Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT) aims to help people be more compassionate and caring towards themselves. The theory behind it is that humans have an in-built caring system which requires compassion for good physical and emotional health.
CFT has its roots in evolutionary psychology and theorises that humans have two parts to the brain called the old and new brain. The old brain is the primitive part of the brain and is focused on survival.
The new brain allows us to have a sense of self, plan, think and imagine the future. This is part of the brain which is unique to humans.
These conflicting parts of the brain can fire each other up in unhelpful ways. If the old brain identifies a danger and codes it as a threat to survival, it will trigger fight, flight or freeze. As often the danger is not an actual life or death situation the response can seem excessive.
For example, the old brain can have the same response to public speaking, as it does to a tiger wanting to eat us. This can then lead the new brain to criticise the excessive response when it is unwarranted causing anxiety and low mood as the individual believes it is fault in them.
The truth is, the brain is tricky and CFT involves understanding the evolved functions of the brain to help find ways to override these responses. One way to do this is through building a compassionate mind which aims to support and encourage you rather than criticise you.
CFT can be used for a range of concerns including:
If you are struggling with any of these difficulties call us today for a free consultation with a clinical psychologist.
CFT therapy deliberately tries to harness compassion to help combat self-criticism.
This 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, flight or freeze.
The Threat System -This 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 Drive System -This is the contentment system which has the function of helping people feel calm, safe and at rest. This system helps individuals to feel connected and content.
The Soothe System -Humans need a balance of all 3 systems however due to life experiences people can find that their systems are out of balance.
CFT therapy typically comprises taking a full history with a particular focus on how that individual’s threat, drive, and soothe systems have developed. Later sessions would involve finding ways to balance the three systems through compassionate mind training which includes mindfulness, appreciation, role play, imagery and practicing self-compassion.
Research has found that self-compassion is associated with improved well-being, increased ability to self-regulate, improved cognitive ability and an increased motivation to make positive changes.
The first stage of being compassionate is being able to notice there is a need for it. Similarly, awareness needs to be built in the mind so unhelpful thinking loops can be identified and changed
Mindfulness -Compassionate mind training also involves compassionate imagery. Imagery is a powerful component as it can have a physical and emotional effect without the actual object or person being there. We can use this to build up compassionate imagery which can help encourage and support us.
Imagery -Often when people are highly self-critical the voice in their head is hostile and contemptuous. Learning how to build a more compassionate voice is a skill which can be learnt and practised.
Compassionate self-talk -Yes! CFT is an evidence-based therapy meaning research has shown it is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions.
Get in touch today for your free consultation with a clinical psychologist to discuss whether CFT may be suitable for you.
A psychologist will then be in touch to arrange a free 15-minute no-obligation call, where we can discuss your requirements in more detail and you can get a feel for whether Turning Tides is the right psychology practice for you.
If we’re not right for you, we’ll try and signpost you to somewhere that is.
Please note – Turning Tides is not a crisis service, and if you feel you need urgent support or are experiencing a mental health crisis then it is important that you contact your GP if they are available, or attend A&E.