Compassion Focused Counselling in RG5
Amreeta Chapman
Counsellor, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
My Clients over the last 18 years have ranged from having simple symptoms ( i.e. sleep disturbances, anxiety about interviews or social anxiety ) to severe symptoms (i.e. severe depression, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality or sexual abuse). My clients are looking for tools that will help them reduce or eliminate those symptoms but they are also wanting to develop long term functional habits that will help them lead a healthier life. Most of my clients are highly functional but they are struggling with emotional issues in their relationships with childhood abuse, addictions, fears, self-esteem and others.
My Clients over the last 18 years have ranged from having simple symptoms ( i.e. sleep disturbances, anxiety about interviews or social anxiety ) to severe symptoms (i.e. severe depression, insomnia, PTSD, OCD, Borderline Personality or sexual abuse). My clients are looking for tools that will help them reduce or eliminate those symptoms but they are also wanting to develop long term functional habits that will help them lead a healthier life. Most of my clients are highly functional but they are struggling with emotional issues in their relationships with childhood abuse, addictions, fears, self-esteem and others.
Michelle Eve
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
Are you looking to work through what is troubling you in a safe, respectful and supportive environment? I work as an Integrative psychotherapist/counsellor drawing from a range of theories and techniques including person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT based on your needs and what suits you best. I offer both short and long-term therapy, working alongside you on your journey to make the changes you choose to make. Together, we can start to uncover the root of your issue and work at a pace that suits you.
Are you looking to work through what is troubling you in a safe, respectful and supportive environment? I work as an Integrative psychotherapist/counsellor drawing from a range of theories and techniques including person-centred, psychodynamic and CBT based on your needs and what suits you best. I offer both short and long-term therapy, working alongside you on your journey to make the changes you choose to make. Together, we can start to uncover the root of your issue and work at a pace that suits you.
Sarah Comerford
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may have something specific that you are looking to change or gain help with. It may be that you're feeling stuck, experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, uncertainty and/or feeling overwhelmed. You may have or are still experiencing a traumatic time in your life. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Counselling allows you to do all of these things, it is a time and space for you. It is an invitation to escape distractions, pressures and your external demands and explore who you are.
People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may have something specific that you are looking to change or gain help with. It may be that you're feeling stuck, experiencing feelings of depression, anxiety, uncertainty and/or feeling overwhelmed. You may have or are still experiencing a traumatic time in your life. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Counselling allows you to do all of these things, it is a time and space for you. It is an invitation to escape distractions, pressures and your external demands and explore who you are.
Natasha Sharma
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
I offer a thoughtful and valuing presence, combined with expertise and experience to help you go beyond low mood, feeling stuck, anxiety, and trauma. With over 20 years experience in psychology I support people to create more loving relationships, align with their purpose, achieve career success, and experience greater inner peace and fulfilment. For clients open to spirituality, I offer an approach that integrates both psychology and spirituality. I provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to help us make sense of your situation, and bridge the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.
I offer a thoughtful and valuing presence, combined with expertise and experience to help you go beyond low mood, feeling stuck, anxiety, and trauma. With over 20 years experience in psychology I support people to create more loving relationships, align with their purpose, achieve career success, and experience greater inner peace and fulfilment. For clients open to spirituality, I offer an approach that integrates both psychology and spirituality. I provide a safe, supportive, confidential space to help us make sense of your situation, and bridge the gap between where you are and where you would like to be.
Alex Jurgensen
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Reading RG5
Hello and welcome! My name is Alex and I offer in-person sessions in Reading (town centre), or online via zoom. I am a fully qualified, BACP-registered, counsellor with a proven track record of helping people work through all kinds of problems. I think that part of the problem we all share is that we grew up in a society that didn't really understand human emotions. Thus, we quickly learned that emotions are a problem and that the only proper way of dealing with them is to shut them off, brush them under the carpet and put on a brave face.
Hello and welcome! My name is Alex and I offer in-person sessions in Reading (town centre), or online via zoom. I am a fully qualified, BACP-registered, counsellor with a proven track record of helping people work through all kinds of problems. I think that part of the problem we all share is that we grew up in a society that didn't really understand human emotions. Thus, we quickly learned that emotions are a problem and that the only proper way of dealing with them is to shut them off, brush them under the carpet and put on a brave face.
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Compassion Focused Counsellors
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.