All timings are according to UK GMT
03rd February 2026 via Zoom - 17.00 to 18.30
This webinar is offered on a donation basis.
In this webinar, Dr Heriot-Maitland will introduce participants to his new book, Controlled Explosions in Mental Health (publication date 23rd Jan 2026 - see full book details below).
As well as hearing a presentation by the author, webinar participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and to interact with some of the book’s key ideas and themes.
Participants will be invited to explore the complex ways in which our brains can, often unconsciously, generate self-defeating or self-harming patterns as an attempt to manage threat and maintain psychological safety. Drawing on the metaphor of “controlled explosions,” participants will examine how certain protective strategies - while aimed at preventing anticipated harm - can paradoxically create further distress or difficulty. Participants will be introduced to the book’s core framework that personifies these self-protective processes as the Bomb Squad. The Bomb Squad comprises 15 members, each performing different types of controlled explosions that serve to shield us from perceived danger in different ways.
This approach provides a compassionate and accessible way of understanding how protective systems, when over-activated or rigidly applied, can contribute to patterns such as self-criticism, procrastination, avoidance, and self-harm. Framing these experiences as part of a shared human continuum of threat and protection can help reduce stigma, foster empathy, and open new therapeutic perspectives on the underlying functions of such experiences.
Participants will be encouraged to reflect on parallels within their own lives and clinical work, and to consider how a compassionate understanding of these mechanisms can support recovery, integration, and psychological growth.
Title: Controlled Explosions in Mental Health: A Compassionate Guide to Understanding Why Our Brains Self-Sabotage, Self-Criticise, and Self-Harm (Routledge 2026)
Author: Charlie Heriot-Maitland
Publisher: Routledge (publication date 23rd Jan 2026)
Description (from back cover):
Have you ever wondered why your brain self-sabotages? Or why your actions seem self-defeating or destructive? This book explores how our brains have evolved to favour survival over mental well-being – creating ‘controlled explosions’ – and provides practical ways to understand, acknowledge and defuse them.
Controlled Explosions in Mental Health identifies everyday scenarios in which one may experience self-destructive behaviour such as procrastination or self-criticism. Each chapter guides the reader through key examples of controlled explosions, identifying and exploring their possible functions. Readers will learn how to identify when one or more of these ‘explosions’ are operating in their lives, recognise the potential harm or difficulties this may cause, and learn practical ways to navigate and overcome. The friendly, accessible narrative, teamed with illustrations, guided examples, and worksheets to aid self-practice, makes this book the ultimate companion for navigating your mental health.
This book supports the path to self-awareness, helping the reader take control of their own struggles with insight, care, and compassion. It’s a must-read for any reader looking to better understand their mental health and well-being.
Dr Charlie Heriot-Maitland is a clinical psychologist and Director of Balanced Minds, a UK organisation specialising in CFT therapy, supervision and training. He has spent several years researching CFT and the application of CFT for people who are experiencing distress in relation to psychosis. He has authored a number of academic papers and chapters on this subject, has given numerous invited talks, and is a recognised international trainer in CFT. He has co-authored a self-help book for voice-hearers called Relating to Voices using CFT. www.charlieheriotmaitland.com
Online via Zoom
Controlled Explosions in Mental Health by Dr Charlie Heriot-Maitland
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Yes we will email certificates of attendance to all attendees, however as this is for personal practice and not for continuing professional development, the certificate will not include any CPD.
Yes, this workshop will be recorded on zoom. Once the workshop has finished all delegates will receive a follow-up email with the links to view these along with any extra resources. These will be available to view for around 3 months post-event. The recordings are edited, so will be made available roughly a week after the workshop has finished.
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All places booked for our event, must be paid for prior to attending the event unless pre-agreed with management. Please note that we cannot confirm your place until we have received payment.
Should you be unable to attend the event, please contact our admin team as soon as possible via hello@compassionatemind.co.uk. Refunds, less the Eventbrite administration fee, will be made if cancellations are received in writing up to one month before the event. Any cancellations received after this time will not be eligible for a refund, although we will consider exceptional circumstances. While refunds for failure to attend cannot be made, you can transfer your event fee to a future event that will take place within 12 months of your booking without an additional penalty.
Please note that information about the event and venue are subject to change and cancellation. Occasionally, an event may have to be cancelled or postponed. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes and cancellations as soon as possible via email. We cannot take responsibility for any resulting costs you may incur for travel, accommodation, any other related goods or service or other compensation should an event cancellation occur.
For all face-to-face events, lunch provided at the event will be vegetarian and will include eggs, but no meat or fish (though vegan options will also be made available). However, please advise us of any dietary requirements in the notes section whilst booking online and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
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