Find a CFT Therapist
Browse therapists who specialize in Compassion-Focused Therapy. Watch their intro videos to find the right fit before booking.
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is an approach developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert that helps people who struggle with self-criticism and shame. By understanding how our minds evolved and developing the capacity for self-compassion, CFT helps shift patterns of self-attack toward patterns of self-soothing and care. It integrates insights from neuroscience, evolutionary psychology, and contemplative practices.
On First Session, you can browse therapists who offer CFT and watch their intro videos to get a sense of their warmth. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding. Whether you prefer online or in-person sessions, you can book directly or request a free consultation to find the right match.
Lindsey Salloway
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in AB and ON.
Waitlist
Lindsey Salloway
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Adoption, Fertility, Infertility, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Couples Therapy, Depression, Early childhood, Effective communication, Family issues, Emotional regulation, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Parenting, Workplace stress, Overwhelm, Stress, Self-esteem, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Work-Life Balance
Adoption, Fertility, Infertility, Anger, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Attachment, Attachment trauma, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Burnout, Childhood trauma, Couples Therapy, Depression, Early childhood, Effective communication, Family issues, Emotional regulation, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Parenting, Workplace stress, Overwhelm, Stress, Self-esteem, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Work-Life Balance
Cathy-Jo Shortt
Canadian Certified Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in BC, ON, AB, and SK.
Waitlist
Cathy-Jo Shortt
Canadian Certified Counsellor
She/her
Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, Relationships, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Family issues, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, Self-esteem, Maternal mental health, Navigating challenging relationships, School challenges, Parenting, Befriending the Nervous System, Low mood, Depression, Nervous system regulation
Childhood trauma, Emotional regulation, Relationships, Anxiety, Boundaries and boundary setting, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Effective communication, Family issues, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Learning disabilities, Self-esteem, Maternal mental health, Navigating challenging relationships, School challenges, Parenting, Befriending the Nervous System, Low mood, Depression, Nervous system regulation
Tarni Kaur
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Tarni Kaur
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, General Mental Health, Goal Setting, Identity and Self-Exploration, Intergenerational trauma, Life transitions, Mindfulness Practices, Negative thinking and ruminating, Neurodiversity, OCD, Self-esteem, Social anxiety
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, BIPOC, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Building Self-Care Routines, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Couples Therapy, Cultural Challenges, Depression coping skills, Emotional regulation, Existential questions, General Mental Health, Goal Setting, Identity and Self-Exploration, Intergenerational trauma, Life transitions, Mindfulness Practices, Negative thinking and ruminating, Neurodiversity, OCD, Self-esteem, Social anxiety
Sabrina De Araujo
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Sabrina De Araujo
Registered Social Worker
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, ADHD, Assertiveness, Attachment trauma, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Burnout, Couples, Dating challenges, Effective communication, Depression coping skills, Identity and Self-Exploration, Interpersonal dynamics, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Nervous system regulation, Grief and Loss, Familial and social relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-esteem, Self-Criticism, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Mind-body connection, Depression
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, ADHD, Assertiveness, Attachment trauma, Befriending the Nervous System, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Burnout, Couples, Dating challenges, Effective communication, Depression coping skills, Identity and Self-Exploration, Interpersonal dynamics, General Mental Health, Maternal mental health, Nervous system regulation, Grief and Loss, Familial and social relationships, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Self-esteem, Self-Criticism, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Mind-body connection, Depression
Christine Scovell
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Christine Scovell
Registered Psychotherapist
she/her
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Caregiver burnout, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Relationships, Stress, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Assertiveness, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Building Meaningful Connections, Burnout, Caregiver burnout, Confidence, Conflict resolution, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Depression, Effective communication, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Mindfulness, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Relationships, Stress, Trauma, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Wellness Counselling
Nicole Lobo
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON, BC, SK, MB, NL, and YT.
Waitlist
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Nicole Lobo
Registered Psychotherapist
she/her
Parenting, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Attachment, Assertiveness, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Confidence, Couples Therapy, Dating challenges, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Family Conflict, Women's Health, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists, Stress, Social anxiety, Self-Development, Relationships, Pregnancy, Postnatal Care
Parenting, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Attachment, Assertiveness, Borderline Personality Disorder, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Self-Care Routines, Break-up recovery, Confidence, Couples Therapy, Dating challenges, Emotional regulation, Familial and social relationships, Family issues, Family Conflict, Women's Health, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Supervising qualifying therapists, Stress, Social anxiety, Self-Development, Relationships, Pregnancy, Postnatal Care
Michelle Brewer
Counselling Therapist
Virtual Sessions in all provinces and territories.
Waitlist
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Michelle Brewer
Counselling Therapist
she/her/hers
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, College or University Coaching, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Eating disorders, Fertility, Group Therapy, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, People pleasing, Personal Growth, Trauma, Women's Health
Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Addiction, ADHD, Attachment trauma, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Childhood trauma, College or University Coaching, Break-up recovery, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Eating disorders, Fertility, Group Therapy, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness, Negative body image, Negative thinking and ruminating, Parental divorce, People pleasing, Personal Growth, Trauma, Women's Health
Lauren Browman
Registered Psychotherapist
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
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Lauren Browman
Registered Psychotherapist
She/Her
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Relationships, Childhood trauma, Attachment, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, OCD, Chronic Illness, Identity and Self-Exploration
Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Burnout, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Life transitions, Relationships, Childhood trauma, Attachment, Nervous system regulation, People pleasing, OCD, Chronic Illness, Identity and Self-Exploration
Jennifer Schofield
Registered Social Worker
Virtual Sessions in ON.
Waitlist
Jennifer Schofield
Registered Social Worker
she/her
Trauma, Anger, ADHD, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Childhood trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Competitive anxiety, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Creativity, Depression, Existential questions, Family issues, Fears and phobia, Chronic Illness, Highly Sensitive Person, Relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Trauma, Anger, ADHD, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Childhood trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Competitive anxiety, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Creativity, Depression, Existential questions, Family issues, Fears and phobia, Chronic Illness, Highly Sensitive Person, Relationships, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Wendy van Es
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Virtual Sessions in ON, MB, AB, SK, and NL.
Waitlist
Wendy van Es
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem, Panic attacks, Social anxiety, Depression coping skills, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Building Self-Care Routines, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Childhood trauma, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Empowerment, Mind-body connection, Self-Criticism, OCD
Anxiety, Depression, Self-esteem, Panic attacks, Social anxiety, Depression coping skills, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Building Self-Care Routines, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Childhood trauma, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Empowerment, Mind-body connection, Self-Criticism, OCD
Sarah Lewis
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in BC.
Waitlist
Sarah Lewis
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/her
Caregivers, Grief and Loss, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Burnout, Caregiver burnout, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Grief Processing, Life transitions, Mindfulness, Parkinson's disease, Wellness Counselling
Caregivers, Grief and Loss, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment, Burnout, Caregiver burnout, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Grief Processing, Life transitions, Mindfulness, Parkinson's disease, Wellness Counselling
Alexa Harder
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Virtual Sessions in BC and AB.
Waitlist
Alexa Harder
Registered Clinical Counsellor
she/her/hers
Eating disorders, Perinatal, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Relationships, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Familial and social relationships, Fertility, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image, Nervous system regulation, OCD, Building Self-Care Routines, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
Eating disorders, Perinatal, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Attachment wounds, Body Dysmorphia, Boundaries and boundary setting, Depression, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Relationships, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Overwhelm, Familial and social relationships, Fertility, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative body image, Nervous system regulation, OCD, Building Self-Care Routines, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration
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What is Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is an approach designed to help people who experience high levels of self-criticism and shame. Developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert, CFT draws on evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhist practices to help you understand why your brain creates difficult emotions and how to activate your soothing system through compassion-based practices.
How can CFT help?
Many people find CFT helpful for reducing harsh self-criticism, managing shame, and developing a kinder relationship with themselves. It can support you in understanding the roots of your self-critical patterns, learning to soothe yourself during difficult moments, and building emotional resilience. CFT is particularly useful for those whose inner critic feels powerful and persistent.
What happens in a CFT session?
In CFT sessions, your therapist may help you understand the three emotion regulation systems (threat, drive, and soothing) and how they operate in your life. You'll learn compassionate mind training exercises, work on developing a compassionate self, and practice responding to yourself with warmth rather than criticism. Sessions often include imagery exercises and mindfulness practices.
How do I find a CFT therapist?
On First Session, you can filter by specialty to find therapists who offer Compassion-Focused Therapy. Each therapist has a profile with an intro video so you can get a sense of their warmth. You can book a session directly online or request a free consultation first. All therapists on the platform have their credentials verified during onboarding.
Is CFT right for me?
CFT may be a good fit if you struggle with self-criticism, shame, or a harsh inner voice that's hard to quiet. It's helpful if you understand intellectually that you should be kinder to yourself but find it emotionally difficult. Consider booking a consultation with a therapist to discuss whether this compassion-based approach suits your needs.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Browse CFT therapists on First Session and watch their intro videos to find someone whose warmth resonates with you. Once you've found a match, you can book your first session directly online. Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultation if you'd like to connect first. Learn more about how to find a therapist in Canada.