Compassion-Focused Therapy for Mental Health: International Perspectives Exploring Cultural Variations in Compassion and Wellbeing

Yasuhiro Kotera
PhD is Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, Honorary Professor at Azerbaijan University, and Collaborative Researcher at Osaka University. He has authored over 280 peer-reviewed publications examining how people experience wellbeing across cultures. His work bridges psychology, education, and healthcare, and has been featured internationally — including on Derren Brown’s Emotional Boot Camp, BBC Radio, Voice of Islam UK, ABC Radio National (Australia), and CGTN-Europe.

Julie Beaumont
MSc is a research psychologist affiliated with Queen’s University Belfast and collaborating with the Research Ensemble for Advancement in Cross-Cultural Healthcare (REACH). Her research investigates Self-Compassion, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and qualitative methodologies informed by compassion-based frameworks. With a background in mental health practice, she explores how compassion can enhance understanding and well-being among populations whose voices are often marginalised, including women living with metastatic breast cancer and individuals affected by domestic violence.

Rory Colman
MSc is an academic psychologist at the University of Derby, UK. His research focuses on the psychological determinants of mental health and wellbeing in diverse international populations. As a volunteer for an NHS commissioned UK charity he provides community mental health crisis support.

Annabel Rushforth
is a psychotherapist and researcher. Her work focuses on compassion-focused approaches for individuals with complex emotional needs. She is committed to improving wellbeing through evidence-based, compassionate practice.

Kenichi Asano
PhD is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. His research investigates the efficacy of treatments for mental illness, primarily Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He also studies the mechanisms of psychopathology, focusing on compassion, childhood adversity, and self-criticism. A certified Clinical Psychologist in Japan and a qualified CBT supervisor, Dr. Asano is actively involved in therapist training and supervision.