore and discover pieces of self that require attention and healing. Sessions with Mali have been transformative and have facilitated a greater awareness of self, and have provided me with ongoing tools to calm the nervous system to better integrate body/mind connection. Highly recommend!"
"I worked with Mali for 6 months looking at recognizing, supporting and embracing all parts of myself. She was an attuned listener and crafted thoughtful and enlightening questions during our sessions together. I highly recommend her as a gentle, present and skilled therapist."
"Mali, your accompaniments in CI were always a treat for me as your kind, compassionate and joy-full curiosity and presence encouraged me to dive deeper into often un-chartered waters. And that it was safe to do so.. And yes, even on Zoom one can feel this kind of safe presence, if anyone has any misgivings about this. Colour this blue for water … and safety. (Fun fact : I just taught myself how to swim in the neighbourhood pool last year, I can now swim into the deep end with no fear) At 71 years old, no spring chicken, delving with an ever-growing sense of joy and curiosity into those places where my body has kept the score for so many years - kind of frozen there - has been a golden opportunity to shed light - with a safe companion like yourself - and compassion on all those protective parts that have kept me alive to this day. To be grateful for them. To have a relationship with them when they come up. To, little by slow, get my grown-up caring self back in the driver’s seat, with all my little kiddies still present, but no longer driving the bus of my life. And when they do get triggered and take over the wheel, no reprimands. A noticing. A smiling. They are no longer alone and abandoned. I'm here. Let's breathe together and get back to calm. Colour this gold and all the colours imaginable for the possibility, at any age, to shed more light and love towards oneself and inevitably towards all sentient beings. Thank God for Gabor Maté and all who swim in these compassionate waters. I now get to wear my life as a loose garment. In technicolour! Nothing to reject. Everything to be welcome, be curious about and integrate. Mali, this is important work. Thank you."
"In sessions with Mali I could benefit from her intimate presence and profound respect for my process. The way she supported me processing my childhood, including what was unconscious, and release stored trauma. That helped me to feel safe in my body and find what I needed. I usually would start a session with a very tense and rigid body, stuck in deep rooted limiting beliefs about myself, and would end relaxed and more aware of myself.”
©2022 Mali Munroe