Compassion Focused Therapy

What does Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) help with?

Woman lying down with hands covering her face, wearing a black wristband, on a fabric surface.

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach designed to help people who struggle with shame, self-criticism, or feelings of unworthiness. It focuses on developing compassion for yourself and others as a way to promote healing and emotional well-being.

CFT blends techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and neuroscience with a deep emphasis on kindness, warmth, and acceptance.

  • Encourages compassion towards self and others

  • Fosters experience of self and others in a non-judgmental way

  • Increases feelings of safety, trust, and acceptance of self and others

  • Reduces feelings of shame, rejection, and self-criticism

shame,

guilt,

perfectionism,

disordered eating,

emotional neglect,

managing boundaries,

shame, guilt, perfectionism, disordered eating, emotional neglect, managing boundaries,

  • “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.”

    -Naeem Callaway

Brick building with fire escapes and a large mural on the wall that reads "How are you, really?"

What you can expect at Selah

We know that every person carries unique experiences and circumstances with them to therapy.

We believe your counselling experience should integrate a process that seeks to bring you hope and change through the following steps:

  1. You will pick whether you want to attend in-person, virtual or hybrid. 

  2. You will get started with your initial session. Relationship building is the most crucial stage during this appointment, as trust and connection are vital in the therapeutic process. It takes “on average”, two or more sessions before you can determine your fit with the therapist. We always say, “Don’t give up on counselling, but connect with a new counsellor if not a good fit.” Don’t hesitate to contact our Intake Coordinator at 519-281-1845 or intake@selahsupport.ca if not a good fit. 80% of your change in therapy is about the relationship with your therapist. 

  3. During your initial sessions, you will share your current circumstances and areas you would like to see changed, and then we will go from there. We want to get to know you.  

  4. Once you and your therapist feel you are comfortable and present concerns and desires are shared, you will begin to work through various activities, skills, and treatment methods We aim to work with you in partnership, helping you gain insight and new skills that create an environment for change. 

Let’s work together.