Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

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Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

Evidence Status: Emerging evidence

Medically reviewed · Dr. Sarah Whitfield, PsyD · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A therapy that helps people develop self-compassion and reduce shame and self-criticism using techniques drawn from evolutionary psychology and mindfulness.

What Is Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)?

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is an integrative psychotherapy that helps people develop self-compassion and reduce shame and harsh self-criticism, drawing on principles from evolutionary psychology, attachment theory, and mindfulness practice.

How It Works

CFT is based on the idea that some people have underdeveloped capacity to self-soothe and access feelings of warmth and safety, particularly those with high levels of shame or self-criticism, often related to early experiences. Treatment focuses on cultivating compassionate ways of relating to oneself. This description uses original explanatory language.

What Happens During Therapy?

Sessions often include compassion-focused imagery exercises, mindfulness practices, and psychoeducation about the evolved emotion regulation systems CFT draws upon, along with discussion of how shame and self-criticism affect daily functioning.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Research supports CFT for conditions involving high shame and self-criticism, including some presentations of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders, though the overall evidence base is still developing compared to more established therapies.

Who May Benefit?

CFT may be considered for people experiencing significant shame, self-criticism, or difficulty with self-compassion, often alongside conditions such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders.

Limitations and Considerations

The evidence base for CFT, while growing, is smaller than for more established therapies such as CBT, and its emphasis on compassion-focused imagery may not resonate with everyone.

Finding a Qualified Therapist

CFT is practiced by psychologists and other mental health professionals with specific CFT training.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

CFT length varies depending on the setting and format, from brief group programs to longer individual treatment.

Therapy vs. Medication

CFT is a psychotherapy approach; medication may be appropriate for certain co-occurring conditions in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

What Conditions Is It Used For?

Major Depressive Disorder

A mood disorder involving persistent sadness or loss of interest that interferes with daily life for at least two weeks.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder

A condition involving preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others.

Related Therapy Types

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

A therapy that combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment to behavior change guided by a person’s core values.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

A structured 8-week group program that teaches mindfulness meditation practices to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
  • American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.