Compassion focus therapy

Question 1

What is Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)?

Answer 1

A psychological approach developed by Paul Gilbert to address issues related to shame and self-criticism

Question 2

What are the key components of self-compassion according to Neff (2003)?

Answer 2

• Self-kindness
• Common humanity
• Mindfulness

Question 3

What are the three Emotion Regulation Systems identified by Gilbert (2014)?

Answer 3

• Threat System
• Drive System
• Soothing System

Question 4

What does the Threat System focus on?

Answer 4

Detecting danger, such as fear, anxiety, and anger.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Drive System?

Answer 5

Motivates pursuit of rewards and achievements.

Question 6

What does the Soothing System regulate?

Answer 6

Regulates stress and fosters calmness and connection.

Question 7

What is Compassionate Mind Training (CMT)?

Answer 7

A method to help individuals develop compassion through guided exercises.

Question 8

What are some techniques included in Compassionate Mind Training?

Answer 8

• Imagery
• Mindfulness
• Breathing techniques

Question 9

In what conditions is CFT used for therapy?

Answer 9

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Personality disorders

Question 10

True or False: Self-compassion can be difficult for some individuals due to deep-seated shame.

Answer 10

True

Question 11

What are the two interconnected psychological processes that CFT defines for compassion?

Answer 11

• Engagement
• Alleviation

Question 12

What does Engagement in compassion involve?

Answer 12

• Sensitivity
• Sympathy
• Care for well-being
• Empathy
• Non-judgment
• Distress Tolerance

Question 13

What skills are involved in the Alleviation process?

Answer 13

• Imagery
• Attention
• Reasoning
• Behavior
• Sensory Awareness

Question 14

What is an example of a barrier to self-compassion?

Answer 14

Shame often blocks self-compassion.

Question 15

What does compassionate letter writing focus on?

Answer 15

• Expressing concern and care
• Tolerating distress and suffering
• Offering non-judgmental support

Question 16

What are some emotional barriers that hinder self-compassion?

Answer 16

• People can easily offer compassion to others but struggle to receive it
• Fear of compassion

Question 17

What psychological barriers may affect individuals’ ability to be self-compassionate?

Answer 17

• Attachment issues
• Beliefs about compassion

Question 18

Fill in the blank: CFT helps individuals shift from _______ to self-kindness.

Answer 18

[self-attack]

Question 19

What did Kirby et al. (2017) find about compassion-based interventions?

Answer 19

They significantly improved self-compassion, mindfulness, depression, and anxiety.

Question 20

What is the Compassionate Self?

Answer 20

An ideal version of oneself that is wise, strong, and caring.

Question 21

What activities can help develop the Compassionate Self?

Answer 21

• Imagery
• Acting
• Experiments

Question 22

What can individuals do to overcome barriers to compassion?

Answer 22

• Use CBT techniques
• Practice self-kindness
• Develop exposure exercises

Question 23

True or False: High expectations and perfectionism encourage self-kindness.

Answer 23

False

Question 24

Explain the old brain in the new brain

Answer 24

In compassion focus therapy the new brain is imaginative thinking planning large prefrontal cortex

The old brain is avoidant competing fight flight response

Question 25

Why is compassion hard?

Answer 25

What is easy it’s not always compassionate It takes emotional effort There may be social and cultural barriers such as the stiff upper lip mentality in the UK

Question 26

What are the two psychology of compassion

Answer 26

First series engagement which Gilbert 2014 describes her six attributes such as sensitivity, sympathy, well-being, empathy, nonjudgement, and distress tolerance Alleviation which means taking action to reduce suffering, including things like using imagery focusing on the compassionate response, reasoning that promotes self kindness, engaging in compassionate actions or using physical cues to promote calmness such as a candle

Question 27

What are the three systems in compassion for therapy and can you explain how they work?

Answer 27

The threat system, the drive system and the soothing system Often when it comes to mental illness takes over and the system can also take over in a positive negative way and it means the soothing system does not kick in For example, the system might be fight or flight which needs to bodily sensations and changes in attention emotional experience and thinking just like the CBT cognitive model , this means that the drive system can go crazy anxiety driving away from the fret due to adrenaline or with depression that drive system does not work anymore. Finally, it means the safe system does not kick in such as the ability to calm the body or seek support from others for the ability to cope and be compassionate.