Motivational Systems (Emotional Regulation Systems)

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) builds upon evolutionary ideas about human brain function. Paul Gilbert argues that the human brain is a product of evolution and that our thoughts, emotions, motivations, and behaviors can be understood in terms of the advantages these ways of thinking, feeling, and acting posed for our ancestors. The model proposes human beings have a tripartite motivational system (which is sometimes referred to as an emotional regulation system) with different systems which can be conceptualized as 'mindsets'.

People can be in states of 'threat' (with a mindset focused on seeking protection from dangers), 'drive' (with a mindset attuned towards wanting, seeking, aspiring or striving), or 'soothing' (with a mindset attended to giving and receiving care, affecting, and nurturance). Importantly, healthy functioning of the soothing system is necessary for self-soothing – without it individuals are prone to self-criticism, self-attack, and shame.

Each of the states are associated with distinct feeling-states,

• Client handout - use as a psychoeducation resource
• Discussion point - use to provoke a discussion and explore client beliefs
• Therapist learning tool - improve your familiarity with a psychological construct
• Teaching resource - use as a learning tool during training

• Gilbert, P. (2009). Introducing compassion focused therapy. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15, 199-208.
• Gilbert, P. (2009). Developing a compassion-focused approach in cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behaviour therapy: A guide for the practising clinician, 2, 205-220.
• Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion focused therapy: Distinctive features. Routledge.
• Gilbert, P. (2010). An introduction to compassion focused therapy in cognitive behavior therapy. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 3(2), 97-112.