Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a psychological approach designed to help people manage distress, improve wellbeing, and build a kinder relationship with themselves and others. Developed by Professor Paul Gilbert, CFT was created to support people who often struggle with shame, self-criticism, or the impact of difficult life experiences, and who may not have fully benefited from other therapies.
At the heart of CFT is compassion, which is defined as “…a sensitivity to the challenges we experience ourselves (and those that others experience), with a commitment to try to relieve and prevent it.” A helpful way of understanding this involves looking at these two related but separate parts:
Compassion is not about being “soft” or “nice”. It often requires us to show up for ourselves with courage, wisdom and strength. For example, a police officer responding to a dangerous situation shows compassion when they recognise the fear and distress of the people involved (1st part of compassion), and then uses their training, judgment, and courage to take wise steps to protect and support those in danger and the wider community (2nd part of compassion). In CFT, the same courage is applied to facing painful emotions such as shame, fear or trauma.
CFT helps people cultivate compassion in three key directions: to others, from others, and towards themselves (self-compassion). Therapy sessions often involve developing skills through ‘Compassionate Mind Training’, using practices such as imagery, mindfulness, breathing exercises, expressive writing (compassionate letter writing), appreciation and gratitude practice, and more traditional cognitive strategies, like ‘thought balancing’.
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is a transdiagnostic approach, meaning it can help people experiencing a wide range of psychological and mental health difficulties rather than being limited to one specific diagnosis.
CFT not only reduces distress but also enhances wellbeing, resilience, and our ability to flourish. If you would like more information about Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), or speak with a therapist offering this at Maudsley Health, please get in touch.
The Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults (MANTRA) is a specialist psychological therapy designed specifically for adults experiencing anorexia nervosa. Developed by a team at the Maudsley Hospital in London, MANTRA is an evidence-based, integrative approach that targets the underlying cognitive, emotional, relational, and biological factors that contribute to development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa.
MANTRA offers an individually tailored pathway towards recovery, helping people understand what keeps them stuck in their eating disorder, and supporting them to gradually adopt more flexible, compassionate, and sustainable ways of coping.
At the heart of MANTRA is the belief that recovery from anorexia is always possible. It recognises that recovery involves more than just changes in eating behaviour or weight restoration, and requires a deeper understanding of the personal and psychological factors that maintain each person’s illness.
MANTRA supports people to:
Treatment is collaborative and flexible. Together, the patient and their therapist select modules and exercises from the ‘MANTRA workbook’, focusing on areas most relevant to the person’s current needs and stage of recovery. This handbook is widely accessible and supports self-reflection and skill development between sessions.
MANTRA is particularly suited to adults with anorexia nervosa who:
For these reasons, MANTRA is often recommended for people who may not have benefited from other therapies, or who feel those approaches don’t quite “fit” with their experience.
A distinctive feature of MANTRA is its use of Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques, which gently support people who may feel uncertain or unready to change. This makes MANTRA particularly helpful for those in the earlier stages of contemplating recovery.
MANTRA is a manualised therapy, typically delivered over 20 to 40 sessions, but the pace and length of treatment is flexible and guided by the individual’s progress and preferences. Sessions are usually weekly and include optional homework activities designed to reinforce learning and promote change between sessions.
Where appropriate, loved ones can also be included in the treatment process, helping to build a more supportive environment around the individual’s recovery.
MANTRA is recommended for adults with anorexia nervosa, especially those who:
MANTRA is more than a set of techniques. It is a compassionate, thoughtful framework that recognises how anorexia nervosa can become deeply entwined with a person’s identity, relationships, and self-worth. Through a supportive therapeutic relationship and carefully selected interventions, MANTRA helps individuals take steps towards reclaiming their lives, restoring health, and rebuilding a sense of self beyond the eating disorder.
If you would like more information about MANTRA, or to speak with a therapist offering this approach at Maudsley Health, please get in touch.
Prof. George Tadros, Clinical Director – Mental Health of Older Adults
Professor George Tadros is a Consultant Psychiatrist with over 35 years’ experience in general and geriatric psychiatry. He has led pioneering psychiatric liaison models in the UK and provided specialist care for older adults with complex conditions and dementia. His expertise spans memory assessment, integrated care, and leadership in mental health services internationally.
Dr. Sophie Price, Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sophie Price has over a decade of experience supporting older adults, including specialist assessment and post-diagnosis care for dementia. She delivers tailored psychological interventions for cognitive difficulties and emotional wellbeing, integrating evidence-based therapies within a compassionate, trauma-informed approach.