posted 17th January 2026
Compassion Focused Therapy: A Trauma-Informed Path Out of Shame and Self-Criticism
Healing From the Inside Out with CFT in Manchester & Online Across the UK
For many of the clients we work with at Taproot Psychology, the most painful struggle isn't only what happened to them—it's what happens inside them afterwards. Persistent self-criticism, shame, and a harsh internal voice often linger long after traumatic experiences have ended.
This is one of the key reasons we've been drawn to Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and have integrated it into our trauma-focused work for many years. Whether you're seeking trauma therapy in Manchester or online therapy across the UK, CFT can offer a gentle, evidence-based path toward healing from shame and self-blame.
Why Compassion Focused Therapy?
CFT was specifically developed to help people who experience high levels of shame and self-criticism. These patterns are not signs of weakness or failure—they are understandable responses shaped by our brains, our histories, and our need to survive.
As psychologists, this model aligns closely with our values at Taproot. Rather than asking "What's wrong with you?", CFT asks What has happened to you, and how did your nervous system learn to cope?"
That shift alone can be deeply relieving for people who have spent years blaming themselves.
A Trauma-Informed Understanding of the Mind
One of the core ideas in Compassion Focused Therapy is that we all have three emotion regulation systems:
*The threat system – designed to keep us safe
The drive system – focused on achievement and doing
The soothing system* – linked to calm, connection, and safety
Trauma can leave the threat system stuck in overdrive. For many clients, especially those who have experienced complex childhood trauma, this can show up as constant vigilance, intense self-criticism, and a deep sense of shame.
CFT helps us gently strengthen the soothing system—not by dismissing threat, but by working with it compassionately.
Compassion Is Not "Love" or Being Soft
A common misconception we hear as practitioners is that compassion means love, niceness, or letting things go. In Compassion Focused Therapy, compassion is defined very differently.
Compassion is the courage to turn towards suffering, combined with the commitment to alleviate it. It includes strength, wisdom, boundaries, and clarity. For trauma survivors, this reframing is essential.
Compassion is not about excusing harm or forcing forgiveness. It is about creating safety internally—a foundation that allows you to process what happened without being consumed by shame or self-attack.
Compassionate Imagery in Trauma Work
One of the CFT practices we often integrate into trauma therapy in Manchester and online is compassionate imagery. This involves helping you develop an image or sense of a compassionate presence—one that embodies strength, warmth, and protection.
For clients with a history of trauma, this work is always carefully paced and collaborative. When done safely, compassionate imagery can help you:
- Feel less alone with traumatic memories
- Develop an internal sense of protection
- Respond to shame with understanding rather than attack
Over time, many clients notice a shift: the critical voice that once felt deeply embedded begins to soften. It doesn't disappear overnight, but it loses its power.
What Changes Over Time
One of the most consistent outcomes we see when integrating CFT into trauma therapy is a reduction in self-criticism. Clients often describe moving from "I hate myself for feeling this way" to "It makes sense that I feel this way, given what I've been through."
This shift is not just emotional—it has real impact. As self-criticism fades, clients often experience:
- Greater emotional regulation
- Increased capacity to process trauma safely
- Improved self-trust and self-respect
Compassion becomes a resource you can carry with you, not something that only exists in the therapy room.
A Gentle, Evidence-Based Way Forward
CFT is not about forcing positivity or bypassing pain. It is a structured, evidence-based approach that recognises how trauma shapes the mind and body—and offers a way to respond with care rather than blame.
For clients who have lived with shame for years, this can feel quietly revolutionary.
If you've ever felt that traditional approaches didn't fully address your inner critic, or that you understand your trauma but still feel stuck emotionally, Compassion Focused Therapy may offer a different path—one rooted in safety, understanding, and courage.
Compassion Focused Therapy in Manchester & Online Across the UK
At Taproot Psychology, we offer trauma-informed Compassion Focused Therapy both in person in Manchester and online throughout the UK. Our therapists integrate CFT with other evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, CBT, and CAT, to create therapy that feels safe, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you're struggling with shame, self-blame, or a harsh inner voice following trauma, Compassion Focused Therapy could help. Whether you're in Manchester or anywhere across the UK, our team is here to support you with warmth, respect, and expertise.
Contact ustoday to book a free consultation and learn more about how CFT and trauma therapy at Taproot Psychology could be right for you. You deserve compassion—especially from yourself.
