Compassion is a sensitivity to the experience of suffering in oneself and others, coupled with a desire and a commitment to do something about it.
Compassion focussed therapy (CFT) is an approach that was developed in response to some of the observed limitations of traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with certain groups of people.
CFT is often a helpful therapy approach for those who have a hostile internal dialogue and are frequently self-critical; who are guilt and shame prone; who have struggled with chronic depression; who suffer from chronic low self-esteem; who have experienced abuse, bullying and/or who have been raised in an environment of fear, obligation, guilt, and frequent belittling, blaming and criticism.
CFT is about developing an improved relationship with yourself, developing a calmer and kinder internal world. It’s about learning tools and strategies to relate to yourself in a kind and fair way, with more self-compassion.
If you are keen to improve your relationship with yourself, the following podcasts might be of interest:
Psychologists off the clock:
Episode 90: Tricky Brains, with the founder of CFT – Paul Gilbert, 16 May 2019
Episode 3: The science of self-compassion, 14 November 2016
Episode 75: Mindful self-compassion with Christopher Germer, 24 January 2019
Episode 171: Compassionate mind training, 12 November 2020
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you would like some help. To enquire about an appointment at Moving Forward Clinical Psychologists, please complete our Online Contact Form (click here), and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.