Compassion-Focused Therpay (CFT)
Compassion-Focused Therapy
in Mount Pearl
& St. John's
Learn to navigate self-criticism, understand difficult emotions, and develop a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself through individual counselling.
What Is Compassion-Focused Therapy?
Learning to Treat Yourself with Greater Kindness
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach developed by Professor Paul Gilbert that helps people develop compassion toward themselves and others, particularly when experiencing self-criticism, shame, or emotional distress.
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CFT draws from evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, attachment theory, and psychological approaches to better understand how our minds respond to stress, perceived threats, and difficult emotions.
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Sometimes, we develop patterns of self-criticism or harsh internal expectations that leave us feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, or disconnected from ourselves.
CFT helps us recognize these patterns and develop a more compassionate way of responding to our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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Rather than ignoring difficulties or simply thinking positively, compassion involves learning to acknowledge suffering while developing the courage and skills to respond in helpful ways.
How Does CFT Work?
Understanding Our Three Emotion Regulation Systems
Compassion-Focused Therapy uses a model of three interacting emotion regulation systems to help explain how we experience and respond to the world.
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These systems all serve important purposes, but sometimes they can become unbalanced, particularly during periods of stress or emotional difficulty.
The Threat System — Protection and Safety
Helps us recognize and respond to potential danger. It can be associated with anxiety, anger, fear, shame, and self-criticism. When highly activated, we may feel constantly on edge or overly focused on what could go wrong.
The Drive System — Motivation and Achievement
Helps us pursue goals, seek rewards, and accomplish meaningful tasks. While important for motivation, an overemphasis on achievement can sometimes contribute to pressure, perfectionism, or feeling that we're never doing enough.
The Soothing System — Connection and Calm
Supports feelings of safety, contentment, connection, and reassurance. Developing access to this system can help us respond to difficult emotions with greater warmth, understanding, and emotional balance.
What Can CFT Help With?
Developing a Healthier Relationship with Yourself
Compassion-Focused Therapy may be particularly helpful for people who experience persistent self-criticism, shame, perfectionism, or difficulty responding kindly to themselves during challenging times.
Research into CFT is growing, with promising findings for self-criticism, shame, and psychological distress. The strength of evidence varies across concerns, and CFT may be integrated with other established therapeutic approaches.
Self-Criticism & Perfectionism
Learning to recognize harsh internal expectations and develop a more balanced, compassionate inner voice.
Shame & Low Self-Esteem
Exploring feelings of inadequacy, self-judgement, and disconnection while developing greater self-acceptance.
Stress & Emotional Distress
Building compassionate coping strategies for navigating difficult emotions, setbacks, and overwhelming experiences.
CFT at True Life Therapy
A Compassionate, Personalized Approach
In our work together, we'll explore how your life experiences, beliefs, and emotional responses may be influencing the way you relate to yourself.
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We may identify patterns of self-criticism, explore the emotions beneath those patterns, and practise strategies that support greater self-understanding and compassion.
I incorporate compassion-focused techniques alongside other therapeutic approaches, including EMDR, IFS, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, depending on your individual needs and goals.
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Our focus is not on eliminating difficult emotions or expecting you to feel positive all the time. Instead, we'll work toward developing a more supportive relationship with yourself, especially during moments when life feels challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions
CFT FAQ
Trusted Resources
Want to Learn More About Compassion-Focused Therapy?
For additional information about compassion-focused therapy, its research, and practical skills, you can explore these trusted organizations.
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An organization associated with the work of Dr. Kristen Neff. Providing free practice resources, research and training in Compassion-Focused Therapy
Curious About Compassion-Focused Therapy?
Wondering If CFT Might Be Right for You?
You don't need to know which therapeutic approach is right for you before reaching out.
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We can talk about what you're experiencing, what you'd like to change, and whether compassion-focused techniques may be a helpful part of your individual counselling.