Photo of Abbey Vann, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in 28105, NC
Abbey Vann
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Do you ever find yourself saying "It is not supposed to be this way"? At times we have all felt lost in life, or found ourselves in a place we do not wish to be. Whether it be at the hands of trauma, loss of self-esteem, familial discord, or failed relationships, sometimes we all need some guidance getting back to our best version of ourselves.
Do you ever find yourself saying "It is not supposed to be this way"? At times we have all felt lost in life, or found ourselves in a place we do not wish to be. Whether it be at the hands of trauma, loss of self-esteem, familial discord, or failed relationships, sometimes we all need some guidance getting back to our best version of ourselves.
(704) 665-5963 View (704) 665-5963
Photo of Liz Hatzispiros, Licensed Professional Counselor in 28105, NC
Liz Hatzispiros
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC, RPT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
Anxiety, stress, and sadness are a normal part of life, but when these feelings start to take over and inhabit multiple area's of life in a profoundly negative way, something needs to change. You're tired of people telling you it will get better, but with no real support of how. You're afraid of expressing these thoughts to your friends or family because of them sticking a label or diagnosis on you, but you really want to talk to someone about it. You're worried it's something you've done and are not sure how to grow or change.
Anxiety, stress, and sadness are a normal part of life, but when these feelings start to take over and inhabit multiple area's of life in a profoundly negative way, something needs to change. You're tired of people telling you it will get better, but with no real support of how. You're afraid of expressing these thoughts to your friends or family because of them sticking a label or diagnosis on you, but you really want to talk to someone about it. You're worried it's something you've done and are not sure how to grow or change.
(704) 741-8018 View (704) 741-8018
Photo of Kacey Scheuerman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 28105, NC
Kacey Scheuerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSWA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Matthews, NC 28105
You may be struggling within your relationships, with unhelpful thoughts, or feelings that seem overwhelming. I support adolescents, teens, and adults that may be experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship conflicts, recovery from a narcissistic relationship (whether from a significant other, friendship, or family member), recovery from trauma, codependency, issues with boundaries, and more. If you find yourself lost and confused, feeling distressed or struggling to regulate emotionally, consider reaching out to me.
You may be struggling within your relationships, with unhelpful thoughts, or feelings that seem overwhelming. I support adolescents, teens, and adults that may be experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, relationship conflicts, recovery from a narcissistic relationship (whether from a significant other, friendship, or family member), recovery from trauma, codependency, issues with boundaries, and more. If you find yourself lost and confused, feeling distressed or struggling to regulate emotionally, consider reaching out to me.
(980) 447-2366 View (980) 447-2366
Compassion Focused Therapists

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.