What Is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)?
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Professional version
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Client version
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Editable version (PPT)
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
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Introduction & Theoretical Background
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a relatively new psychotherapy approach which was originally developed to work with shame and self-loathing (self-criticism). CFT is embedded within contemporary neurobiological understandings of the human mind. What Is CFT? is an information sheet describing the key principles of compassion focused therapy (CFT).
Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) is the skills-training application of CFT. For more information about compassion focused therapy visit the Compassionate Mind Foundation.
Therapist Guidance
This is a Psychology Tools information handout. Suggested uses include:
- Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
- Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
- Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
- Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training
References And Further Reading
- Gilbert, P. (2010). The compassionate mind: A new approach to life's challenges. New Harbinger Publications.
- Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion-focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(3), 199-208.