Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) Supervision
for Therapists
Supervision can be a place where therapists feel supported, encouraged and nourished in their work, with space to reflect openly on the complexities of clinical practice. I offer Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) clinical supervision for therapists who would like to deepen their understanding of compassion-based approaches, particularly when working with shame, self-criticism, low self-esteem or low self worth, depression and trauma.
My supervision spaces are collaborative and reflective. I aim to create an environment where therapists feel able to explore their clinical work openly, think together about formulation, and grow in confidence in using Compassion Focused Therapy in a way that feels authentic, grounded and rooted in the compassionate stance.
Many therapists come to supervision when they notice that clients feel stuck in cycles of shame, harsh self criticism or low self esteem, or when they are wanting to bring more compassion focused work into their practice. Supervision can offer a space to slow down, step back from the therapy room, and reconnect with the compassionate stance that sits at the heart of this model.
Who this supervision is for
This supervision may be a good fit for therapists who would like to deepen their use of Compassion Focused Therapy in their clinical work. Supervision is available online across the UK as well as in person in Banstead, Surrey.
Many therapists begin exploring Compassion Focused Therapy when they notice that traditional cognitive or behavioural approaches are not fully shifting deeper patterns of shame, self-criticism or low self worth. Clients may understand their thoughts logically, yet still feel trapped in these cycles. This is often the point at which CBT therapists begin integrating CFT into their work and seek a reflective supervision space to support that process. CFT can offer a powerful framework for working with these patterns, and supervision provides a supportive space to think together about how to bring compassion based approaches more fully into your work.
You may recognise yourself in some of the following:
• you already use Compassion Focused Therapy and would value a reflective supervision space to deepen your practice
• you are a CBT therapist who is beginning to integrate CFT into your work
• you work with clients who struggle with depression, low self esteem, perfectionism or a harsh inner critic
• you work with clients who experience high levels of shame or self criticism
• you support people who have experienced trauma or complex life experiences
• you would like to develop greater confidence in compassionate formulation
• you are looking for supervision that balances thoughtful clinical discussion with a compassionate and reflective way of working
My approach to supervision
My approach to supervision is grounded in the same principles that guide my therapy work: compassion, curiosity and collaboration.
Supervision is not only about discussing clinical work. It is also about supporting therapists to reflect on the emotional impact of the work they do, particularly when working with shame, depression, trauma or complex presentations. Creating a space where therapists feel able to think openly and honestly about their work can be deeply supportive and can help sustain compassionate practice over time.
Alongside case discussion, we may explore formulation, therapeutic process, and the ways compassion focused practices can support both therapist and client. I aim to offer supervision that is thoughtful, encouraging and gently challenging when needed, helping therapists continue to grow in confidence and skill.
My background
I am a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with specialist training in Compassion Focused Therapy. My clinical work often focuses on supporting people who experience high levels of shame, harsh self criticism and low self esteem, and compassion based approaches are central to how I work.
Alongside my private practice, I work within NHS Talking Therapies and am part of the Community Trauma Clinic, a specialist pathway supporting individuals who have experienced complex trauma. This includes people who have lived through experiences such as childhood abuse, exploitation, trafficking and displacement.
Within this role I also facilitate group supervision for therapists delivering Compassion Focused Therapy groups. These reflective spaces support clinicians to think together about formulation, develop confidence in compassion based practices, and explore some of the challenges that can arise when working with shame and self-criticism.
Compassion Focused Therapy often provides the central framework within my clinical work. Where helpful I also draw on CBT, trauma informed approaches and EMDR, using compassionate formulation and compassion based practices to support change.
I have also completed specialist training in Compassion Focused Therapy supervision with the Compassionate Mind Foundation. This programme focused on deepening and embodying compassionate supervision practices, drawing on Compassion Focused Therapy, attachment theory and the evolving evidence base for clinical supervision.
Areas of clinical interest
Therapists sometimes bring a wide range of presentations and clinical questions into supervision. Some of the areas I particularly enjoy supporting therapists with include:
• shame and harsh self criticism
• perfectionism and unrelenting standards
• depression and persistent low self esteem
• trauma and complex trauma presentations
• attachment related difficulties
• Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity (GSRD)
• neurodiversity affirming and adapted therapeutic approaches
• culturally responsive and culturally humble therapeutic practice
• integrating Compassion Focused Therapy within CBT
• supporting clients to develop compassionate inner resources
Practical details
Supervision is offered online and is available to therapists across the UK.
Sessions are typically held monthly or fortnightly, although the frequency can be flexible depending on your needs and stage of practice.
Supervision fee: £100 per 60 minute session.
Enquiries
If you are interested in Compassion Focused Therapy supervision for therapists, you are very welcome to get in touch to explore whether this might be a good fit for you and your practice.
Some therapists who enquire are already using Compassion Focused Therapy regularly in their work, while others are beginning to integrate CFT and would value supervision to support that process.
If it would be helpful, we can arrange a brief introductory conversation to see whether the supervision space feels like a good fit for you and the work you are doing.
There is no expectation to commit straight away. The conversation is simply an opportunity to think together about what you might be looking for in supervision.
You can contact me via the contact page or by email at chenelle@compassionatetherapypractice.com and I will be happy to arrange this.