In-person appointments in Hampstead and Marylebone, plus online therapy across the UK and internationally
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Compassion Focused Therapy
What is Compassion Focused Therapy?
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an evidence-based approach that can be especially helpful if you struggle with shame, self-criticism, or emotional distress. CFT supports you to develop a kinder, more balanced relationship with yourself, while strengthening emotional resilience and psychological flexibility. At Hampstead Psychology, we offer CFT in Hampstead and Marylebone, London, as well as online across the UK and internationally.
How Compassion Focused Therapy Works
CFT is grounded in research from evolutionary psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness. It recognises that our minds can become organised around threat — anxiety, guilt and harsh self-judgement — particularly when someone has lived with trauma, neglect, high pressure, or perfectionism. Rather than trying to suppress these feelings, CFT helps you strengthen a “compassionate mind” that can soothe, stabilise and support change. Using approaches such as imagery, mindfulness and practical exercises, you learn to relate to yourself and your emotions in a more understanding, courageous and constructive way.
What Compassion Focused Therapy Can Help With
CFT can help with chronic shame and self-criticism, low self-esteem and inner harshness, anxiety and depression, trauma and early life adversity, perfectionism and people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and difficulty with self-acceptance or self-compassion.
Private CFT with Experienced Psychologists
CFT is often helpful for high-functioning individuals who appear capable on the outside but feel anxious, inadequate or self-critical internally. We offer CFT delivered by experienced clinical and counselling psychologists, providing a discreet and supportive therapeutic space where the work is structured, warm and paced carefully.
Take the next steps
Contact us to book a consultation with a clinical psychologist trained in CFT, or learn more about our specialist therapy services in London.
Explore related services such as CBT therapy, depression support, and trauma-informed therapy in London.
Meet the team
Hampstead Psychology offers therapy delivered by a senior team of clinical and counselling psychologists with deep experience across a range of presentations. We take care to match you with the right clinician and to hold the work with clarity and structure, so therapy feels purposeful from the outset. Clients choose us when they want high-quality psychological care that is discreet, steady and grounded in evidence.
