Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

CFT is a talking therapy which draws on a range of scientific and therapeutic approaches and ideas.  It helps people to develop their compassionate mind, which in turn allows them to engage in the difficulties they are facing. It is interested in compassion towards others, from others and to ourselves. In CFT, compassion is defined as “a sensitivity to suffering in self and others, with a commitment to relieve and prevent it”.

There is an emphasis that compassion is not purely about being nice and kind but that it also requires courage and strength.

What does it involve?

CFT is similar to other talking therapies in that you and your therapist will spend the initial sessions getting to know you, the difficulties, how they may have developed, and how they impact what you’re going through today.

The therapist will introduce some ideas that are key to CFT, for example; how our brain works, a “3 system model”, and compassionate mind skills training to support you to compassionately make changes to your self talk and behaviour patterns.

How long does CFT last?

The number of sessions depends on the difficulty, with recommendations ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Appointments are usually weekly or fortnightly for approximately 50 minutes.