Compassion Focused Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is used to help you to understand how your mind works and teach you the necessary skills to cultivate compassion toward both you and others. CFT is often used for people who struggle with self-criticism, feelings of shame or being unworthy, issues with emotional regulation and for those who have traumatic histories
The core principles of CFT are that the human brain has evolved to have three main systems: a threat system, a drive system and a soothing system. People with mental health difficulties, according to CFT, have an over-developed threat system while also having an under-developed soothing system.
Key Techniques
At lifespan Psychology we use CFT to help you strengthen your soothing systems through using evidence-based compassion promoting exercises. The key aspects of this therapy are:
- ‘Compassionate mind training’ or CMT, this is to enable you to develop compassion for yourself and other through breathing exercises and building on your compassionate inner voice.
- You will be encouraged to understand the evolution of the mind. This means being taught that it is not your fault your mind reacts in certain ways and learning that self-compassion is not a weakness or selfish.
- To help regulate emotions you will be taught to approach your emotions with kindness in a safe and nurturing environment where you will feel comfortable to explore your compassion.