Therapists in 49686
Emma Smith
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49686
At Blue Thistle Therapy, I value holistic healing and authenticity. My practice is rooted in relationship-based counseling, and I dig deep in order to connect with the real you. I am not a “smile and nod” therapist. I believe that therapy should be challenging, and I’m here to partner with you in your journey toward positive growth.
At Blue Thistle Therapy, I value holistic healing and authenticity. My practice is rooted in relationship-based counseling, and I dig deep in order to connect with the real you. I am not a “smile and nod” therapist. I believe that therapy should be challenging, and I’m here to partner with you in your journey toward positive growth.
Chelsea Fenlon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49686
As a LLMSW social worker, I have several years of experience working with a variety of populations. During this time, I have assisted others by helping to overcome barriers and provide support during challenging and adverse times in their lives. I believe in a wholistic approach and the foundation that each person is an expert on their own being. I will strive to meet you where you are and provide an inclusive and safe space for you to share your story. Using your unique life experience as a basis, we will work together to acknowledge your individual strengths and resilience to help support you along your journey.
As a LLMSW social worker, I have several years of experience working with a variety of populations. During this time, I have assisted others by helping to overcome barriers and provide support during challenging and adverse times in their lives. I believe in a wholistic approach and the foundation that each person is an expert on their own being. I will strive to meet you where you are and provide an inclusive and safe space for you to share your story. Using your unique life experience as a basis, we will work together to acknowledge your individual strengths and resilience to help support you along your journey.
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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.