Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

What Is CFT?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is designed to help people who are hard on themselves—people who struggle with shame, self-criticism, or the feeling of “never being enough.” If your inner voice is often harsh, CFT can help you grow a kinder, more supportive relationship with yourself.

Many of us develop inner critics as a way of coping with early experiences. CFT helps you understand where those voices come from, and then gently shift toward self-kindness, encouragement, and emotional safety. You’ll learn how to calm your nervous system, connect with your own compassion, and build emotional resilience.

Key Elements

  • Self-compassion exercises: Compassionate letters, learning to respond to yourself with warmth instead of criticism

  • Trigger exploration: Recognising what inhibits your kindness toward yourself

  • Soothing rhythm system: Using movement, breathing, or imagery to regulate emotions

Who Is CFT For?

  • High levels of shame, guilt, or self-blame

  • Perfectionism and harsh self-judgment

  • Trauma survivors

  • Anyone seeking greater self-care and self-understanding

How It Works

  • Build awareness of inner critics

  • Learn exercises to calm your mind and body

  • Develop a stronger compassionate self that soothes and supports you

Benefits

  • Reduced self-criticism and shame

  • Improved emotional regulation

  • Healthier self-relating and resilience

What to Expect

You might work with soothing breathing, visual imagery, or simple exercises that strengthen your “compassionate mind.” We’ll explore how you treat yourself when things go wrong, and what it might look like to respond with warmth instead of criticism. CFT can be deeply healing if you’ve lived with guilt, shame, or harsh self-judgment for a long time.