CFT for Perfectionism

• This group is suitable for students whose high expectations of themselves might be leading to distress, from self-criticism, shame or procrastination
• Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) is a model of psychotherapy based on the ideas that suffering and distress are universal human experiences, shaped both by both our evolutionary and personal histories, and that the best way to alleviate this distress is to pay attention and engage with it, rather than turning away or trying to bury it. Evidence shows that it is an effective form of therapy and that practising compassion is linked with positive wellbeing.
• The group introduces theory, resources and techniques from CFT, to help you notice your existing ways of thinking and behaving which might be contributing to distress. It provides a space for developing alternative ways which might be more helpful, so that you can achieve your goals with less distress. As well as looking at the ideas behind CFT, there will be a large experiential aspect to the group, with plenty of opportunity for discussion of how the theory relates to your own and others’ experiences
• This is a weekly ‘in person’ therapy group run over 8 consecutive weeks, for students at any stage of their education. Each session will last for 90 minutes and attendance is required at every session. The group will be facilitated by psychological therapists and based at Wellbeing and Student Support at Senate House
• Students interested in this group should discuss this in a brief consultationLink opens in a new window, or if appropriate with the person they are currently working with e.g. Psychological therapist, Wellbeing Advisor, mentor etc. They may then be offered a one-to-one pre-group session with a group facilitator to decide whether it is a suitable option.

Feedback from group members 2024-25

“It was overwhelmingly positive. I felt respected throughout and it has made a tangible positive impact in my daily life through the approaches and strategies discussed.”

“I had a great experience in group. It gave me what an individual session could not as I met people going through a similar situation.”

“I think the group has given me the first steps in redefining how I think about myself and what I want from life moving forward. It has highlighted to me that often action, not avoidance, is what is soothing to me”

“It was a really great experience and has genuinely changed how harsh I am with myself”

“I was initially hesitant as it was a group setting, however the group made me feel less alone and it was comforting to feel seen and heard by everyone. In fact if it wasn’t a group and only 1 to 1, I doubt it would have been as effective”

“Even if you think you know a lot about yourself already, just go through with it. You’ll learn much more about yourself than you’ll realise. Don’t underestimate that, it’s the key to healing”