What is Compassion Focused Therapy?
At Turning Tides Psychology, we offer Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for a number of different mental health difficulties. CFT helps support people to be more compassionate and caring towards themselves. It has been found to be particularly helpful for people with high levels of self-criticism and shame, which can be core features in common mental health difficulties. CFT works on the theory that there are 3 emotion regulation systems threat, drive and soothe.
- The Threat System is the survival system or ‘better safe than sorry’ system which has the primary function of keeping humans safe. This system gives individuals bursts of anxiety and anger to help prepare them for fight or flight (avoidance).
- The Drive System is the motivation system which functions to help individuals get the things they enjoy and want. This system produces feelings of excitement and pleasure.
- The Soothe System is the contentment system which has the function of helping people to feel calm, safe and at rest. This system helps individuals to feel connected and content.
Humans need a balance of all 3 systems however due to life experiences people can find that their systems are out of balance. Commonly people can find soothe to be undernourished.
Compassion Focused Therapy helps people to understand how to bring a better balance to these systems through compassionate mind training and talking therapy.
Contact Us Today
For a free 15-minute consultation with a psychologist complete the contact us form.
Fees
We have tried to keep our pricing as simple and straightforward as possible. We charge £120 for a 60 minute appointment, regardless of whether this is an assessment or therapy session. Our fees are the same for face-to-face appointments and online appointments as you will receive the same high standard of care from our psychologists, regardless of how it is delivered.
Why choose a psychologist?
All clinical psychologists are educated to doctoral level. This means as a minimum they have completed a degree in Psychology and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Their training spans a minimum of 6 years of education, although often psychologists have done further education and training than this.
Psychologists are trained to understand how the brain works and how this can contribute to common mental health problems. One of a psychologists core skill is developing an understanding of why you behave in a certain way and what is maintaining the problem. This is called a psychological formulation. Psychologists have the skills and training to work with a wide range of mental health difficulties from mild problems to the more complex presentations. Psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence based talking therapies and can often blend these together where needed. Each formulation and treatment plan they develop is completely bespoke to your individual needs.
Is a psychologist the same as a counsellor?
No. Counsellors work with people who need a safe place to speak in order to manage their distress. They help the client to reflect on their situation to find their own answers. Counsellors are usually trained to Masters level and tend not to work with people who may have more complex mental health problems. If you are looking for more general support a counsellor may be a good option but if you require more intensive therapy a psychologist may be a better fit. It is important to research and choose a qualified professional who can provide the help you need.
