The referral pathways guide
Read with intention
Meet the cliniciansCompassion-focused therapy (CFT).
For people who are hard on themselves. Compassion-focused therapy, developed by Professor Paul Gilbert, helps you understand self-criticism and shame, and respond to yourself more kindly.
Kindness as a skill.
Compassion here is not about being soft on yourself. It takes courage, and it can be practised.
Understanding your mind
How the brain's threat, drive and soothing systems shape feelings, and why so much of this is not your fault.
Noticing the inner critic
Seeing how self-criticism shows up, what it is trying to do, and what it costs you.
Soothing the body
Breathing and imagery exercises that help the body feel safer.
A compassionate voice
Practising a way of speaking to yourself that is supportive and honest at the same time.
When you are your own harshest critic.
- Strong self-criticism or shame
- Depression or anxiety fuelled by feeling not good enough
- Perfectionism, or feeling you never measure up
- Difficult early experiences that still shape how you see yourself
CFT draws on CBT and is often combined with it. See self-esteem and CBT.
How it usually runs.
Sessions are 50 minutes, in Parramatta or by telehealth.
- 1
Starting out
Your clinician asks what brings you in and explains how CFT works. Together you decide whether it suits you.
Early sessions - 2
Working through it
Sessions mix talking with short exercises. Your plan is shaped around you, and it can change.
The sessions that follow - 3
Practice between sessions
Short exercises to try at home, which you go through together at the next session.
Ongoing
Who offers this approach.
The clinicians below list compassion-focused therapy on their profile.
Fees and other options.
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare pays a rebate for each individual session and there is usually a gap. Our fees are set out before you book.
Check in with yourself.
Free, private tools to try before or alongside sessions. They are not a diagnosis.
Free · 5 to 10 min
Take the Mind Health Check
Short questionnaires, scored privately in your browser. We have ticked the ones most related to this page, and you can change them.
Fact sheet: Shame and guilt
A plain-language guide with practical steps. Free to download.
Try this week
- Notice your inner critic's words today, and write one of them down.
- Ask what you would say to a friend in the same spot, and say it to yourself.
- When shame shows up, place a hand on your chest and take three slow breaths.
Need help now? Our urgent help page has who to call, day and night.
Before you book, answered.
What is compassion-focused therapy?
Who developed CFT?
How is CFT different from CBT?
Is self-compassion just letting myself off the hook?
What happens in a session?
Do I need a referral?
Can I have sessions by telehealth?
What if I need help now?
Take the first step, at your pace.
Tell us a little about what is going on, and that you are interested in CFT. We will suggest a clinician and a time.
