Compassion Focused Therapy
“Compassion is one of the most important declarations of strength and courage known to humanity. It is difficult and powerful, infectious and influential. It is a universally recognized motivation with the ability to change the world.” Paul Gilbert
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) was developed with and for people who have significant difficulty experiencing compassion for themselves and from other people. This introductory two-day workshop represents a unique opportunity for American mental health professionals to gain some insights into the origins and nature of CFT from its founder, Professor Paul Gilbert. CFT is rooted in an evolutionary model of human psychology and draws heavily on attachment and social rank theory. Participants will be introduced to a bio-psycho-social model that explains why our minds are ‘tricky’ and easily prone to mental health problems; along with methods for cultivating inner motives for caring and compassion that can counteract these dispositions. The workshop will also introduce clinicians to some of the compassionate mind training practices that support CFT.