Compassion Focused Therapy Distinctive Features

Research into the beneficial effect of developing compassion has advanced enormously in the last ten years, with the development of inner compassion being an important therapeutic focus and goal. This book explains how Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) – a process of developing compassion for the self and others to increase well-being and aid recovery – varies from other forms of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Comprising 30 key points this book explores the founding principles of CFT and outlines the detailed aspects of compassion in the CFT approach. Divided into two parts – Theory and Compassion Practice – this concise book provides a clear guide to the distinctive characteristics of CFT. Compassion Focused Therapy will be a valuable source for students and professionals in training as well as practising therapists who want to learn more about the distinctive features of CFT.

Part I: Theory: Understanding the Model. Some Basics. A Personal Journey. The Evolved Mind and Compassion Focused Therapy. Multi-mind. Attachment and the Importance of Affection. Affect Regulation: The Three Affect-regulation Systems, Caring and CFT. Affiliation, Warmth and Affection. Clarifying the CFT Approach. Formulation. Shame. Self-criticism. Distinguishing Shame, Guilt and Humiliation: Responsibility vs. Self-critical Blaming. Distinguishing Compassionate Self-correction from Shame-based, Self-attacking. Threat and the Compensations of Achievement. Part II: Compassion Practice. Understanding Soothing: The Wider Context of Balancing Affect-regulation Systems. The Nature of Compassion. Preparing and Training One’s Mind: Mindfulness and Soothing Breathing Rhythm. Introducing Imagery. Creating a Safe Place. Varieties of Compassion Focused Imagery. Developing the Compassionate Self. Compassionate Chair Work. Focusing of the Compassionate Self. Compassion Flowing Out. Compassion Flowing into Oneself: Using Memory. Compassion Flowing into Oneself: Compassionate Images. Compassionate Letter Writing. Compassion and Well-being Enhancing. Fear of Compassion. Last Thoughts.

Paul Gilbert is Professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Derby and has been actively involved in research and treating people with shame-based and mood disorders for over 30 years. He is a past President of the British Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapy and a fellow of the British Psychological Society and has been developing CFT for twenty years.