Compassion Focused Psychiatrists in 19083

Photo of Karen Bendak, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karen Bendak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083  (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
(267) 297-3702 View (267) 297-3702
Photo of Laura Moyer, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Laura Moyer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Havertown, PA 19083  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Purdue University Global and I have been practicing for 5 years. My specialties include treatment of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders base upon evidenced-based practice. My mission is to treat individuals with compassion and empathy to assist each individual become the best version of themselves.
Hello! I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner based in Pennsylvania. I received my Masters from Purdue University Global and I have been practicing for 5 years. My specialties include treatment of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders base upon evidenced-based practice. My mission is to treat individuals with compassion and empathy to assist each individual become the best version of themselves.
(717) 482-6934 View (717) 482-6934
Compassion Focused Psychiatrists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.