Compassion Focused Therapy EXPLAINED

Compassion Focused Therapy

Specialist, evidence-based treatment for CFT in a compassionate, confidential setting designed to support lasting recovery.

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CFT EXPLAINED?

What Is CFT?

Many of us struggle to feel or show compassion to ourselves, despite being able to show compassion to others. We often operate a double standard, judging ourselves much more harshly than others in a similar position. Compassion focused therapy (CFT) teaches people how to develop feelings of compassion, which in turn can help regulate mood and develop feelings of safety, self acceptance, and comfort.

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

Compassion focused therapy (CFT) teaches people how to develop feelings of compassion,

Which in turn can help regulate mood and develop feelings of safety, self acceptance, and comfort.

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about appearance

ASPECTS OF IMPORTANCE

The importance of compassion

A lack of balance between these systems can result in psychological distress (such as anxiety or depression). It is likely that those who experience high levels of shame and self-criticism may have experienced too little stimulation of their soothing system and too much stimulation of their threat system in their early years.

What does CFT involve?

CFT combines CBT techniques with neuroscience, evolutionary and social psychology and concepts from Buddhism, and is particularly helpful where people experience a lot of shame and self-criticism. Compassionate mind training is used to teach the skills and attributes of compassion, to help the individual feel safe and secure.

How We Support you

How CFT Supports Recovery from Eating Disorders

Describe that CFT helps individuals build self-compassion and emotional safety, which research shows is crucial in eating disorder recovery. Explain that many people with eating disorders experience intense shame, self-blame, or perfectionistic pressure – which CFT addresses directly.
Highlight that CFT supports healthier coping strategies, emotional regulation, and improved body image.
Keep tone compassionate and practical.
  • Frequent episodes of binge eating followed by purging behaviours
  • Preoccupation with food, weight, or body image
  • Eating in secret or disappearing after meals
  • Dental issues, sore throat, or stomach discomfort caused by vomiting
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety about eating
  • Fatigue, dehydration, or disrupted menstrual cycles

How CFT
Supports Recovery

Describe that CFT helps individuals build self-compassion and emotional safety, which research shows is crucial in eating disorder recovery. Explain that many people with eating disorders experience intense shame, self-blame, or perfectionistic pressure – which CFT addresses directly.
Highlight that CFT supports healthier coping strategies, emotional regulation, and improved body image.
Keep tone compassionate and practical.

Personalised Care

CFT or CBT?

Both CFT and CBT for eating disorders involve recognising negative thoughts, and correcting misperceptions. However, sometimes within CBT people might find that they are logically able to challenge a negative thought, but they struggle to believe it. Being able to counter unreasonable thoughts isn’t enough; without self-compassion, the logic does not translate into feeling better. This is where CFT can be helpful.

CFT is most likely to be used in an integrative way, rather than as a stand-alone therapy. Your therapist may suggest drawing on CFT if they feel you are struggling with a very self-critical voice, and it works well alongside CBT or other approaches.

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THE BENEFITS

Benefits of CFT

  • Reduces shame and self-criticism
  • Helps regulate overwhelming emotions
  • Builds confidence, compassion, and emotional resilience
  • Supports healthier relationships with food and body image
  • Encourages long-term psychological wellbeing
  • Strengthens motivation for recovery

How CFT Differs from Other Therapies

Explain that while CBT focuses on thoughts and behaviours, CFT focuses on the emotional system – especially shame, fear, threat responses, and self-judgement. Highlight that CFT teaches skills for self-soothing, emotional grounding, and developing a compassionate inner voice. Maintain a tone of expertise and reassurance, helping readers understand CFT as both distinct and complementary to other evidence-based therapies.

What to Expect in a CFT Session

Describe typical session elements in calming, accessible language: guided exercises, emotional regulation tools, imagery work, reflective discussion, and developing a compassionate self-identity. Emphasise collaboration, safety, and confidentiality.
Reassure readers that the pace is gentle and supportive, tailored to their comfort and readiness.

(Use the same instructions as your CBT-E brief – do not rewrite this section’s structure. If you wish, you can paste your pre-existing boilerplate text here for consistency with other therapy pages.)

How It Works

A Place of Specialist Support

Is CFT Right for Me?

Explain that CFT is particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with shame, self-criticism, perfectionism, or overwhelming emotions linked to eating disorders or body image concerns.
Reassure that clinicians at The London Centre assess each person’s needs and recommend the most suitable therapy.
Tone must be inclusive, hopeful, and encouraging – no exclusions.

FAQ’s

FAQs About Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Is CFT suitable for people who also have anxiety or depression?

Start your journey

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Close with a compassionate message encouraging readers to reach out.
Reinforce that recovery is possible and that help is available now.

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