Compassion Focused Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
A Comprehensive Guide to Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and the Compassion Focused Wellbeing (CFW) Approach
What Is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)?
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach developed by Professor Paul Gilbert, a clinical psychologist and researcher. Originally created to support individuals with high levels of shame and self-criticism, CFT draws on evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhist philosophy to help people cultivate compassion for themselves and others.
You can explore Paul Gilbert’s extensive work through resources such as:
The Compassionate Mind Foundation
Paul Gilbert on Psychology Today
Compassion Focused Therapy books by Paul Gilbert
CFT helps people engage with difficult emotions more skilfully, by working with what Gilbert describes as the three emotional regulation systems:
The threat system (fight, flight, freeze)
The drive system (achievement, motivation)
The soothing system (calm, safety, connection)
Through guided practices, exercises, and psychoeducation, CFT aims to activate and strengthen the soothing system.
CFT in Practice: An Integration with Other Approaches
Over time, CFT has been integrated with other compassion-based methods such as Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. MSC helps participants respond to their suffering with warmth, patience, and understanding.
You can find more about MSC here:
Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
This integration has inspired new, trauma-informed approaches to wellbeing, including Compassion Focused Wellbeing (CFW).
Introducing: Compassion Focused Wellbeing (CFW)
Compassion Focused Wellbeing Teacher Training
An intensive five day course leading to the Compassion Focused Wellbeing Teacher Training qualification, accredited and certified by the NRPC (National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors) and the MTA (Mindfulness Teachers Association). Equipping you to teach compassion based approaches along with the formal CFW Programme in educational, therapeutic, workplace and health settings, in public and private groups and working 1-2-1 with clients.
The Compassion Focused Wellbeing (CFW)Programme
The Compassion Focused Wellbeing (CFW) programme is a trauma-sensitive, integrated training approach that brings together the best of CFT, MSC, and the Mindfulness Now Programme (a fusion of MBSR and MBCT).
🔗 Explore the CFW Teacher Training Course
Developed by Nick Cooke and Madeleine Agnew over the past decade, the CFW Programme supports clients and mindfulness participants in cultivating deeper compassion, emotional resilience, and recovery from trauma.
The course is delivered by the UK College of Mindfulness Meditation, and is fully approved by:
National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (NRPC)
CFW 8 Week Programme
The CFW Programme supports mindfulness participants/clients to develop a kinder more compassionate attitude towards themselves. The new CFW programme is a development and adaption from the now well establised Mindfulness Now Programme that includes an emphasis on building compassion for self and others.
The UK College of Mindfulness Meditation
The UK College of Mindfulness Meditation is the UK's leading provider of vocational mindfulness teacher training. The CFW teacher training course and 8-week programme have been developed by the college over the last 10 years to support mindfulness participants to develop a kinder, more compassionate attitude towards themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between CFT and MSC?
CFT is a psychotherapy model developed by Paul Gilbert, whereas MSC is a skills-based programme developed by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. CFW brings them together for a therapeutic and accessible training model.
Who can benefit from Compassion Focused Wellbeing?
Anyone experiencing high self-criticism, shame, or emotional suffering — including people living with trauma, chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
Can I train to teach CFW if I am already a mindfulness teacher?
Yes. The course is designed to complement and build upon existing mindfulness training. It’s ideal for graduates of programmes like Mindfulness Now.
How does CFW help with trauma?
CFW is trauma-informed. It emphasises emotional safety, pacing, and awareness of “backdraft” — the resistance that can arise when people begin to feel compassion for themselves after long periods of suffering.
Is this training accredited?
Yes. It is approved by the NRPC, NCH, and MTA, ensuring it meets high professional standards.
Learn More and Apply Today
Compassion Focused Wellbeing is an essential evolution in the world of mindfulness and compassion-based training. It honours both the science and the spirit of compassion, making it practical, powerful, and deeply human.