Immerse, absorb, embody, enjoy
The Underpinnings of Compassion-Focused Therapy
Workshop presenters – James Bennett-Levy & Tobyn Bell
Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is an integrative psychotherapy model that focuses on the cultivation and application of compassion for both self and others. CFT integrates cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques with evolutionary, developmental and social psychology; affective neuroscience; and Buddhist psychology. The approach was originally developed for clients with high-levels of self-criticism and shame and has a growing evidence-base for a variety of clinical disorders and presentations. Practicing compassion has been shown to have powerful effects on physiological, psychological and social processes, specifically in the regulation of threat-focused emotional experiences and the development of a caring orientation to suffering.
This workshop will introduce the core principles and practices of CFT which include an evolutionary functional analysis of emotions, a formulation of threat-based experiences and protective behaviours, the use of compassionate imagery to stimulate soothing and affiliation, and the development of the ‘compassionate self’. Participants will be guided in experiential exercises with a focus on developing compassion for both themselves and their clients. The workshop will also provide participants with an opportunity to formulate and address self-criticism using CFT interventions.
The workshop is suitable for therapists from any theoretical background. The workshop will include interactive teaching, practical exercises, self-reflection and group discussions. No prior knowledge of CFT is required.
In this workshop participants will:
- Learn what compassion is (and isn’t)
- Be able to apply an evolutionary functional analysis to emotions
- Be able to identify common fears, blocks and resistances to compassion
- Have an experience of key CFT exercises to train the mind in compassion
- Learn how to apply compassion to themselves and their clients, with a specific focus on self-criticism
Venue: The venue for the workshop is in the centre of Byron Bay:
Byron Bay Community and Cultural Centre
Level 1
69 Jonson St
Byron Bay NSW 2481
When? August 10, 9.30-5.00 – 2020
Price: $325 Early bird (by May 31); $375 after May 31
Packaged together with 2-day workshop (Aug 10-12): $845
5 Day Lighthouse Week Special (Aug 10-14): $1175* Early Bird; $1415 after May 31st
Workshop prices are inclusive of morning and afternoon tea. We have found workshop participants like to have lunch in Byron cafes, so lunch not included.
* If you can, we particularly suggest you consider the 5-day Lighthouse Week:
– It provides deeper immersion and learning of the practices
– We develop a strong sense of community
– And you get to enjoy Byron at a delightful time of year
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