Dr. Gabor Maté on Compassionate Inquiry, with Sean Fargo

Each of us longs to be seen, heard and loved. Inquiring about our experience with curiosity and compassion lets us face old pains and strong emotions we’ve long ignored, which can lead to healing if we feel safe in our bodies, in the present moment, and in secure relationship with others.

Through the method of Compassionate Inquiry, Dr. Gabor Maté teaches therapists, counselors and individuals to uncover the unconscious dynamics that run our lives, and find freedom from these habits.

The method has gained worldwide recognition for its enlightening, empowering approach to healing. In a safe space, connected to our body, our breath and the present moment, we’re guided to gently uncover the layers of childhood trauma and suppressed emotion at the root of our illness and addiction. Although we begin with a guide, compassionate inquiry is ultimately a practice we can attend to on our own.

In this episode, Gabor and Sean discuss the relationship between Compassionate Inquiry and the kind, non-judgmental curiosity we learn through the practice of mindfulness, the 5 levels of compassion that comprise the Compassionate Inquiry process, and why being triggered is not always a bad thing, especially within the safe container of compassionate, kind awareness.

Dr. Gabor Maté is a best selling author and sought-after speaker whose experience is rooted in 20 years of practice as a physician in family practice, palliative care, and addiction.

This interview is a brief excerpt from a presentation he gave to the Mindfulness Exercises Mindfulness Teacher Training program. You can learn more about that program and the other world-class presenters who join as guest teachers at Teach.MindfulnessExercises.com

Learn more about Dr. Gabor Maté and his Compassionate Inquiry process at Compassionate Inquiry.com

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About the Podcast Mindfulness Exercises with Sean Fargo is a practical, grounded mindfulness podcast for people who want meditation to actually help in real life. Hosted by Sean Fargo — a former Buddhist monk, mindfulness teacher, and founder of MindfulnessExercises.com — this podcast explores how mindfulness can support mental health, emotional regulation, trauma sensitivity, chronic pain, leadership, creativity, and meaningful work. Each episode offers a mix of: • Practical mindfulness and meditation teachings • Conversations with respected teachers, clinicians, authors, and researchers • Real-world insights for therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, educators, and caregivers • Gentle reflections for anyone navigating stress, anxiety, burnout, grief, or change Rather than chasing peak experiences or spiritual bypassing, this podcast emphasizes embodied practice, ethical teaching, and mindfulness that meets people where they are—messy, human, and alive. If you’re interested in: • Mindfulness meditation for everyday life • Trauma-sensitive and co...