Compassion, the Compass and Compassionate Focused Therapy (CFT)
THE COMPASS IS A DEVICE that directs human beings on a journey in numerous directions. The four points of a compass give direction to a particular place, function and operation. Imagine for a moment, that if the heart could be metaphorically placed and located at the center of this compass, the heart would have an advantage of seeing and responding to all directions, directing its course in a more empowered way.
The word “compass” is formed from the Old French word compass, meaning circumference and from Vulgar Latin compassus, meaning equal step (Latin com- with + passus a step, pace meaning “with pace”). Curiously, the word compass comes from the stem word compati (com- with + pati to suffer or endure) meaning “to suffer together with,” as in a patient enduring and pacing calmly the patos pain. I offer that by expanding the imagination of this word into compassion (com+passion) meaning “to be with passion” or suffering, the word “compass” becomes an instrument that has the energy to circumnavigate, encompass and circulate in many directions around the emotions of the one who is suffering, pain the healing required.
Excerpted from my book, Mapping Caves: Human-Earth Expressions on Integrative Health and Our Environment, Cambridge Scholars, 2021.
—Chapter 5: The Mythos of Chaos and Compassion, p.51.
“Compassion is the courage to descend into the reality of human experience. ”
The Compassionate Mind Foundation, founded by Professor Paul Gilbert OBE, promotes an evolutionary and bio-psycho-social informed approach to compassion which now forms the basis of a psychotherapy called Compassionate Focused Therapy (CFT) and Compassionate Mind Training.
For thousands of years, compassion has been seen as the antidote to suffering and harmfulness. Research has now revealed how our capacities for compassion evolved, how it works in our bodies and our brains, and when cultivated, is a source of courage and wisdom to address suffering.
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Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an integrative psychotherapeutic model developed by Prof Paul Gilbert OBE. CFT draws on a range of different psychotherapeutic modalities and approaches, along with neuroscience, attachment theory and Buddhist meditative practices to help clients develop and orientate toward a more compassionate way of being with themselves and in the world.
Core Idea
CFT helps people develop compassion for themselves and others in order to regulate emotion, reduce psychological suffering, and improve mental well-being.
Theoretical Foundations
CFT is integrative, drawing from: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Evolutionary psychology, Attachment theory, Neuroscience Buddhist psychology and mindfulnessKey Research Insight
According to the research of Prof Gilbert, many people with trauma or harsh inner critics, do not benefit fully from traditional Cognitive Based Therapy (CBT) because they struggle to feel safe or deserving. Compassionate Focused Therapy aims to create a foundation of emotional safety through compassion. -
Prof Paul Gilbert has been a clinical psychologist of over 45 years with the focus of working with people with mood disorders, complex shame and trauma, and harsh self-criticism. He is professor at the university of Derby and visiting professor at the university of Queensland Australia. He has published over 350 academic papers and 22 books. In 2006 he established the international charity the compassionate mind foundation (www.compassionatemind.co.uk) which is now one of the leading international organisations for the study of compassion and its applications. In recognition for his contributions to mental health he was awarded an OBE by the then UK Queen in 2011. He remains compassionate about the study of compassion especially its fears blocks and resistances.