Overcome your inner self-critic and become more assertive with Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
A quick introduction to CFT therapy
CFT is a relatively new approach to psychotherapy already showing effective results in the treatment of mental health issues. With our help at Psymplicity, you will:
Gain an understanding how your past experiences influence your present attitude towards yourself and others
Receive a bespoke treatment plan for your unique situation and learn a compassionate way to tackle your issues
Enjoy a better relationship with yourself and others, overcoming your self-critical thoughts and unhelpful behaviours
What is compassion focused therapy?
CFT is a form of therapy established in the 21st century that focuses on compassion as a way to overcome self-criticism and self-destructive behaviours. Find out how CFT uses past experiences to understand your reactions to present situations.
What is CFT therapy like?
CFT uses exercises to shift your perspective and look at the world through a compassionate lens. Find out what kind of exercises you may be asked to do and how they can help.
What can CFT help me with?
We all have an inner voice telling us we’re not good enough or nice enough. But where does it come from? Learn how CFT can help you understand that and tackle different mental health issues.
Meet our Compassion Focused Therapists
Our CFT therapy experts have had years of experience treating patients and allowing them to discover better versions of themselves. Learn more about our dedicated therapists here.
What is compassion focused therapy?
Developed in the 21st Century by Professor Paul Gilbert, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a relatively new approach that encourages patients to be compassionate towards themselves and others. CFT takes much of its beliefs from third-wave models of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, such as increasing awareness of one’s thoughts in a non-judgemental way.
Compassion therapy focuses on understanding reactionary behavioural patterns influenced by past experiences, which may negatively affect your current way of dealing with difficult situations.
For instance, you may have experienced an abusive relationship that left you with low self-esteem and trust issues. Through a compassionate frame, your therapist will help you explore these feelings and shift your perspective. You will be encouraged to think of other aspects of your life where you show confidence or have people that love and support you.
Compassionate, positive reinforcements will not only help you change the way you view yourself and your life. Through CFT you will also develop compassion and understanding towards others and become more aware of their struggles.
What can CFT help me with?
Compassion focused therapy at Psymplicity can help anyone who finds it difficult to show compassion in their lives, both in their relationship with themselves and others. However, studies have found it an effective therapy method also for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sense of shame
- Eating disorders (ED)
- Personality disorders and psychosis
- Self-criticism
- Anger issues
- Self-injury
Our CFT therapists can support your journey to self-acceptance and help you overcome submissive or aggressive behaviours as a consequence of mental health struggles. Compassion therapy can help you enhance motivation, give you the tool to confidently assert your needs, and improve your relationships.
What is CFT like?
Your first assessment with a CFT therapist will focus on understanding your situation. They will listen to your concerns and symptoms and likely ask you questions to guide your thoughts and reasoning. Whatever information you decide to share with your therapist, will help them establish a bespoke treatment plan.
As CFT predominantly focuses on compassion, your therapist will assist you in the development of compassionate motivation and distress tolerance. Through active exercises, both during the session and on your own, you will change your perspective towards life events. Some of the exercises we use at Psymplicity include practicing mindfulness, taking time to do enjoyable activities, or imagery exercises to stimulate the mind towards positive thoughts.
The techniques used during compassion therapy may be more difficult for people who struggle with keeping focus or establishing compassionate thoughts. Although CFT therapy can help you change that, it may also not be the best therapy method for you. This shouldn’t discourage you — our highly-trained therapists will be able to create a better treatment plan for your situation.
Meet our Compassion Focused Therapists
Our specialists are among the best in their field, having successfully treated mental health symptoms using CFT. We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that to provide the transformation so many of our clients enjoy requires a bespoke, holistic plan — one we’re confident you won’t find anywhere else.
Discover the symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders and more and how negative thoughts and patterns are formed, along with how CFT can help reduce and manage them in our blog.
Jeremy Beiders story
The story that sees me start on my journey to a career in the field of mental health takes place
