The Power of Compassion-Focused Therapy Explained with Dr. Hannah Gilbert

Today, Wendy is joined by Dr. Hannah Gilbert, a psychotherapist who has a particular interest in the connection between belief and mental health. They discuss her work with the Compassionate Mind Foundation, which promotes Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). CFT integrates psychotherapeutic models and mindfulness practices, emphasizing self-compassion and understanding how the brain works.  Hannah explains how CFT addresses self-criticism, shame, and trauma, why it is effective for treating anxiety and depression and why it works so well for the young. KEY TAKEAWAYS CFT is an integrative therapy that also draws on neuroscience. It works fast and can promote physiological changes. CFT recognises that life is hard, so periods of self-doubt, anxiety etc are natural, not your fault and can be managed and overcome. Cultural, spiritual and social experiences play a significant role in mental health. A compassionate brain state enables you to see and react to things in a more balanced way. Compassion is a strength. Understanding how your brain is wired and working in tandem with that is powerful. Self-criticism and shame are damaging but can be conquered quickly. Diet and exercise play an important role in tackling depression and anxiety. BEST MOMENTS “With CFT, there’s a strong emphasis on de-shaming.” “It's incredibly empowering and positive and creates good feelings in you.” “Learn how to switch to that more compassionate self.” “Compassion is not a weakness.” ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Hannah Gilbert is a compassion-focused psychotherapist and trainer who also works as Community and Strategic Development Manager at the Compassionate Mind Foundation. Originally trained in the social sciences. She has a BA in Anthropology and a PhD in Sociology, as well as an MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.  Hannah has worked in a psychiatric inpatient unit, and until recently was a lecturer in Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling at the University of Roehampton, London. Her research interests are in the therapeutic relationship, and in the anthropology of belief and mental health. She is co-author of Mental Health, Spirituality and Wellbeing: A Handbook for Health and Social Care Professionals, Service Users and Carers. www.compassionatemind.co.uk www.compassionatewellbeing.com Study links:  https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-33588-001.pdf https://www.nature.com/articles/s44159-025-00422-4 VALUABLE RESOURCES www.wendycastelino.com  https://www.instagram.com/wendycastelino https://www.youtube.com/@wendycastelino798  https://twitter.com/WendyCastelino  ABOUT THE HOST Wendy Castelino has been working as a psychotherapist for over thirty-five years. As an accredited CBT and EMDR practitioner, she is committed to upholding the rigorous standards required for these accreditations and helping thousands of people reach their full potential. Wendy currently runs a private practice where her focus is on CBT. Therapy is constantly evolving into developing new techniques, so she studies hard to integrate them into her therapy, to provide a rich and effective experience. Wendy is aware that working in one-to-one therapy limits the number of people she can see. She has, therefore, created a range of online resources. These resources are designed to be easy to follow and provide clear, step-by-step instructions. This can help the individual to master skills and gain confidence, therefore optimising the therapy sessions. They are also suitable to be used on their own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.