Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is an integrative, evidence-based psychological approach developed to support individuals who experience high levels of shame, self-criticism, or difficulty feeling emotionally safe. CFT was developed by British clinical psychologist Professor Paul Gilbert in the early 2000s, informed by evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, attachment theory, and Buddhist psychology.

CFT was originally designed for individuals who found traditional cognitive and behavioural approaches challenging, particularly those whose inner experience was dominated by harsh self-judgement or chronic feelings of threat. It recognises that these difficulties are not personal failings, but understandable responses shaped by early life experiences, relationships, and environmental factors.

The CFT Model and Emotional Systems

CFT is based on an evolutionary model of emotion regulation, which describes three interacting emotional systems: the threat system (focused on protection and survival), the drive system (focused on achievement and motivation), and the soothing system (focused on safety, connection, and care).

Many psychological difficulties are understood as arising from an overactive threat system and an underdeveloped or inaccessible soothing system. This imbalance can lead to persistent anxiety, shame, self-criticism, and emotional dysregulation.

The CFT Approach

In CFT, therapy focuses on helping individuals understand their emotional systems and develop compassion toward themselves and others. Compassion is defined as a sensitivity to suffering, in oneself and others, with a commitment to alleviate and prevent it.

Therapy may include compassion-focused imagery, mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, and relational work within the therapeutic relationship. These practices help strengthen the soothing system, support emotional regulation, and foster a sense of inner safety and warmth.

The pace of CFT is gentle and collaborative, recognising that developing self-compassion can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or even threatening for some individuals, particularly those with trauma histories.

What CFT Can Help With

CFT is commonly used to support individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, eating disorders, chronic shame, and longstanding patterns of self-criticism or low self-worth. It can be especially helpful for those who feel stuck in cycles of harsh inner dialogue or emotional overwhelm.