COMPASsION-FOCUSED
Compassion-focused therapy is a counselling approach that integrates advances from multiple evidence-based and well-researched methodologies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and others.
Compassion-focused therapy is aimed at working with difficult emotions that are "sticky" - sometimes we may think that we "shouldn't" feel a certain way, but we do anyway. CFT is also effective for addressing shame, self-blame, guilt, and harsh self-criticism that are often prevalent among individuals who experienced traumatic events.
Self-compassion work can appear at a first glance deceptively easy. However, the emotional work involved for the client can be quite intense - and rewarding.
When words aren't enough
Sometimes our life experiences impact us so deeply that it may be difficult - or impossible - to put words to powerful and distressing feelings. Traumatic events may leave us with the "speechless horror" of the event and no way to express it. When that happens, it is important to remember that feelings are not the enemy. We want to start making small steps toward getting to know and befriending our feelings. So how can we do that when words are not found?
In times like this, it can be helpful to engage the entire body in the healing process. You may notice that some feelings make your heart race faster, cause you to freeze up, or make you feel squirmy and twitchy. Encountering the feelings in the body and teaching the body to regain a state of peace and safety is an important part of healing and restoring resiliency.
Other times, when words aren't enough but things need to be said, it can be helpful to rely on body language, movement, and art to begin to understand and process our experiences.
Going beyond the office walls: Ecotherapy
When people think of therapy, they often envision the proverbial therapeutic couch that had been a staple of the psychoanalytic (psychodynamic) practice.
There is, of course, tremendous value in a therapeutic space that is safe, secure, quiet, and calming. However, sometimes the office walls can feel confining and stifling. Ecotherapy, also known as nature-assisted therapy, or "walk and talk" therapy, can help engage the body in the healing process. Spending time in nature is therapeutic in itself: it helps to stabilize mood, reduce the risk of suicide, and promote health.
You may notice that you process things differently and experience the therapeutic process differently when outside. As with all therapy, the ultimate point of ecotherapy is to get out of your head and go out into the world to live your life.