As we step into 2025, many children and families are grappling with the usual challenges of starting a new school term.

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The start of the year often brings heightened expectations—both academically and socially—that can leave children feeling overwhelmed. At Foundations Child and Family Therapy, we’re committed to providing tools that help children and their families navigate these pressures with resilience and compassion. One such powerful tool is Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).

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What is Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)?

CFT is a psychological approach that emphasises the importance of cultivating self-compassion and compassion for others. Originally developed by Dr. Paul Gilbert, CFT draws on evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and Buddhist practices to address issues of shame, self-criticism, and emotional regulation. For children, these techniques can help build a foundation of emotional well-being, enabling them to face challenges with confidence and kindness.

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How Can CFT Help Children?

Children, like adults, can experience intense emotions such as anxiety, frustration, or sadness, especially when balancing school demands and home life. CFT provides strategies to:

Recognise and Regulate Emotions: Children learn to identify their emotions and respond to them with understanding rather than judgement.

Manage Self-Criticism: Many children internalise pressure to succeed, leading to self-critical thoughts. CFT helps them develop a kinder inner voice.

Build Resilience: By fostering a compassionate mindset, children become more equipped to handle setbacks and challenges.

Strengthen Relationships: CFT teaches empathy and compassion, which are essential for healthy relationships at home and school.

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Practical Tips for Parents Using CFT Principles

Here are a few ways parents can integrate CFT into their children’s daily lives:

Model Compassion: Show your child how to respond to mistakes or setbacks with kindness.

Create a “Safe Base”: Cultivate a home environment where children feel emotionally supported.

Teach Self-Soothing Techniques: Encourage activities such as mindful breathing or creating a “soothing toolkit” with items that help calm their emotions.

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A Partnership with Balanced Minds

Foundations Child and Family Therapy is proud to collaborate with Balanced Minds, a leading CFT organisation founded by Dr. Chris Irons and Dr. Charlie Heriot-Maitland. Both are internationally recognised experts in CFT and passionate advocates for its transformative power. Dr. Irons and Dr. Heriot-Maitland have dedicated their careers to making CFT accessible and effective for individuals of all ages, including children and families.

Their work emphasises the universality of human struggles and the importance of addressing these struggles with warmth and understanding. Together, we aim to bring evidence-based, compassionate interventions to families navigating the complexities of modern life.

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Learn More About CFT from the Experts

For those interested in diving deeper into CFT, we highly recommend exploring the insightful talks by Dr. Chris Irons and Dr. Charlie Heriot-Maitland available on YouTube. Their engaging discussions cover the foundations of CFT and practical applications for everyday life. Watch their talks here.

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A Compassionate Start to 2025

As we embark on this new year, let’s prioritise compassion—for ourselves, for our children, and for the challenges we face together. By integrating CFT into our lives, we can help our children build the emotional strength and empathy needed to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

For more information about our services and resources, feel free to contact Foundations Child and Family Therapy. Together, we can make this year one of growth and compassion for the whole family.