What problems can it help with?

CFT is part of the “third wave” of behavioural therapies - a therapy model that focuses less on the content of your thoughts and feelings than on how you respond to them, and that often incorporate mindfulness.

CFT aims to be helpful for any problem but has a particular focus on strong self-criticism and feelings of shame. These often occur in the context of depression and anxiety.

How does it work? 

CFT draws on neuroscience and evolutionary theory to identify the main emotional systems in the human brain and to bring them into greater balance. In particular, it shows us how to cultivate feelings of emotional warmth, safety, and connection to self and others. These are feelings which are crucial to our health and wellbeing but which often get lost in our fast-paced, achievement-focused modern world. After explaining the science, CFT therapists will use a range of techniques to help you to develop greater compassion for yourself, such as mindfulness, compassionate self-talk, and imagery techniques.

What will a typical session be like?

In sessions we will talk about the neuroscience and evolutionary theory that underpins the therapy, learn techniques to cultivate compassion, and plan to practise them outside of sessions. As with all cognitive and behavioural therapies, the practice that you do outside sessions is crucial.

What is the evidence?

Although CFT is too new to have been the subject of much research, there is early evidence for effectiveness with a range of conditions, and especially for individuals who are very self-critical.