Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) At Seven Lion Yard
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a psychological approach designed to help people who struggle with shame, self-criticism and feelings of not being “good enough.” It focuses on developing compassion – for yourself and others – as a powerful tool for emotional healing and resilience. CFT is especially helpful for people who find it difficult to be kind to themselves or who feel overwhelmed by guilt, anxiety or low self-worth.
What Is CFT?
CFT was developed by psychologist Professor Paul Gilbert, and is based on research from psychology, neuroscience and evolutionary science. It recognises that our brains are wired to react strongly to threats, and that many people, especially those with difficult pasts, can become stuck in patterns of self-blame, fear or harsh inner criticism.
CFT aims to rebalance the mind by strengthening the “soothing system” – the part of us that allows for comfort, safety and connection. It helps people understand how their emotional systems work and teaches skills to respond to difficulties with warmth, understanding and courage, rather than judgement or avoidance.
How Does CFT Work?
In CFT, you’ll learn how to build your “compassionate mind” – a wiser, kinder inner voice that can support you through challenges. Therapy might include:
- Learning about how the brain and emotions work, especially in relation to threat, drive and soothing systems
- Identifying patterns of self-criticism and shame
- Practising mindfulness and grounding techniques
- Using imagery exercises to develop feelings of safety and kindness
- Exploring ways to respond to yourself with care rather than punishment
Rather than simply trying to change your thoughts, CFT focuses on changing the tone of your relationship with yourself – moving from harshness to understanding, from fear to compassion.
What Can CFT Help With?
CFT has been shown to be helpful for a range of emotional difficulties, including:
- Chronic shame and self-criticism
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma and complex
- PTSD
- Perfectionism and low self-esteem
- Emotional dysregulation
- Relationship issues
It is particularly suited to people who find it hard to accept kindness, struggle with feeling “not good enough” or have had experiences that made it difficult to feel safe and valued.
Is CFT Right for You?
CFT may be a good fit if:
- You are often your own harshest critic
- You feel ashamed, unworthy or disconnected from others
- You have been told you’re “too hard on yourself” but don’t know how to change it
- You want to feel more at peace with yourself and more connected to others
- You are open to exploring emotions with a gentle, guided approach
CFT can be deeply healing for people who have grown up in environments where compassion and emotional safety were lacking.
Summary
Compassion Focused Therapy offers a powerful shift in how we relate to ourselves and others. By understanding how our minds work and learning to cultivate kindness from within, CFT helps break the cycle of shame and self-criticism. It supports emotional growth, builds resilience and encourages a more connected, courageous and compassionate way of living.
