Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Flashcards
What are the primary issues CFT addresses?
Chronic and severe self-criticism, feelings of shame, and inadequacy, often linked to early life experiences of neglect, abuse, or bullying.
What are the three emotion regulation systems humans have evolved with according to the evolutionary model in CFT?
Threat and self-protection, reward and resource seeking, and soothing and contentment.
What can cause an imbalance in these emotional systems?
Personal experiences leading to an overreliance on threat-focused emotions (e.g., anxiety, anger) and diminished access to soothing emotions.
What are the three flows of compassion highlighted in CFT?
Compassion to others, compassion from others, and compassion to oneself.
Describe Compassionate Mind Training in CFT.
It involves developing a compassionate self, an inner compassionate voice that acts as a soothing counter to the inner critic.
What is the purpose of Compassionate Letter Writing in CFT?
Clients write letters to themselves from the perspective of a compassionate friend, addressing their struggles, fears, and self-criticisms.
How does Safe Place Imagery assist clients in CFT?
It’s a visualization of a safe, comforting place to aid in soothing and calming the mind.
Name three primary benefits or applications of CFT.
- Reduction in Shame and Self-Criticism
- Improved Emotional Regulation.
- Healing Trauma: For individuals with a history of abuse or neglect, developing self-compassion can be pivotal in the healing process.
Why is Compassion-Focused Therapy pivotal for individuals with a history of abuse or neglect?
Developing self-compassion can be crucial in the healing process for such individuals.
