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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