Compassion Focused Approach to Perinatal Loss and Trauma

Workshop Description

This course introduces a Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) approach to supporting individuals and families affected by perinatal loss and trauma. It explores how the evolutionary model of the threat, drive and soothing systems can help clinicians understand the psychological impact of birth trauma, perinatal loss, and complex experiences during the transition to parenthood.

Alongside the CFT framework, the course draws on key theories of grief, loss and trauma, helping participants integrate these perspectives into compassionate, trauma-informed care within the perinatal context.

The workshop emphasises how compassion-based practices can help reduce shame, self-criticism and trauma-related threat responses, while strengthening emotional safety, regulation and connection for both parents and clinicians.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Develop an understanding of the nature and psychological impact of perinatal loss and trauma within the perinatal context.
• Understand the Compassion Focused Therapy model and how it can be applied to experiences of grief, trauma and distress in the perinatal period.
• Practice CFT-informed techniques and interventions for supporting parents affected by loss and trauma.
• Explore compassion-based practices for clinicians, helping practitioners sustain themselves when working with emotionally demanding material.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for healthcare and mental health professionals working with trauma and loss during the perinatal period, including those working in:

• Maternal Mental Health Services
• Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU)
• Perinatal mental health teams and related services

Relevant professionals may include psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, nurses, psychiatrists and other mental health practitioners, particularly those interested in integrating compassion-focused approaches into their clinical practice.

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