Introduction & Theoretical Background
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,