4,7 of 5 in 5000+ reviews
Thousands of clients trust Lavendla Therapy for delivering exceptional service and support.
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a highly effective method for dealing with self-criticism and low self-esteem. It can help individuals overcome these challenges with confidence. Here is a detailed explanation of the technique and its benefits.
What is compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on increasing and strengthening compassion, both towards oneself and others, and thus managing and overcoming psychological distress and feelings of shame.
It belongs to what is known as ‘third-wave’ cognitive behavioural therapy, which integrates insights from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), evolutionary psychology, and philosophy. It was first developed by psychologist Paul Gilbert to help people with high levels of self-criticism and low self-esteem, but it has since been applied to other conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological difficulties.
The psychologist can guide clients to increase their compassionate attitude and promote mental health through exercises and learning about different principles.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
Our counsellors
Click here to view all psychologists, therapists, and coaches.
How does Compassion-Focused Therapy work?
CFT therapy often begins with a case formulation, which explores why you are seeking help and your history. You may then be given information about the treatment and the theory behind it, and then go through goals and work on different exercises to reduce self-criticism and feelings of shame, for example. You can also do behavioural experiments and role-plays to create the desired change. The basics of Compassion-Focused Therapy are:
- Compassion for oneself: Many people have an inner critical voice that can be self-destructive. CFT helps to transform this inner criticism into a voice of compassion and self-support.
- Three circular systems: CFT describes three emotional systems: the threat system, the drive system and the safety system. The therapy focuses on balancing and integrating these systems to promote emotional regulation and well-being.
- Compassionate exercises: The client performs exercises and visualizations to reduce feelings of shame and increase feelings of compassion. This may include creating an inner image of a loving and supportive person or thinking about situations where compassion is present.
- Understanding suffering: The method involves understanding human suffering and difficulties through an evolutionary and cultural perspective. It sees suffering as part of life and aims to help the client develop a compassionate attitude towards their difficulties.
- Self-regulation and balance: The therapy focuses on helping clients regulate their emotions and balance the different emotional systems to promote psychological flexibility.
Book a meeting
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor, and proceed to payment.
What does the research say about CFT?
There is not much research on CFT, as it is a relatively new method, but it is growing, and more studies are still needed. However, it has been seen that compassion is a skill that can be trained and that allows you to feel better in your life.
Why Lavendla?
Choose your own counsellor
Browse and select a counsellor based on reviews, area of focus, and education, ensuring you find the perfect match.
45, 60 or 90 min sessions
Choose a 45, 60, or 90-minute session, or a package, providing flexibility and control over the duration and intensity.
11 FAQs about CFT
What is CFT?
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a treatment method that focuses on increasing and strengthening compassion toward oneself and others, thus managing and overcoming psychological distress and feelings of shame.
How does CFT work?
CFT is a ‘third-wave’ cognitive behavioural therapy integrating insights from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), evolutionary psychology, and philosophy.
How long is a CFT treatment?
A CFT treatment lasts about 5-15 sessions, depending on the problem area and severity.
What can CFT help with?
The method was first developed to help people with high self-criticism and low self-esteem. It has since been used for other conditions, anxiety, depression, trauma and other psychological difficulties.
What is shame?
Shame is one of our basic emotions that tells us something is wrong with us. If our shame is exaggerated or unrealistic, we may need help processing the feeling and gaining a better picture of ourselves.
What is the difference between CBT and CFT?
CFT is partly based on CBT but adds elements of evolutionary theory and focuses more on compassion.
What is third-wave CBT?
‘Third-wave’ CBT is a newer approach focusing more on mindfulness, acceptance, and compassion, as in CFT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
What is compassion?
Compassion is a helpful element of CFT.
What does the research say about CFT?
There is not much research on CFT as it is a relatively new method, but it is growing, and more studies are needed. However, compassion is a skill that can be practised and allows you to feel better.
Can you get CFT online?
Research has shown that the treatment results are equivalent to in-person meetings. All of our Lavendla sessions are online with our trained therapists.
Where can I get help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who can help you feel better.
