Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach designed to help you develop greater self-compassion and emotional balance.
Many people I work with experience high levels of self-criticism, shame, or guilt: often linked to early life experiences, trauma, or neglect. CFT helps you understand these patterns and begin to replace them with self-kindness, acceptance, and a more supportive inner dialogue. By learning to relate to yourself with compassion, you can reduce emotional distress, regulate your mood more effectively, and build a stronger sense of wellbeing.
CFT provides a gentle yet structured way to understand your emotions and cultivate a kinder relationship with yourself.
I’m Dr Kat Aguilera, a registered and chartered counselling psychologist specialising in trauma, PTSD, and complex trauma. My approach to Compassion Focused Therapy is grounded in warmth, collaboration, and psychological insight. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related shame, I’ll support you in developing practical tools to reduce self-criticism and build emotional resilience.
What is Compassion Focused Therapy?
Compassion Focused Therapy was originally developed to support people who experience overwhelming self-criticism or feelings of shame; emotions that can often stem from early life trauma, neglect, or abuse. The therapy is based on the idea that we all have three emotional regulation systems that influence how we respond to life’s challenges:
The Threat System: linked to fear, anxiety, or self-criticism
The Drive System: connected to motivation and achievement
The Soothing System: associated with feelings of safety, calm, and connection
When the threat system becomes overactive, and the soothing system underdeveloped, we can feel constantly anxious, inadequate, or unsafe. CFT works to restore balance between these systems, encouraging feelings of compassion and calm while reducing the power of shame and self-judgment. CFT can help you to:
• Reduce self-criticism and shame
• Build emotional awareness and self-acceptance
• Strengthen your ability to manage stress and anxiety
• Develop a more compassionate inner voice
• Improve confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
How Does CFT Work?
In our sessions, I’ll guide you through a range of techniques designed to activate your soothing system and cultivate self-compassion.
CFT combines elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and neuroscience, helping you understand how your brain and body respond to threat and safety. Together, we’ll explore your patterns of self-criticism and emotional responses, using methods such as compassionate imagery, grounding, reframing self-critical thoughts, and breathing and relaxation exercises.
These practices help you feel safer within yourself, reduce shame-based thinking, and cultivate the courage to face life’s challenges with greater self-compassion.
Online Compassion Focused Therapy
I offer both in-person and online CFT sessions, making therapy flexible and accessible wherever you are. Online sessions allow you to explore sensitive emotions in a safe, confidential space; ideal if you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or low self-worth. If you’ve spent years being hard on yourself, CFT offers a way to begin relating to yourself differently, with understanding, empathy, and compassion. Contact us today to book your free initial consultation.
Compassion Focused Therapy FAQs
What is the main goal of Compassion Focused Therapy?
CFT aims to help you develop self-compassion and balance your emotional systems. It’s particularly effective for people who experience high levels of self-criticism, shame, or guilt, often linked to trauma or difficult early life experiences.
How is CFT different from CBT or other therapies?
While CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts, CFT focuses on cultivating compassion and soothing emotional pain. It complements other therapies by addressing the emotional root of self-criticism and shame.
Can CFT help with trauma or PTSD?
Yes. CFT is often used to support trauma recovery. It helps those who have experienced trauma or neglect rebuild a sense of safety, acceptance, and self-worth, which are essential for healing.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your needs and goals. Many people begin to notice changes after 8–12 sessions, while others benefit from a longer-term therapeutic relationship.
Is online Compassion Focused Therapy effective?
Absolutely. Online CFT offers the same benefits as in-person therapy and allows you to connect from the comfort and privacy of your own space. Many clients find this setting helps them open up more easily.
How do I start Compassion Focused Therapy?
You can start by booking a free consultation. We’ll discuss what’s bringing you to therapy, your goals, and whether CFT feels like the right approach for you. From there, we’ll create a personalised plan to support your wellbeing and healing.
Get In Touch
Contact Info
Suite 5
5th Floor
City Reach
5 Greenwich View Place
London
E14 9NN
07503 158 618
info@aguilerapsychology.co.uk
View availability and book a 15 minute telephone consultation.