CFT Made Simple: An Introduction to Compassion-Focused Therapy

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a form of cognitive-behavior therapy that draws upon evolution science, affective neuroscience, attachment therapy, and behaviorism in assisting individuals who suffer with emotional difficulties. Utilizing mindfulness, the purposeful cultivation of compassion, and a host of treatment strategies such as imagery, chair-work, breath-body work, and behavioral and thought experiments, CFT was developed to assist clients who struggle with issues of shame and self-criticism. Because it’s theoretical basis draws from multiple bodies of science, CFT can sometimes be challenging to grasp initially. In this two-day training, participants will learn a way to organize CFT into a set of layered processes and practices that will allow them to systematically understand, train, and begin to implement the practices of CFT. Additionally, participants will gain exposure to a number of core CFT techniques and will explore how to implement them through experiential practice.

This workshop is appropriate for mental health professionals, including Psychologists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, and Psychiatric Nurse-Practitioners.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the roles of the therapist in Compassion-Focused Therapy.
Describe the three-circles model of emotion.
Apply the evolutionary model in setting a context for self-compassion.
Apply Soothing-Rhythm Breathing to help clients work with emotions.
Teach clients basic skills for improving mindfulness.
Articulate how compassion can be applied in working with challenging emotions.
Introduce and facilitate compassionate-self work.
Describe and use the multiple-selves exercise.

Dates: Thursday and Friday, April 28th and 29th

Time: 8:30-4:30

Breaks: 90 minute lunch, two 15-minute breaks

Location: The Hutton Settlement*
NOTE: Although the physical address is listed as 9907 E. Wellesley, we are actually located directly across from 10225 E Upriver Drive. Please use that address for better directions using GPS.

Registration Fee: $220 or $180 per person for groups of 4 or more people attending from the same facility. Student admission is half price at $110.

Refund Policy: Up to 5 days prior, full refund minus a $10 administrative fee; less than 5 days, non-refundable.

Continuing Education Information: This workshop is 12 continuing education credits (6 per day), sponsored through the Evidence-Based Practice Institute, LLC.

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE INSTITUTE, LLC IS APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION TO SPONSOR CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR PSYCHOLOGISTS. EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE INSTITUTE, LLC MAINTAINS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROGRAM AND ITS CONTENT.