What Is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)?

An introduction to compassion focused therapy (CFT) – a psychotherapy approach that draws on evolution, attachment theory, and neurobiology.

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Language

Professional version

Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Client version

Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Overview

Compassion focused therapy (CFT) was developed to work with issues of shame and self-criticism. The CFT model complements and expands the traditional cognitive behavioral approach to human thought, emotion, and behavior. This information handout describes some key principles of the compassionate mind approach.

Why Use This Resource?

This resource is designed to help clients:

Become more familiar with compassion focused therapy (CFT).
Understand the theoretical ideas that CFT is based on.
Appreciate the benefits of developing self-compassion.

Key Benefits

Informative

Offers insights into key ideas in CFT.

Flexible

Suitable for a range of psychological issues.

Clear

Provides a clear introduction to compassion focused therapy (CFT).

Who is this for?

Depression

Alleviating self-criticism and feelings of hopelessness.

Anxiety Disorders

Reducing excessive worry and fear.

Trauma

Addressing past traumatic experiences.

Psychosis

Working with distressing and unusual experiences

Integrating it into your practice

Educate

Use the handout as a psychoeducation tool to explain the CFT approach to clients.

Reflect

Encourage clients to reflect on their experiences and the role of compassion on their lives.

Explore

Explore whether CFT might be helpful for addressing clients' difficulties.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Compassion focused therapy (CFT) is a relatively new psychotherapy approach which was originally developed to work with shame and self-loathing (self-criticism). CFT is embedded within contemporary neurobiological understandings of the human mind. What Is CFT? is an information sheet describing the key principles of compassion focused therapy (CFT). Compassionate mind training (CMT) is the skills-training application of CFT. For more information about compassion focused therapy visit the Compassionate Mind Foundation.

What's inside

Introduction to compassion focused therapy (CFT) and compassionate mind training (CMT).
Suggestions for using the resource with clients.
Key references for learning more about CFT.

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FAQs

CFT is a therapeutic model designed to prevent and alleviate suffering by developing compassion towards oneself and others.

While CFT is transdiagnostic and can be used to address various difficulties, it should be used based on client needs and clinical judgment.

Start by using CFT information handouts to discuss the core principles and benefits of developing a compassionate mindset.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

By integrating this compassion focused therapy (CFT) resource into their practice, therapists can help clients:

Better understand the key ideas in CFT.
Judge whether CFT might be the right therapeutic approach for them.
Prepare for CFT.

References And Further Reading

Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(3), 199-208.
Gilbert, P. (2010). The compassionate mind: A new approach to life's challenges. New Harbinger Publications.