An Introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy
What is compassion? How is it beneficial for people? And how can it be harnessed directly as part of therapy? In this talk, we’ll take a look at some of the key theories underneath and practices of CFT, and see how this can be a powerful way of working with distress and suffering.
This presentation will help you learn some of the key basics of CFT, and have an opportunity to try out a few CFT interventions and see how these may be useful. At the end of the workshop, you’ll have a better sense of what CFT is, how it can be helpful, and hopefully energise you to find out more about CFT in the future!
Reading Recommendations:
Books and Articles:
- Irons, C. (2017) The Compassionate Mind Workbook: A step by step guide to developing your compassionate self. London: Robinson
- Kolts, R. L., Bell, T., Bennett-Levy, J., & Irons, C. (2018). Experiencing compassion-focused therapy from the inside out: A self-practice/self-reflection workbook for therapists. Guilford Publications.
- Gilbert, P. (2009) The Compassionate Mind. A New Approach to Life’s Challenges. London: Constable & Robinson.
- Gilbert, P. (2009) An introduction to compassion focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15, 199-208.
- Gilbert, P. (2010) Compassion Focused Therapy: Distinctive Features. London: Routledge.
- Gilbert, P. (ed.) (2010) Compassion Focused Therapy: Special Issue. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy. 3, 97-201
Videos
- The Science of Compassion – Dr Chris Irons
- Evolution & Compassion Focused Therapy – Professor Paul Gilbert
- Compassion Focused Therapy: An Introduction – Professor Paul Gilbert
About the Speaker:
Dr Chris Irons, PhD
Dr Chris Irons, PhD, is a Clinical Psychologist, and Director at Balanced Minds, an independent psychology practice in London set up to bring compassion-focused approaches to individuals and organisations in London and the UK. In his clinical work, he uses Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT; Gilbert, 2009; Gilbert & Irons, 2005) in working with people suffering from a variety of mental health problems, but also in bringing these ideas to the general public. He is an internationally recognised trainer and supervisor of CFT, and the author of a number of CFT books, including: “The Compassionate Mind Workbook”, “CFT from the Inside Out” and “CFT for Difficult Emotions”.
Chris also works with the Compassionate Mind Foundation, a charitable organisation aiming to: “Promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”.
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Next Event:
- University of Greenwich, London
- 18/12/2022
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Upcoming at TWU
This episode is sponsored by our upcoming Day on Parts (In Person) Conference.
Taking place at the University of Greenwich on 18th December, this groundbreaking lecture series will explore the most effective approaches for working with, healing, and reintegrating parts, with the following talks confirmed:
— Internal Family Systems: Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness – Dr Richard Schwartz, PhD (via live video feed)
— Compassion Focused Therapy & Parts – Dr Kate Lucre
— Dialectical Behaviour Therapy & Personality Disorders – Dr Janet Feigenbaum
The talks are CPD accredited, with a certificate qualifying you for five hours of CPD. Should you be unable to attend in person, you can also tune in from the comfort of home with a “livestream pass.”
As a member of the TWU community, you can get a discount on your ticket, if you go to https://bit.ly/Parts-2022, and use the discount code: POD when registering.
