Compassion Focused Therapists in 21802
Laurie R. LaFollette
Counselor, LGPC, NCC, ADT
Verified Verified
Salisbury, MD 21802 (Online Only)
Since 2018, I have worked as an addiction’s counselor, and then became a mental health therapist. Currently, I specialize in dual diagnosis therapy for mental health, complex trauma, and addiction therapy. For over the past 20 plus years my working career has been focused to some degree in the medical, legal, and law enforcement fields, ultimately leading me to obtain a graduate Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and becoming a mental health counselor working with clients who struggle with mental health problems, complex trauma, addiction, and everything in between.
Since 2018, I have worked as an addiction’s counselor, and then became a mental health therapist. Currently, I specialize in dual diagnosis therapy for mental health, complex trauma, and addiction therapy. For over the past 20 plus years my working career has been focused to some degree in the medical, legal, and law enforcement fields, ultimately leading me to obtain a graduate Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and becoming a mental health counselor working with clients who struggle with mental health problems, complex trauma, addiction, and everything in between.
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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-behavioral 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.