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Learn more about CFT: Compassion-focused therapy
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by British psychologist Paul Gilbert that integrates evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and practices drawn from mindfulness and compassion traditions. CFT is designed for people whose psychological difficulties are maintained by high levels of shame and self-criticism, particularly those for whom a compassionate inner voice feels unfamiliar or unsafe.
CFT draws on an understanding of how the human brain's threat, drive, and soothing systems interact. When the threat system is chronically overactive and the soothing system underdeveloped, often as a result of early adversity, self-compassion becomes difficult. CFT works directly with this imbalance. It is recognised as an evidence-based approach and is used in clinical settings across Europe and internationally.
In CFT, the therapist helps the client understand why their mind responds the way it does, using psychoeducation about the brain's evolved threat systems to reduce self-blame. This is sometimes called de-shaming: understanding that difficult thoughts, feelings, and impulses are not personal failures but the output of a brain shaped by experience.
Sessions may involve:
- Exploring the origins of self-critical patterns, often rooted in early relationships
- Developing a compassionate inner voice through guided imagery and practice
- Mindfulness-based exercises to build emotional awareness and tolerance
- Working with the body's physiological responses to threat and safety
CFT is particularly well-suited to presentations where shame, self-criticism, and a harsh inner voice are central maintaining factors.
Borderline personality disorder
CFT is used in the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), where intense self-criticism, shame, and emotional dysregulation are common. It is often used alongside DBT, which shares CFT's emphasis on acceptance and self-compassion.
Anger
For people whose anger is underpinned by shame or a chronic sense of threat, CFT offers a framework for understanding the function of angry responses and developing more compassionate self-regulation. It addresses the underlying driver rather than only the behaviour.
Binge eating disorder
Self-criticism and shame are strongly associated with binge eating patterns. CFT helps clients reduce the harsh self-judgement that often drives and follows binge episodes, and develop a more supportive internal relationship with food and body experience.
Birth trauma
CFT is used with people processing difficult or traumatic birth experiences, particularly where self-blame, guilt, or shame about what happened or about their emotional response is present. It provides a compassionate framework for processing experiences that can be hard to talk about.
Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Finding a CFT therapist requires looking for someone with specific training in the model, which not all therapists have. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
Get matched with a therapist who practises CFT, or browse all CFT therapists in the directory.
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