Compassion Focused Therapists in Rockaway Beach, OR

Photo of Empower Counseling and Rehabilitation, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Empower Counseling and Rehabilitation, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC, CADC-I
Verified Verified
Rockaway Beach, OR 97136  (Online Only)
My goal through therapy is to empower my clients to overcome personal barriers and reach their full potential. I accomplish this through a holistic, trauma-informed approach integrating an assortment of evidence based modalities to meet the needs of my clients. Trained in all areas of wellness, I teach a variety of classes. Since 2009, I’ve worked extensively in social work, outreach, non-profit, and community mental health. The areas I feel most passionate about include: post traumatic growth, wellness, community, environmental awareness, equity, inclusion, parenting and developing healthy, interdependent relationships.
My goal through therapy is to empower my clients to overcome personal barriers and reach their full potential. I accomplish this through a holistic, trauma-informed approach integrating an assortment of evidence based modalities to meet the needs of my clients. Trained in all areas of wellness, I teach a variety of classes. Since 2009, I’ve worked extensively in social work, outreach, non-profit, and community mental health. The areas I feel most passionate about include: post traumatic growth, wellness, community, environmental awareness, equity, inclusion, parenting and developing healthy, interdependent relationships.
(503) 386-0041 View (503) 386-0041
Photo of Megan Elizabeth Irving, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Megan Elizabeth Irving
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockaway Beach, OR 97136  (Online Only)
If you are thinking about starting therapy, you've already taken the first step toward making a beneficial change. I work with individuals to help them take positive steps toward leading more fulfilling lives. When you are ready to examine your life in a safe, supportive environment, I invite you to get in touch with me. Together we'll take a look at your past in order to understand how you got to where you are presently and work to make changes that will enhance your life.
If you are thinking about starting therapy, you've already taken the first step toward making a beneficial change. I work with individuals to help them take positive steps toward leading more fulfilling lives. When you are ready to examine your life in a safe, supportive environment, I invite you to get in touch with me. Together we'll take a look at your past in order to understand how you got to where you are presently and work to make changes that will enhance your life.
(503) 451-6185 View (503) 451-6185
Photo of Angela Lehr, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Angela Lehr
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockaway Beach, OR 97136
Not accepting new clients
Everyone deserves a supportive, engaging, and safe environment in which to reflect, grow, understand, and establish an integrated sense of self - personally, professionally, and relationally. I have worked clinically with individuals, families, and communities for over 20 years. My current practice is focused on providing clinical supervision to counselors seeking licensure in MT and OR. I also work with counselors, educators, and human service practitioners providing consultation, professional development, and support regarding mental health, resilience-building, burnout recovery and prevention, holistic self-care, and well-being.
Everyone deserves a supportive, engaging, and safe environment in which to reflect, grow, understand, and establish an integrated sense of self - personally, professionally, and relationally. I have worked clinically with individuals, families, and communities for over 20 years. My current practice is focused on providing clinical supervision to counselors seeking licensure in MT and OR. I also work with counselors, educators, and human service practitioners providing consultation, professional development, and support regarding mental health, resilience-building, burnout recovery and prevention, holistic self-care, and well-being.
(971) 270-0986 View (971) 270-0986

Online Therapists

Photo of Annie 'jiahui' Chen, Professional Counselor Associate in Rockaway Beach, OR
Annie 'jiahui' Chen
Professional Counselor Associate
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97214
Are you seeking a POC clinician, someone with lived experience as a first-generational immigrant, or as an international student? Do you need support with family issues or a partner, cultural support, or support for mental health in a culture where stigma exists? I can help you with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, trauma, issues related to cultural adaptation, relationship issues, boundary setting, procrastination, life transitions and self worth. I also speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin. Its never easy to walk alone in distress, feeling lost and helpless. Together, lets create a safe space for you to heal.
Are you seeking a POC clinician, someone with lived experience as a first-generational immigrant, or as an international student? Do you need support with family issues or a partner, cultural support, or support for mental health in a culture where stigma exists? I can help you with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, trauma, issues related to cultural adaptation, relationship issues, boundary setting, procrastination, life transitions and self worth. I also speak fluent Cantonese and Mandarin. Its never easy to walk alone in distress, feeling lost and helpless. Together, lets create a safe space for you to heal.
(503) 994-1469 View (503) 994-1469
Photo of Jodi Laing, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Jodi Laing
Licensed Professional Counselor, MCoun, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Corvallis, OR 97330  (Online Only)
I believe that counseling should focus on holistic wellness which incorporates physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness. Counseling isn't about fixing, but growing. My goal is to create an environment that radiates warmth, comfort, and safety with the intention of facilitating growth and healing through support and empowerment. I am here to walk down the path toward healing with you as you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a judgement-free environment.
I believe that counseling should focus on holistic wellness which incorporates physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, and environmental wellness. Counseling isn't about fixing, but growing. My goal is to create an environment that radiates warmth, comfort, and safety with the intention of facilitating growth and healing through support and empowerment. I am here to walk down the path toward healing with you as you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in a judgement-free environment.
(458) 236-5294 View (458) 236-5294
Photo of Kimberly DeMaris, Clinical Social Work Associate in Rockaway Beach, OR
Kimberly DeMaris
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97330
Waitlist for new clients
I am also trained in Compassion Focused Therapy, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Queer and Disabled Social Work Associate working with Adults. I am passionate about strengths-based approaches to navigating mental health and healing. I believe that each person already possesses the tools they need and I am truly honored to be part of rich therapeutic relationships which bring those to the surface.
I am also trained in Compassion Focused Therapy, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Queer and Disabled Social Work Associate working with Adults. I am passionate about strengths-based approaches to navigating mental health and healing. I believe that each person already possesses the tools they need and I am truly honored to be part of rich therapeutic relationships which bring those to the surface.
(541) 896-4577 View (541) 896-4577
Photo of Andrew Drwenski, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Andrew Drwenski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97003
I specialize in Structural Family Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy in addition to regular use of CBT and client centered methods.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I'm here to help you (and your family) live the best possible life. I'm ready to work hard with you to adjust to change, cope with trauma, build coping skills around depression, anxiety, and help you see yourself in a more compassionate light. I offer in person sessions on Fridays as well as Telehealth to best meet you where you are.
I specialize in Structural Family Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy in addition to regular use of CBT and client centered methods.
I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I'm here to help you (and your family) live the best possible life. I'm ready to work hard with you to adjust to change, cope with trauma, build coping skills around depression, anxiety, and help you see yourself in a more compassionate light. I offer in person sessions on Fridays as well as Telehealth to best meet you where you are.
(503) 212-6693 View (503) 212-6693
Photo of Spencer Uemura, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Spencer Uemura
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97213  (Online Only)
Through a social justice lens, I accompany people on their journey to a more grounded and liberated life by exploring how our intersecting identities and cultural experiences have led to the ways we are hurt, but also hold the keys to how we heal. For my clients, these layers of oppression may result in anxiety, depression, and racial identity concerns. We'll work together to process your experience, draw out your strengths, and support your goals. I love working with Asian American adults, and other POC, to connect the impacts of history, oppression, and culture on mental health and wellbeing.
Through a social justice lens, I accompany people on their journey to a more grounded and liberated life by exploring how our intersecting identities and cultural experiences have led to the ways we are hurt, but also hold the keys to how we heal. For my clients, these layers of oppression may result in anxiety, depression, and racial identity concerns. We'll work together to process your experience, draw out your strengths, and support your goals. I love working with Asian American adults, and other POC, to connect the impacts of history, oppression, and culture on mental health and wellbeing.
(503) 300-6128 View (503) 300-6128
Photo of Han Tran, Psychologist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Han Tran
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97227  (Online Only)
Do you tend to be self-critical, with an internal dialogue that is harsh or judgmental? If so, you may also be struggling with feelings of shame, “not good enough”, and unworthiness. These experiences are painful and can really hold you back from living a more fulfilling life. You may have had these thoughts and feelings for a long time, learned from past traumatic experiences or an unsupportive environment you grew up in. These thoughts and feelings contribute to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship difficulties, and other physical and mental health problems. And they can be difficult to overcome.
Do you tend to be self-critical, with an internal dialogue that is harsh or judgmental? If so, you may also be struggling with feelings of shame, “not good enough”, and unworthiness. These experiences are painful and can really hold you back from living a more fulfilling life. You may have had these thoughts and feelings for a long time, learned from past traumatic experiences or an unsupportive environment you grew up in. These thoughts and feelings contribute to depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationship difficulties, and other physical and mental health problems. And they can be difficult to overcome.
(971) 252-7199 View (971) 252-7199
Photo of John Lenkin, LPC Intern in Rockaway Beach, OR
John Lenkin
LPC Intern, SEP
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202
I work from an experiential, somatic, attachment, mindfulness, and compassion focused orientations.
Hi I'm Lincoln. I appreciate that you reading this is a reflection of your own curiosity and showing up for yourself! Therapy is a safe, collaborative, and respectful space to work with you towards lessening your struggles and achieving your goals. Our work together is an opportunity to shift from scripts, wounding and habit patterns of your past and more fully enter the present moment with clarity, belief in yourself, and strength to act. Ultimately, our work together can decrease your stress, cultivate a more comfortable relationship with yourself and others, and overall lead to more possibilities and self-empowerment.
I work from an experiential, somatic, attachment, mindfulness, and compassion focused orientations.
Hi I'm Lincoln. I appreciate that you reading this is a reflection of your own curiosity and showing up for yourself! Therapy is a safe, collaborative, and respectful space to work with you towards lessening your struggles and achieving your goals. Our work together is an opportunity to shift from scripts, wounding and habit patterns of your past and more fully enter the present moment with clarity, belief in yourself, and strength to act. Ultimately, our work together can decrease your stress, cultivate a more comfortable relationship with yourself and others, and overall lead to more possibilities and self-empowerment.
(971) 224-7397 View (971) 224-7397
Photo of Ellie Cates, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Ellie Cates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97333
I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approaches, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy, amongst others.
I strive to create an accepting and supportive space in sessions for you to feel truly seen and heard, utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach in accompanying you on this journey. I bring compassion, warmth, and unconditional positive regard to this space and believe that healing can happen through compassionate connection and exploration. It is important to me that we incorporate approaches which honor your unique needs, and that we do so in an affirming and gentle manner. I hope that this can be a space in which you feel supported, celebrated, and cared for.
I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approaches, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy, amongst others.
I strive to create an accepting and supportive space in sessions for you to feel truly seen and heard, utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach in accompanying you on this journey. I bring compassion, warmth, and unconditional positive regard to this space and believe that healing can happen through compassionate connection and exploration. It is important to me that we incorporate approaches which honor your unique needs, and that we do so in an affirming and gentle manner. I hope that this can be a space in which you feel supported, celebrated, and cared for.
(541) 532-3745 x1 View (541) 532-3745 x1
Photo of Lucy Dao, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Lucy Dao
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97214  (Online Only)
I draw from a strengths based, compassion focused, anti-oppressive and social justice lens with an integrative perspective approach tailored to your unique situation.
I believe each person is the expert on their own life. My role as a therapist is to advocate for your healing through using my training and knowledge to accompany you on your journey. I have enjoyed my experience working with teens and adults of all ages with struggles of anxiety, depression, attachment-issues, self-esteem, stress, racial identity, generational trauma and intergenerational cultural dissonance. Therapy is most successful when there is authenticity and therapeutic alliance. I look forward to doing the work with you and being witness to your healing.
I draw from a strengths based, compassion focused, anti-oppressive and social justice lens with an integrative perspective approach tailored to your unique situation.
I believe each person is the expert on their own life. My role as a therapist is to advocate for your healing through using my training and knowledge to accompany you on your journey. I have enjoyed my experience working with teens and adults of all ages with struggles of anxiety, depression, attachment-issues, self-esteem, stress, racial identity, generational trauma and intergenerational cultural dissonance. Therapy is most successful when there is authenticity and therapeutic alliance. I look forward to doing the work with you and being witness to your healing.
(503) 468-4931 View (503) 468-4931
Photo of Carol L Dugan, Pre-Licensed Professional in Rockaway Beach, OR
Carol L Dugan
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CADC II
Verified Verified
Wilsonville, OR 97070
I utilize trauma informed compassion focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and experiential therapy to help clients make meaning of their life.
Note: I am accepting new patients. Have you been wanting to make changes in your life? Have you experienced challenging setbacks that you want to overcome? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or relationship issues? I am humbled by the resiliency of my clients who take the the steps to heal. When the light comes on in their eyes, I have seen the amazing miracles that walking through pain creates. Through vulnerability and courage, I can help you find hope and healing. By developing a deeper self- awareness and self-compassion miracles can happen as you walk your journey.
I utilize trauma informed compassion focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, and experiential therapy to help clients make meaning of their life.
Note: I am accepting new patients. Have you been wanting to make changes in your life? Have you experienced challenging setbacks that you want to overcome? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or relationship issues? I am humbled by the resiliency of my clients who take the the steps to heal. When the light comes on in their eyes, I have seen the amazing miracles that walking through pain creates. Through vulnerability and courage, I can help you find hope and healing. By developing a deeper self- awareness and self-compassion miracles can happen as you walk your journey.
(503) 461-9067 View (503) 461-9067
Photo of Camille Keith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Camille Keith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hillsboro, OR 97124  (Online Only)
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Trying to take care of everyone and everything in your life is exhausting! You may be a helping professional feeling burned out at work. Or maybe you are feeling pulled into a helper role for your aging parents. You may be navigating changes in your relationships and want support improving your boundaries. You want to feel more like yourself again so you can feel more confident in the choices you are making. Whether you are a family caregiver or professional helper, you are allowed to make time for yourself. Counseling is your opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? Trying to take care of everyone and everything in your life is exhausting! You may be a helping professional feeling burned out at work. Or maybe you are feeling pulled into a helper role for your aging parents. You may be navigating changes in your relationships and want support improving your boundaries. You want to feel more like yourself again so you can feel more confident in the choices you are making. Whether you are a family caregiver or professional helper, you are allowed to make time for yourself. Counseling is your opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
(971) 703-5753 View (971) 703-5753
Photo of Ellie Cates, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Ellie Cates
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Corvallis, OR 97330
I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approaches, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy, amongst others.
I strive to create an accepting and supportive space in sessions for you to feel truly seen and heard, utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach in accompanying you on this journey. I bring compassion, warmth, and unconditional positive regard to this space and believe that healing can happen through compassionate connection and exploration. It is important to me that we incorporate approaches which honor your unique needs, and that we do so in an affirming and gentle manner. I hope that this can be a space in which you feel supported, celebrated, and cared for.
I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused approaches, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and elements of dialectical behavior therapy, amongst others.
I strive to create an accepting and supportive space in sessions for you to feel truly seen and heard, utilizing a person-centered and strengths-based approach in accompanying you on this journey. I bring compassion, warmth, and unconditional positive regard to this space and believe that healing can happen through compassionate connection and exploration. It is important to me that we incorporate approaches which honor your unique needs, and that we do so in an affirming and gentle manner. I hope that this can be a space in which you feel supported, celebrated, and cared for.
(541) 287-7831 View (541) 287-7831
Photo of Megan Bucknum, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Megan Bucknum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC I
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97202  (Online Only)
I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I provide individual therapy for adults on issues of anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and/or feelings, self-criticism, grief, and relationship dissatisfaction. Our time together will be engaging, thought provoking, and supportive. I also understand counseling can be painful at times. I am committed to being present alongside you during these moments and to honor your exploration into where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to go. I can assist you in growing self-compassion, unhooking from painful thoughts and feelings, developing healthy coping skills, and supporting your pursuits of a meaningful life.
I have additional training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I provide individual therapy for adults on issues of anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts and/or feelings, self-criticism, grief, and relationship dissatisfaction. Our time together will be engaging, thought provoking, and supportive. I also understand counseling can be painful at times. I am committed to being present alongside you during these moments and to honor your exploration into where you have been, where you are, and where you would like to go. I can assist you in growing self-compassion, unhooking from painful thoughts and feelings, developing healthy coping skills, and supporting your pursuits of a meaningful life.
(503) 563-2186 View (503) 563-2186
Photo of Monica Marquard, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Rockaway Beach, OR
Monica Marquard
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA , MFTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tigard, OR 97223
Whether this is your first time in therapy or you have been in therapy before, welcome. You are right where you need to be and I am so glad that you are taking the brave step in reaching out. My approach to therapy is joining you through a compassion focused lens. When working together, I will help you understand how your behaviors may have protected you in the past. Together, we can work to let go of harmful behaviors and integrate more adaptive coping mechanisms into your daily life. We will work together to integrate the parts of you that can get you to feeling like your more authentic self.
Whether this is your first time in therapy or you have been in therapy before, welcome. You are right where you need to be and I am so glad that you are taking the brave step in reaching out. My approach to therapy is joining you through a compassion focused lens. When working together, I will help you understand how your behaviors may have protected you in the past. Together, we can work to let go of harmful behaviors and integrate more adaptive coping mechanisms into your daily life. We will work together to integrate the parts of you that can get you to feeling like your more authentic self.
(971) 571-5279 View (971) 571-5279
Photo of Rachel Baker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Rockaway Beach, OR
Rachel Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97239  (Online Only)
I provide an approach that is rooted in solutions-focused and compassion focused therapy.
Feeling connected to who you are and those around you. Trusting yourself in the midst of hard decisions. Gaining purpose and prioritizing self-care. Creating and maintaining healthy relationships. All of this can feel impossible to accomplish when life is filled with uncertainty, change and exhaustion. Your confidence may feel lower. Your self-trust may feel inaccessible. You may be feel overwhelmed, confused and exhausted by the job of being a parent. Together we can co-create an environment that is conducive to sifting through these concerns while sustainably enacting change in these areas of your life.
I provide an approach that is rooted in solutions-focused and compassion focused therapy.
Feeling connected to who you are and those around you. Trusting yourself in the midst of hard decisions. Gaining purpose and prioritizing self-care. Creating and maintaining healthy relationships. All of this can feel impossible to accomplish when life is filled with uncertainty, change and exhaustion. Your confidence may feel lower. Your self-trust may feel inaccessible. You may be feel overwhelmed, confused and exhausted by the job of being a parent. Together we can co-create an environment that is conducive to sifting through these concerns while sustainably enacting change in these areas of your life.
(971) 253-7793 View (971) 253-7793
Photo of Natalie M. Mills, Marriage & Family Therapist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Natalie M. Mills
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97227
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
I work with individuals and couples who want to shift relational problem patterns by healing from trauma, deepening their self-awareness, and strengthening their connections with others. I offer tools to help people gain insight into their behavior, learn how to effectively manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and ameliorate destructive cycles. Collaboratively, my clients and I improve their self-concepts. I use a relational, attachment-based framework and draw on EMDR therapy when indicated.
(415) 301-7713 View (415) 301-7713
Photo of Tove 'g' Gilbert-Morgan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Rockaway Beach, OR
Tove 'g' Gilbert-Morgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Corvallis, OR 97333
Waitlist for new clients
I am a third-wave Cognitive Behavior Therapist (CBT) specializing in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindful Self-Compassion skills (MSC), Interactive Guided Meditation, Sandtray, EMDR, and grief counseling.
Waitlist is closed at this time. There is a Buddhist contemplation: pain is inevitable but suffering is a choice. I don’t know if I believe that suffering is a “choice”, but there are skills that we can learn and practice that will reduce our suffering even in the midst of pain, discomfort, or unfortunate events. Together we will work to build and expand your toolbox so you may fully engage in your life.
I am a third-wave Cognitive Behavior Therapist (CBT) specializing in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindful Self-Compassion skills (MSC), Interactive Guided Meditation, Sandtray, EMDR, and grief counseling.
Waitlist is closed at this time. There is a Buddhist contemplation: pain is inevitable but suffering is a choice. I don’t know if I believe that suffering is a “choice”, but there are skills that we can learn and practice that will reduce our suffering even in the midst of pain, discomfort, or unfortunate events. Together we will work to build and expand your toolbox so you may fully engage in your life.
(541) 229-4926 View (541) 229-4926

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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.