Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Compassion Focused Therapy

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About this Course

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is now one of the fastest expanding psychological therapies, with a steadily growing evidence base. A recent meta-analysis based on 7,875 Participants, from 17 countries over 14 years found that CFT was effective in reducing overall negative mental health outcomes, depression, self-criticism and in improving compassion for self and others (Petrocchi et al, 2023).

In this workshop which will provide a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of CFT, participants will learn how compassion can have an impact on our bodies, brains, minds and social relationships, and how we can bring this into our therapeutic work. The CFT model draws on a number of different approaches and insights, such as evolutionary approaches to the origins of our ‘tricky’ brain with a complex of motives and emotions, and this workshop will guide participants to explore three basic emotion regulation systems which are those for:

1. dealing with stresses and threats

2. those that are associated with the achievements and rewards, and

3. those that are associated with settling, social connectedness and feeling safe.

CFT utilises insights from attachment theory, emotion and body focused approaches, and cognitive behavioural frameworks. Participants will learn how compassion is viewed as a basic algorithm defined as sensitivity to suffering in self and others, with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it, and how we use this in therapeutic work. Workshop trainers will guide participants in understanding what is necessary to be able to develop empathic sensitivity,   courage and wisdom to take effective actions to address the sources of mental and physical suffering.  

Trainers will also guide participants through the basic elements and foundations of CFT and Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) to explore the three flows of compassion (developing compassion for others, being open to the compassion from others and developing self-compassion) and how these dimensions of compassion can be met with fears, blocks and resistances, and how we can work with this. There will be a focus also on how we can use a compassion focused approach to work with the transdiagnostic problems of shame and self criticism.

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Key Learning Areas

-The origins and development of Compassion Focused Therapy, and how compassion is defined and understood

-Understanding of Compassionate Mind Training

- Introduction to an evolutionary model of human psychology and its influence on vulnerability to difficulties

-The role of social mentalities, and how this can inform our understanding of human behaviour and experience

- The role of attachment and how the presence/absence of early secure base and safe haven impacts development and capacities for compassion cultivation

-Key areas of psychoeducation, including ‘the tricky brain’ and the three circle model of emotion regulation

- Compassion as flow: compassion to others, being open to compassion from others and self-compassion

- Practices that stimulate compassion focused brain states and build a sense of a compassionate self identity

- How to use CFT and CMT work with shame and hostile self-criticism

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