COMPASSION FOCUSED THERAPY
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is based on the science of human nature; that our brains are a product of evolution, and the way in which they are built and the loops of thought that develop effect our experiences and how we live our lives. Compassion, both towards others and self, is an essential aspect of wellbeing and can change the way we relate to ourselves and others; bettering mental and emotional health. CFT involves mindfulness and visualisation techniques to cultivate compassion.
COMPASSION FOCUSED THERAPY
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach developed to address issues of shame and self-criticism by fostering self-compassion. It encompasses mindfulness, visualisation, imagery, and compassion exercises to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and develop a compassionate attitude towards themselves.
KEY CONCEPTS OF CFT:
​​
Three Emotion Regulation Systems: CFT identifies three main systems that regulate emotions:Standalone or Integrated Treatment: Effective on its own or as part of a broader psychotherapy program.
​
-
Threat System: Generates fear, anger, anxiety, and disgust to protect us.
-
Drive System: Creates excitement and motivates us to seek resources for survival.
-
Soothing System: Activates peacefulness and contentment when safety is assured
.​
An imbalance between these systems, particularly an overactive threat system and an underactive soothing system, can lead to maladaptive thoughts and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
​
HOW IT HELPS:
​
-
Redresses Imbalances: CFT aims to balance the three emotion regulation systems, promoting mental health and well-being.
-
Reduces Shame and Self-Criticism: It is especially beneficial for those struggling with high levels of self-criticism and shame, often stemming from early life experiences like abuse, neglect, or bullying.
-
Promotes Self-Compassion: By cultivating compassion towards oneself, CFT helps replace feelings of hostility and insecurity with understanding and kindness.
-
Imagery and Visualization: Techniques to stimulate the soothing system and foster feelings of safety and calm.
-
Cognitive Restructuring: Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, supplemented with self-compassion to enhance effectiveness.
​​
​
BENEFITS:
​
-
Emotional Regulation: Helps individuals better manage and understand their emotions, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms.
-
Improved Self-Perception: Encourages a positive self-view, reducing the impact of self-criticism and shame.
-
Enhanced Relationships: Facilitates the ability to accept kindness from others and improve interpersonal relationships.
-
Overall Well-being: Leads to greater feelings of contentment and safety, improving overall quality of life.
