Why CFT- Compassion Focused Therapy?

Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Are you struggling with self-criticism, shame, or finding it hard to be kind to yourself? CFT might be the transformative approach you need.

Developed by psychologist Paul Gilbert, CFT blends cognitive-behavioural techniques with insights from evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhism to help you cultivate self-compassion and improve your mental well-being.

How Does CFT Work?

CFT supports you to understand your emotions and teaches you how to nurture self-compassion. It focuses on balancing three key emotional systems: threat, drive, and soothing.

Through compassionate mind training, mindfulness, imagery exercises, and self-compassionate talk, CFT aims to reduce self-criticism and enhance overall well-being.

Core Principles of CFT

The core principles of CFT include:

developing a compassionate mind characterized by warmth and understanding,

balancing the emotion regulation systems, understanding evolutionary influences on behaviour,

cultivating self-compassion,

and practicing mindfulness.

These principles work together to help you build a compassionate and non-judgmental attitude towards yourself.

Who can benefit from CFT?

If you struggle with self-compassion or frequently engage in negative self-evaluation, CFT could be beneficial.

Research shows that CFT is effective in treating a range of issues, including self-criticism and shame, depression and anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, personality disorders, and eating disorders.

What to expect during CFT sessions

In a CFT session, your therapist will use a variety of techniques to help you develop or re-discover self-compassion.

These sessions may include:

• psychoeducation to help you understand your emotions,

• mindfulness training to practice staying present and aware without judgment,

• imagery exercises to visualize feelings of warmth and compassion,

• role-playing to practice compassionate responses in different scenarios,

• and self-compassion exercises to develop supportive and kind self-talk.

Pros and Cons of CFT

CFT is particularly helpful for those who are highly self-critical or feel intense shame.

It combines well with other therapies like CBT and is supported by growing research showing its effectiveness.

However, those with deeply rooted self-critical thoughts might find it challenging, and success with CFT requires a commitment to regular practice of therapeutic exercises.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post!

Please share your feedback or ask any questions you might have about Compassion Focused Therapy in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you.

Ready to transform your relationship with yourself ad values?

CFT offers a path to a kinder, more compassionate relationship with yourself. If you're ready to take the next step towards nurturing your resilience and mental health, reach out today to learn more or schedule a session for a holistic approach including CFT.

Let's embark on this journey together.