Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) was developed by Professor Paul Gilbert to address the profound impact that shame and self-criticism have on mental health. Drawing on evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhist principles, CFT helps you understand why your threat system has become overactive and develops your capacity for self-compassion as a powerful therapeutic tool. It is not about positive thinking or letting yourself off the hook. It is about developing the same quality of care towards yourself that you would naturally extend to someone you love.
Understanding the Threat System
CFT helps you understand how early experiences shaped your internal emotional systems, particularly your threat response. Many people with high self-criticism have a nervous system that was trained to use self-attack as a form of protection. CFT helps you see this with understanding rather than judgment.
Developing the Compassionate Self
At the heart of CFT is the development of your compassionate self: a stable, wise, and warm inner perspective that can engage with your difficulties without being overwhelmed by them. This is a learnable skill that becomes more accessible with practice.
How CFT Can Help You
Specialised support for a wide range of modern mental health challenges.
Depression and Low Mood
CFT targets the shame and self-blame that frequently underlie and deepen persistent low mood.
Anxiety and Fear
Many anxiety presentations are rooted in self-criticism and fear of failure. CFT builds the internal security and self-compassion to face feared situations.
NI Counselling
Specialist CFT Training
Our therapists who deliver Compassion Focused Therapy have completed specialist training in this approach and work within the evidence base developed by the Compassionate Mind Foundation. You will be matched with a practitioner who genuinely understands this model.
Local NI Expertise
Born and bred in Northern Ireland, we understand the specific cultural context of our communities and how that shapes people's relationship with their mental health and wellbeing.
No GP Referral Required
We believe mental health support should be accessible. We offer appointments within 7 days of referral, with no GP letter or waiting list required to get started.