Compassion Focused Therapy

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) helps you to change how you relate to yourself.  It is an evidence based integrative therapeutic model.  The approach combines evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness.  It also draws on neuroscience.  CFT is particularly useful when you understand your difficulties intellectually but still experience an inner self-critical voice.  You may understand rationally but feel unable to connect emotionally.

CFT helps individuals to learn to respond to their distress from this inner voice with “compassion” instead of criticism, threat or avoidance.  Compassion is not just about being nice to yourself. CFT techniques help with increasing one’s psychological awareness of distress, in yourself and others, and taking thoughtful action to help alleviate suffering.  The therapy approach helps to regulate emotions, reduce psychological suffering and increase well-being.

According to CFT, there are three emotional regulation systems that influence how we feel and act.  There is the threat and protection system which is helpful in detecting danger and motivates us to protect ourselves.  However, this can become overactivated when we feel rejected or criticised.  The drive and achievement system can be helpful to pursue goals and gain rewards.  However, this can lead to us feeling that our worth depends on our success.  The soothing system helps with feelings of safety, connection and recovery.  The aim of CFT is to develop a healthier balance between all three systems. 

CFT is particularly useful for helping individuals who experience trauma, rejection, shame, self-criticism, guilt or low self-worth.  It is effective for the treatment of depression and feelings of inadequacy.  It can also help with anxiety issues and difficulties with regulating emotions.