Workshop 4

Compassion Focused Therapy with Teens

Mary Welford, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) was developed by Professor Paul Gilbert OBE as a means of addressing psychological difficulties underpinned by shame and self-criticism. With particular attention to neuroscience, developmental psychology, behavioural theory, evolutionary science and attachment theory, the transdiagnositic approach has a growing evidence base. Despite it’s complex scientific roots, the approach is easily understood and has relevance to us all, especially for therapists and those with mental health and / or physical health difficulties. Therapists and clients alike, often report the approach feels ‘human’, familiar, authentic and transformative.

‘I wish I knew this before’ is often a poignant reflection that therapists and clients make. So Why wait till Adulthood? This workshop will introduce key aspects of CFT and how this approach can be adapted for working with teens. It's hoped that the psychoeducation and practices shared will be integrated immediately into ones life and into ones clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

Delegates will: 

• Gain an introduction to Compassion Focused Therapy 
• Learn interactive and engaging ways to bring the theory and practice to life
• Leave with a range of ideas to integrate with their clinical practice 
• Experience CFT from the inside out
• Consider if CFT principles and practices might be helpful for themselves

Dr Mary Welford is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and has held both clinical and research roles within the NHS. She now lives and works in the South West of England. She is a founding member of The Compassionate Mind Foundation, and has pioneered whole school wellbeing initiatives for over a decade. Mary’s roles within BABCP have included Executive Committee Member, Magazine Editor, European Scientific Committee Member and Branch Liaison Officer.

Mary is author of The Compassionate Mind Guide to Building Self-Confidence, The Dummies Guide to CFT and, co-authored with Elaine Beaumont, The Kindness Workbook. Her academic papers can be viewed via her researchgate profile https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mary_Welford2

References

The Compassionate Mind Gilbert, P (2010) Constable 

Compassion Focused Therapy for Dummies Welford, M. (2016) Wiley

Compassionate Mind Guide to Building Self Confidence Welford, M (2012) Robinson 

Kindness Workbook: Creatine and Compassionate Ways to Boost Your Well-being Beaumont, E & Welford, M (2020) Robinson