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Compassion-focused therapy (CFT): training, videos and tests

Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a psychotherapy developed by Paul Gilbert that rests on an evolutionary, biopsychosocial model of the mind and pays particular attention to shame and self-criticism. Its practices include compassionate imagery, chair work and formulation.

The method in short

Founder
Paul Gilbert, clinical psychologist; the Compassionate Mind Foundation was set up by him and colleagues in 2006
Model
Three emotion regulation systems: threat, seeking resources, soothing and safeness
Practices
Compassionate imagery, chair work, functional analysis, compassion-focused formulation

Primary sources: Compassionate Mind Foundation: about, Compassionate Mind Foundation: CFT training pathway, Compassionate Mind Foundation: research and scales

We give you information and answer for how we select it. Check terms, prices and dates with the organiser.

CFT training

We do not run courses. Each programme has a link to the organiser and a check date.

Compassionate Mind Foundation, UK

An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Compassion Focused Therapy

The introductory workshop of the foundation Paul Gilbert established: three days online, counted on the page as 21 hours of CPD. It covers the evolutionary model, the three emotion regulation systems, compassionate imagery and work with shame and self-criticism.

Format
Online
Language
English
For
Psychologists, psychotherapists and other mental health practitioners
Organiser’s siteChecked: November 1, 2026

Compassionate Mind Foundation, UK

Clinical Skills in Compassion Focused Therapy

The second step of the foundation’s training pathway: an experiential workshop with therapist-client role-plays. Topics include functional analysis of self-criticism and shame, chair work, the compassionate self and imagery, and fear of compassion.

Format
Workshop, online or in person depending on the date
Language
English
For
Completed the introductory training and have used CFT with clients for at least six months
Organiser’s siteChecked: November 1, 2026

Compassionate Mind Foundation, UK

Diploma in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

A ten-month diploma developed with Paul Gilbert and delivered online: workshops, guided reading groups and group supervision, assessed by a case study, a video role play and a portfolio. The page cites approval through the BPS CPD Quality Mark scheme.

Format
Online
Language
English
For
A core professional qualification, at least three years of post-qualification practice, experience of clinical risk assessment and some prior CFT training
Organiser’s siteChecked: November 1, 2026

How to choose a programme

  • Recognition. A professional association registry or an accredited provider list.
  • Practice. Hours under supervision and live discussion of your own cases.
  • Teachers. Experience in this particular method.
  • Outcome. A certificate, a path to certification or only knowledge.
  • Entry. Whether you need a base qualification and proof of practice.

CFT videos

All videos on methods

CFT Supervision Groups with Professor Paul Gilbert OBE and Dr Wendy Wood: an overview

Channel: The Compassionate Mind Foundation · Checked: November 1, 2026

An overview recorded for practitioners joining the foundation’s monthly international supervision groups with Paul Gilbert and Wendy Wood.

Open on YouTube ↗

What is a Compassionate Brain State Approach?

Channel: The Compassionate Mind Foundation · Checked: November 1, 2026

Paul Gilbert explains the compassionate brain state approach in a short clip.

Open on YouTube ↗

Nature of Compassion, Fear, Safe Relating & World Change Part One

Channel: The Compassionate Mind Foundation · Checked: November 1, 2026

The introduction to a lecture series by Paul Gilbert on compassion, fear and safe relating. The description gives only the series title.

Open on YouTube ↗

CFT associations and institutes

Practitioner registries, training standards, conferences. The links go to official sites; the descriptions are ours.

international

Compassionate Mind Foundation

A charity set up in 2006 by Paul Gilbert and colleagues. It runs CFT workshops and a diploma, an annual conference and international supervision groups, publishes research and scales, and coordinates affiliate centres in many countries.

Official siteChecked: November 1, 2026

Australia

Compassionate Mind Australia

An Australian community that offers compassion practices and a hub promoting courses and community events. Its site has practitioner tools, a list of events and a therapist directory.

Official siteChecked: November 1, 2026

Tests and scales for CFT

All tests

Short scales to see the starting level and change over time. They are screening, not a diagnosis.

Many tests can be sent to a client as a link (a button on the test page), and the result comes to your email. If answers show signs of risk, the test shows help lines.

CFT questions

How do I choose a CFT training?

The Compassionate Mind Foundation sets out a pathway: an introductory workshop, then clinical skills for those who have used CFT with clients for at least six months, and a ten-month diploma. Check who teaches, how much supervised practice is included and the entry requirements. The Foundation also lists affiliate centres in many countries.

How is CFT different from CBT?

CFT uses CBT techniques and those of several other approaches. By the Foundation’s description it is built around an evolutionary model of motives and three emotion regulation systems, and it looks closely at fears, blocks and resistance to compassionate states, especially with shame and self-criticism.

Which scales are used with CFT?

Our catalogue has the short Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF), which can be sent to a client as a link. It is a general scale, not a CFT scale. The Foundation publishes its own, such as Compassionate Engagement and Actions and Fears of Compassion, free to use with permission.

What are the entry requirements for CFT training?

They depend on the provider. The Foundation’s diploma asks for a core professional qualification, at least three years of post-qualification practice and some CFT training, while its introductory workshops are aimed at psychologists, psychotherapists and other mental health practitioners.

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