COMPASSION-FOCUSED THERAPY
Many people seek psychology because they feel trapped in cycles of self-criticism, shame, anxiety, guilt, perfectionism or feeling “not good enough”.
Compassion-Focused Therapy helps people develop a healthier, kinder and more balanced relationship with themselves while still taking responsibility and working towards meaningful change.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is an evidence-based psychological therapy developed by Professor Paul Gilbert. It was originally designed to help people who experience persistent shame and self-criticism, but it has since been applied across a range of mental health difficulties [1].
Rather than encouraging people to simply “think positively”, CFT helps individuals understand how the human brain evolved and why it naturally produces difficult emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, shame, guilt and self-criticism.
Many of these responses are normal survival mechanisms rather than personal weaknesses. Understanding this can reduce blame while increasing motivation to respond more effectively.
Compassion in CFT does not mean letting ourselves “off the hook”. It involves understanding suffering, responding wisely rather than impulsively, taking responsibility where appropriate, building courage to face difficult situations and supporting ourselves while making meaningful changes.
Compassion-Focused Therapy may be helpful if you find yourself:
Research suggests that greater self-compassion is associated with lower levels of psychopathology and improved psychological wellbeing [2].
One of the central ideas in CFT is that emotions are influenced by three interacting systems: threat and protection, drive and achievement, and soothing and safeness [1].
Therapy helps people understand how these systems operate, where harsh self-criticism may have developed and how to strengthen more balanced, compassionate ways of responding.
The threat system notices danger quickly and prepares us to fight, flee, freeze, submit or seek protection. When overactive, it may contribute to anxiety, anger, shame, worry, self-criticism and hypervigilance.
The drive system motivates us towards goals, rewards, achievement and problem solving. When it dominates without enough recovery, it may contribute to perfectionism, overwork, burnout and exhaustion.
The soothing and safeness system supports feelings of calm, connection, security and acceptance. CFT deliberately develops this system through compassion, supportive relationships, mindfulness and gentle breathing.
Therapy may include learning to notice critical thoughts, developing more balanced responses and using imagery to strengthen warmth, courage, wisdom and emotional safety.
Compassion is translated into action through healthy boundaries, difficult conversations, responsibility, persistence and values-based behaviour. Compassion involves kindness and strength rather than avoidance.
These articles explore self-compassion, self-criticism, acceptance, emotional regulation and everyday psychological patterns.
Explore practical mindfulness and self-compassion exercises that may support emotional wellbeing.
Learn how harsh self-critical thinking can develop and how a more balanced inner response may be cultivated.
Consider how compassion, acceptance and forgiveness may influence a person’s own emotional experience.
Explore why compassionate honesty may sometimes be more helpful than unrealistic reassurance.
Learn practical ways to notice, understand and respond to strong emotions.
Compassion-Focused Therapy is practical and collaborative. Sessions may include:
Compassion-Focused Therapy is commonly integrated with CBT, ACT, mindfulness, behavioural psychology and trauma-informed practice according to the person’s goals and presentation [3].
Compassion-Focused Therapy is available in person at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and via secure telehealth anywhere in Australia.
At Hennessy Clinical Psychology, therapy is tailored to your individual goals, experiences and strengths. The aim is to develop practical psychological skills that support emotional balance, resilience and healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges.
These pages connect Compassion-Focused Therapy with the parent Therapy Approaches hub, related therapies and areas of psychological support.
Explore evidence-based psychological approaches used at Hennessy Clinical Psychology.
Explore resources relating to emotional regulation, personality patterns and behaviour change.
View current availability, appointment types, funding information and in-person or telehealth options.
Common questions about Compassion-Focused Therapy.
Research supports compassion-focused and compassion-based interventions for reducing shame, self-criticism and psychological distress, particularly when they are integrated into a broader evidence-based treatment plan [3][4].
No. Self-esteem is often influenced by success, achievement or comparison with others. Self-compassion involves responding with understanding and care during both success and difficulty.
No. Compassion includes taking responsibility while responding constructively rather than harshly. It supports accountability together with understanding and problem solving.
It can be. Many trauma survivors struggle with shame and self-criticism. CFT may be integrated with trauma-informed approaches and other evidence-based treatments according to individual needs.
The length of therapy depends on your goals, current difficulties and the broader treatment plan. Some people benefit from a small number of compassion skills, while others incorporate CFT over a longer course of therapy.
Yes. Therapy is available in person at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast or via secure telehealth anywhere in Australia.
Compassion-Focused Therapy is available for adolescents and adults in person at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and via secure telehealth across Australia.
For current availability, appointment types and funding information, visit the Appointment Availability page.
This practice is not a crisis service.
If you require immediate assistance, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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