Event

AACBT National Workshop – Adelaide: An introduction to compassion-focused therapy

This event has passed.
2 Nov 2018
09:00 am
- 05:00 pm
Rockford Hotel
164 Hindley Street, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
  • James Bennett-Levy
  • Tobyn Bell
View Larger Mapmagnifier

AACBT Workshop Series Flyer

“An introduction to compassion-focused therapy”

A workshop with Professor James Bennett-Levy & Tobyn Bell

Bennett Levy & 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.

Seats are very limited at this location, so be sure to book your seat now!

(For group bookings please contact AACBT direct on info@aacbt.org.au)

8:30am check-in on the day for a 9:00am start.


This 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.

Further Details:

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

ACA_Logo

This event is 7 hours CPD, and tickets include lunch, and morning & afternoon tea.