The Love and Compassion Cycle

by Dr. Denise Healy

The Love & Compassion Cycle is the heart of our approach and the foundation of every training we offer. Developed by our co-founder, Denise Healy, this model helps individuals understand how healthy connection begins—with love and compassion for oneself and others. By recognizing this cycle, clients and professionals alike learn to break harmful patterns, build emotional resilience, and foster meaningful relationships. Whether you're participating in a class, workshop, or coaching session, the Love & Compassion Cycle is woven throughout, guiding lasting growth and positive change.

The cycle of Love and Compassion consists of three different phases: 

  • Positive, Creative, Problem-Solving Phase

  • Intimacy and Play Phase

  • Love and Compassion Phase

  • Awareness helps perpetuate the cycle.

Love and Compassion Cycle "Positive Creative Problem-solving Phase"

Signs of the Positive, Creative Problem-Solving Phase

  • Use positive approaches, strategies, and processes to settle disagreements.

  • Individuals in this phase will appear confident and safe around their partner, spouse, significant other.

  • Neither individual exerts power or control over the other attempting to control the exchange. 

Love and Compassion Cycle, credited by Dr. Denise Healy, 2020.
Love and Compassion Cycle "Intimacy and Play" phase

Signs of the Intimacy and Play Phase

  • Individuals lean into each other calmly and safely. They ‘Into-each-other-see’.

  • Physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, or psychological alignment occurs.

  • Accountability and harmony are present. 

  • Individuals try to capture opportunities to create pleasurable, memorable moments to cherish. 

Love and Compassion Cycle "Love and Compassion" phase

Signs of the Love and Compassion Phase

  • Profoundly tender, responsivity.

  • Passionate affection for another person.

  • A feeling of warm personal attachment.

  • A feeling of deep sympathy and a strong desire to alleviate any suffering the other may experience.

© 2025 Dr. Denise Healy. All Rights Reserved.
The Love and Compassion Cycle is the intellectual property of Dr. Denise Healy and is protected under U.S. and international copyright law. No part of this content may be copied, reproduced, distributed, or republished without express written permission from the author