An introduction to compassion focused therapy (CFT) - a psychotherapy approach that draws on evolution, attachment theory, and neurobiology.
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
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.
This resource is designed to help clients:
Alleviating self-criticism and feelings of hopelessness.
Reducing excessive worry and fear.
Addressing past traumatic experiences.
Working with distressing and unusual experiences
Use the handout as a psychoeducation tool to explain the CFT approach to clients.
Encourage clients to reflect on their experiences and the role of compassion on their lives.
Explore whether CFT might be helpful for addressing clients' difficulties.
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.
