OVERVIEW

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an integrative psychotherapy model that focuses on the cultivation and application of compassion for both self and others. CFT integrates cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques with evolutionary, developmental and social psychology, affective neuroscience and Buddhist psychology. The approach was developed by Professor Paul Gilbert (OBE) for clients with high levels of self-criticism and shame. It has a growing evidence base for a variety of clinical disorders and presentations, including body weight shame related presentations. 

Practising compassion has been shown to have powerful effects on physiological, psychological and social processes, specifically in the regulation of threat-focused emotional experiences and the development of a caring orientation to suffering.

This workshop will provide an overview of CFT and the applicability of CFT for clients who experience shame about their body weight, shape and size. It is important to note that this workshop is not designed for the treatment of clients who meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. However, the learning objectives may assist practitioners already working in this space. It will also highlight the importance of compassion for therapists, as human beings who also suffer and look at ways of taking care of yourself whilst working with your clients. There will be opportunities to engage in discussion, practice and guided meditation.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

• Understand the core theoretical components of CFT
• Understand how compassion focused interventions can support clients who experience shame in regard to their body weight.
• Understand fears, blocks, and resistances (FBRs) to compassion, as well as to health engaging behaviours related to body weight shame.
• Understand how to incorporate principles of body weight shame into compassion-focused interventions.
• Have an awareness and opportunity to practice relevant CFT interventions to utilise with clients experiencing body weight shame.
• Understand the evolutionary reasons we experience body weight shame so you can incorporate elements into your psychoeducation when working with clients struggling with their body weight, shape and size.
• Be able to apply the principles of CFT to your own well-being
• Recognise your own FBRs to compassion and self-care
• Recognise helpful vs unhelpful self-care/soothing behaviours
• Apply mindfulness and compassionate mind exercises in your everyday life
• Create an individualised self-care plan

YOUR TRAINERS

Dr Alicia Carter is a Health Psychologist working in academia and private practice in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia. Alicia is an expert in the field of Compassion Focused Therapy and Body Weight Shame, having completed her PhD examining the efficacy of Compassion Focused Therapy as a treatment for Body Weight Shame. Alicia continues to embody the science-practitioner model by contributing to research in the field of health psychology, specifically how compassion focused therapy can be used to assist individuals with nutritional, eating, body or health related concerns. As well as sports psychology, specifically exploring the implication of compassion focused for competitive mind states. Since 2023, Alicia has been the Chair of the Australasia Compassion Focused Therapy Supervision group.

Dr Hayley D Quinn is the founder and director of Welcome to Self®, an international speaker, trainer, author, and your go-to anti-burnout business coach. Hayley is a former clinical psychologist, counsellor, and supervisor with over two decades of experience. She is also the past-President of Compassionate Mind Australia. Hayley has extensive training in Compassion Focused Therapy and has trained professionals nationally and internationally. Drawing from her personal experience of burnout and recovery, Hayley blends clinical expertise with real-world business insights to empower helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners to transform how they work and live. She is passionate about supporting clinicians in cultivating compassion for themselves, building their capacity for caring, courage, and wisdom. Through her coaching, speaking, writing, training, and the popular Welcome to Self® podcast, Hayley promotes a new model of sustainable success, one where personal well-being is no longer sacrificed. Hayley believes if you thrive, your business/career will too!

WHO IS THIS SUITABLE FOR?

This 2-day event is relevant for psychologists, social workers, counsellors and other helping professionals who work therapeutically with clients who experience shame in regard to their body weight, shape or size. It will offer a brief introduction to CFT for those without any prior knowledge or training and extend awareness and application for those who are already experienced in CFT. If you have no prior training in CFT, we recommend you do some prior reading - suggested reading can be accessed via this link 

PRICING (includes GST)

$785 Super Early Bird until 30th June 2025

$805 Early Bird until 1st September 2025

$880 Standard price

*Payment plan available on request

STUDENTS 

 20% discount. For information on applying for discount or further information, please contact event organiser via the button below or email: hello@drhayleydquinn.com 

Price includes morning tea (Day 1 and 2), afternoon tea (Day 1 only), and lunch (Day 1 and 2). Please note meals will be vegetarian, with vegan and gluten free options on request. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Full refund less admin fee of $75 until 8th August 2025, 50% refund until 12th September 2025, after this date no further refunds will be processed, however tickets can be transferred to another person. The event organiser must be advised of any transfer of tickets. 

Date

Location

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Maroochy Surf Club
34-36 Alexandra Parade, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore Queensland 4558

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