Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is known as a third wave CBT approach. CFT’s major focus is on compassionate mind training (CMT). It concentrates on building awareness of when we are being judgmental and condemning and the intended and unintended consequences of that.
It also explores the possibility of being with distress and developing greater tolerance to uncomfortable feelings, while also developing a compassionate sensitivity, sympathy and motivation towards the experience, for ourselves and others. It can be useful for people struggling with self-criticism and shame [1]. There are many facets to CFT but in brief it strives to support clients to develop an inner compassionate capacity (for self and others) via exploration and techniques.
CFT integrates various notions rooted in some of the following domains: science of human nature, evolution, attachment, neuropsychology and eastern and western philosophy.
Working compassionately in therapy is not a new phenomenon and is espoused in many therapeutic approaches. However, alongside the therapist’s attitude of compassion and lack of judgement towards clients, CFT highlights the significance of supporting clients to cultivate a compassionate attitude for themselves, and others, as a way towards alleviating suffering [2].
“Compassion isn’t just this nice feeling, it’s the preparedness to turn towards difficulty and the commitment to try to work it out by taking action.” [3]
In therapy clients may be asked to explore and focus on:
Techniques may include:
Fostering more mindfulness in the everyday – the practice of being aware and observing what is happening both within and outside yourself, in a non-judgmental and objective way.
Appreciation exercises – these may include encouraging clients to explore and recognise enjoyable activities. Cultivating ways for clients to invite and experience more space for themselves that allows experiences of fun, pleasure and wonder.
Compassion-focused imagery exercises – using guided imagery to stimulate a healthy response to self-soothing.
Compassion Focused Therapy is offered by Susanna Petitpierre.
If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.
References –
Your first session in compassion focused therapy may bring a mix of relief and anxiety. During your initial consultation, your therapist will assess whether they can work with you and your issue. This is also the time to determine whether you feel comfortable sharing your inner world with them. It’s important at this time that you ask any questions you may have and reflect on the session and how you feel before deciding if this is right for you. A usual therapy session lasts around 50 minutes; however, this may vary. The time of your session will be agreed upon beforehand.
Confidentiality is an essential practice in therapy which means that everything you discuss stays between you and them. However, there are rare instances where it may be broken, such as if the therapist feels there is a risk to yourself or others. Your therapist will discuss confidentiality in your session if it arises.
In the world of psychotherapy, there is a term called ‘the frame’. This term refers to the physical and contractual boundaries that make compassion focused therapy possible. The frame covers when and where you meet, confidentiality, fees, and also consistency in how your therapist interacts with you.
Starting CFT means starting an intimate relationship with your therapist that you may not have experienced before. The boundaries that the frame creates is what makes this relationship possible and safe.
Many who come to us for compassion focused therapy either agree on a set number of sessions, or they enter into an ‘open-ended’ contract where there is no end date to the therapy, but you keep going until you mutually agree to an ending.
It’s not uncommon for people to engage in therapy for months or even years once they get into the rhythm of therapy due to the deep relationship in which they’re able to explore their inner world and make significant changes to their lives to reach their goals.
In summary, CFT offers a safe and confidential space to explore your inner world in an attempt to make changes to your life. Therapy is a unique, intimate relationship between you and your therapist governed by boundaries to make it possible and safe. It’s important to ask as many questions as possible during your first session and reflect on how you feel. Therapy is a process and finding the right therapist is a crucial step in your journey.
