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Compassion-Focused Therapy by Roseanna Bridge
On the 7th of September, Samutthana had the pleasure of organizing a highly successful workshop on Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), facilitated by Roseanna Bridge. The workshop was a well-rounded introduction to CFT, designed to provide participants with both theoretical understanding and practical skills to integrate into their professional work. The day began promptly at 9:30 AM with a brief introduction to Samutthana, its mission, and the facilitator, Roseanna, who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply passionate about CFT and its therapeutic benefits.
The morning session laid the groundwork by covering the fundamental aspects of Compassion-Focused Therapy. Roseanna guided the participants through an insightful overview of what CFT is, along with the science and research that support its effectiveness. The discussion on the evidence base for CFT was particularly valuable for mental health professionals, as it helped them understand the clinical benefits of this model and its growing recognition in therapeutic settings.
The workshop also touched on trauma and its relationship with CFT, making it highly relevant for professionals working with trauma survivors. Roseanna provided a detailed psychoeducation session on the evolutionary and neurobiological model underlying CFT, explaining how human emotions and responses have evolved, and how this understanding is essential in addressing self-criticism, shame, and emotional regulation. Her explanation of the three affect systems — drive, soothing, and threat — helped participants grasp how these systems interact and impact emotional well-being, particularly in people dealing with trauma or high levels of stress. Additionally, the group discussed the common fears, blocks, and resistance individuals may face when practicing compassion towards themselves and others, and how to work through these obstacles.
The second half of the workshop shifted to a more interactive and experiential approach, allowing participants to practice some of the core compassionate mind skills. One of the highlights of this session was the “compassion letter” activity, where participants were invited to write a letter to themselves, addressing their own struggles with kindness and understanding. This exercise, along with the compassion meditation session, gave participants a chance to experience CFT tools first-hand, offering them a deeper emotional connection to the theory they had learned earlier in the day.
Roseanna’s facilitation was both engaging and supportive, ensuring that participants felt comfortable and encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the activities. The use of group exercises fostered a sense of community among the participants, allowing them to share their experiences, learn from one another, and practice the skills in a collaborative environment. These interactive components helped bring the concepts of CFT to life and reinforced the idea that compassion is not just a cognitive process but also a felt experience that can be nurtured through practice.
Samutthana ensured that participants were well taken care of, providing a delicious lunch in the afternoon as well as snacks later in the day, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for everyone involved. The day concluded with a final reflection on the skills learned and how participants could take these new tools into their personal and professional lives.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many commented on how insightful and meaningful the session was, particularly appreciating the balance between theory and practice. The interactive elements were highlighted as particularly helpful in allowing participants to experience what it feels like to engage in CFT from the perspective of both therapist and client.
Overall, the workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to Compassion-Focused Therapy, equipping participants with practical tools to integrate into their therapeutic practice. Roseanna’s ability to break down complex ideas into approachable concepts made the content accessible to all, and her warm and interactive teaching style created a rich learning environment. We are grateful for her expertise and look forward to hosting more workshops that continue to build on this foundation.
This CFT workshop was a significant success, and Samutthana is proud to have been able to offer such a valuable experience to the mental health community.
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