Compassion Therapy

What Is Compassion Focused Therapy? 

CFTCompassion-Focused Therapy, CFT is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert that helps individuals manage high levels of shame and self-criticism. 

It focuses on training the mind to cultivate self-compassion, process emotions, and foster feelings of safety and inner warmth, often using techniques like mindfulness, imagery, and cognitive restructuring.  

Key Components of CFT 

Three Emotional Regulation Systems: CFT focuses on balancing three key systems: the threat/self-protection system, fear, anxiety; the drive/excitation system, seeking, achieving; and the soothing/social safety system, contentment, calm. 

CFT aims to strengthen the soothing system. 

Targeting Shame and Self-Criticism: The therapy is specifically designed for targeting self-criticism or shame, often stemming from early life experiences of trauma, neglect, or bullying. 

Compassionate Mind Training, CMT: This practical, skills-based component of CFT is where clients learn to develop a compassionate inner voice and compassionate behavior toward themselves and others.  

Core Characteristics of Compassion 

CFT defines compassion not just as warmth, but as a combination of:  

Wisdom: Understanding the nature of suffering. 

Strength: The courage to face distress. 

Caring Commitment: A dedication to reducing suffering.  

Applications CFT is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:  Anxiety and Depression Eating Disorders Trauma/PTSD Low self-esteem. CFT helps individuals move from a mindset of self-attack to one of self-correction, which is rooted in kindness rather than fear.