100 Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) Questions (PDF Templates Bundle)

Asking the right questions in Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is vital for helping clients develop self-compassion, reduce shame and self-criticism, and navigate emotional challenges with kindness and understanding. CFT is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to alleviate suffering by fostering compassionate mindsets, addressing self-critical thoughts, and building emotional resilience through the three affect regulation systems: threat, drive, and soothing. To support this transformative work, we created the 100 CFT Therapy Questions + PDF Templates bundle—a clinical, research-informed resource designed to help therapists guide meaningful, compassion-centered conversations that promote healing and long-term emotional growth.

Example Questions in This Bundle

The CFT Questions + PDF Templates bundle includes 100 open-ended, clinically relevant prompts that encourage clients to explore self-compassion, challenge harsh self-judgments, and cultivate a kinder relationship with themselves. These questions foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and insight into how shame or self-criticism impacts daily life.

1. Which situations tend to trigger your threat system (anxiety, anger, shame)?
2. What does your drive system (achievement, seeking, striving) look like in your life?
3. When and how does your soothing system (calm, contentment) show up?
4. Which of the three systems feels dominant most of the time?
5. What happens in your body when your threat system is activated?
6. How do you typically respond when you feel threatened or criticized?
7. What drives you to push yourself, even when you’re tired or overwhelmed?
8. How do you recognize moments of safety and calm in your daily life?
9. What internal or external experiences help activate your soothing system?
10. Do you believe you deserve compassion when you’re suffering?

What’s Included in the Bundle?

This comprehensive toolkit is designed to streamline CFT sessions, support compassionate mind training, and track client progress. Whether you’re using CFT in its structured form or adapting it to your clinical practice, these templates promote a consistent, client-centered approach to fostering self-compassion and emotional resilience.

• 100 CFT Therapy Questions (PDF and Word formats)
• “Choose Your Questions + Client Responses” Worksheet (1 page, 10 questions)
• “Choose Your Questions + Client Responses” Worksheet (4 pages, 49 questions)
• “Choose Your Questions + Therapist Notes” Worksheet (1 page, 10 questions)
• “Choose Your Questions + Therapist Notes” Worksheet (5 pages, 50 questions)
• “After Session Reflection” Worksheet (1 page, 5 questions)

Why Add This CFT Bundle to Your Therapy Toolkit?

This CFT bundle provides a ready-made structure for guiding compassion-focused therapy that is organized, flexible, and client-centered. Whether you’re helping clients soothe their threat system, reduce self-critical patterns, or build a compassionate self-image, these tools support meaningful exploration in-session and encourage ongoing reflection between visits. All templates are editable, fillable, and printable—making them ideal for digital use, printed handouts, or hybrid formats. Empower your compassion-focused work with practical tools designed to foster healing and self-kindness—one question at a time.

References

• Gilbert, P. (2009). The Compassionate Mind. Constable & Robinson. (The foundational text outlining the evolutionary basis of the threat, drive, and soothing systems and how they influence emotional regulation).
• Gilbert, P. (2010). Compassion Focused Therapy: Distinctive Features. Routledge. (Providing a concise guide to the unique theoretical framework of CFT compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapies).
• Gilbert, P., & Simos, G. (Eds.). (2022). Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Applications. Routledge. (A landmark clinical guide offering evidence-based insights into applying CFT for depression, anxiety, and trauma).
• Irons, C., & Beaumont, E. (2017). The Compassionate Mind Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing Your Compassionate Self. Robinson. (A practical resource for therapists and clients that translates complex evolutionary theory into actionable exercises and prompts).
• Kolts, R. L. (2016). CFT Made Simple: A Clinician’s Guide to Practicing Compassion-Focused Therapy. New Harbinger Publications. (A practitioner-focused manual that simplifies the implementation of CFT techniques and the cultivation of compassionate mindsets).
• Petrocchi, N., Kirby, J., & Baldi, B. (2024). Essentials of Compassion Focused Therapy: A Practice Manual for Clinicians. Routledge. (The latest comprehensive manual for delivering the 12-module transdiagnostic program in individual and group settings).