Compassion focussed therapy (CFT)
What is CFT?
Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is a system developed by Paul Gilbert that integrates techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy with concepts from evolutionary psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, Buddhist psychology and neuroscience.
CFT was initially developed to work with those who suffer from high levels of self-criticism and shame who often find it difficult to be kind to themselves. Constant self-attacking or self-criticism can cause us to experience strong feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, anger disgust etc.
CFT Research
Research into the neurophysiology of emotion distinguishes at least three types of emotion regulation systems, threat and protective systems; drive, resource and excitement systems and soothing and a safeness and contentment system
How does CFT work?
The central therapeutic technique of compassion focused therapy is that compassionate mind training teaches skills and attributes of compassion.
This involves becoming mindful of negative internal dialogue that can make us feel bad and learning how to bring our emotions back into balance when we feel overwhelmed by strong negative feelings.
This is done through a series of exercises aimed at helping us develop numerous skills that will cultivate a more compassionate way of being with ourselves.
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What does CFT help treat?
CFT can help us to understand and deal with our complicated brains which give rise to numerous and varied negative thoughts and emotions.
It can also help us understand our different motives and emotions and can then begin to help us transform and change problematic patterns of thoughts, behaviours and emotions related to each of them
CFT was initially developed to work with those who suffer from high levels of self-criticism and shame who often find it difficult to be kind to themselves. Constant self-attacking or self-criticism can cause us to experience strong feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, anger disgust etc.
