Photo of Katelyn Schwennen - Katelyn Schwennen, LCSW (Cactus Bloom Therapy), LCSW, EMDR-C, DBT-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Katelyn Schwennen, LCSW (Cactus Bloom Therapy)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR-C, DBT-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Twin Falls, ID 83301
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in treating toddlers through adults impacted by trauma, violence, anxiety, depression, parenting/relationship challenges, and experiences of marginalization and harm. I’m passionate about building upon the strengths already present in your life and your relationships. I dream of a world with equity, interconnectedness, joy and solidarity.
I specialize in treating toddlers through adults impacted by trauma, violence, anxiety, depression, parenting/relationship challenges, and experiences of marginalization and harm. I’m passionate about building upon the strengths already present in your life and your relationships. I dream of a world with equity, interconnectedness, joy and solidarity.
(208) 314-0198 View (208) 314-0198

Online Therapists

Photo of Elena Marchesan Lopez, MS, LCPC, NCC, CRC, Counselor
Elena Marchesan Lopez
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC, CRC
Verified Verified
Ketchum, ID 83340  (Online Only)
Elena is experienced working with individuals on the Autism spectrum, and has a passion for transition youth at risk. With strength-based interventions she hopes to empower her clients to their fullest potential; adding in play therapy, somatic approaches to foster an engaging and accepting therapeutic environment. With the four languages she speaks, she hopes to continue to bring access to counseling services to various communities in need by proving Telehealth to clients living in rural areas.
Elena is experienced working with individuals on the Autism spectrum, and has a passion for transition youth at risk. With strength-based interventions she hopes to empower her clients to their fullest potential; adding in play therapy, somatic approaches to foster an engaging and accepting therapeutic environment. With the four languages she speaks, she hopes to continue to bring access to counseling services to various communities in need by proving Telehealth to clients living in rural areas.
(208) 506-2520 View (208) 506-2520
Photo of Susan Cari Brown, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Cari Brown
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hailey, ID 83333
The core direction of my work is through connection and compassion, focusing on individualizing interventions and developing strategies for non-violent communication, achieving life balance and self-acceptance. My style is compassionate; my direction is fostering family closeness. Clients will collaborate in therapy to set goals and create their own treatment plan. I have experience with grief and loss, life changes, and I am also a compassionate support for those dealing with existential changes. One focus and emphasis of treatment is using mindfulness to process experiences.
The core direction of my work is through connection and compassion, focusing on individualizing interventions and developing strategies for non-violent communication, achieving life balance and self-acceptance. My style is compassionate; my direction is fostering family closeness. Clients will collaborate in therapy to set goals and create their own treatment plan. I have experience with grief and loss, life changes, and I am also a compassionate support for those dealing with existential changes. One focus and emphasis of treatment is using mindfulness to process experiences.
(208) 218-8332 View (208) 218-8332
Photo of Karen Bommentre, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen Bommentre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ketchum, ID 83340
Welcome. Starting therapy is a brave step and together we will help you uncover elusive core issues and assist in transforming blocks, leaving you free to thrive in the life you choose. I am deeply committed to helping people lead flourishing lives. My style is warm and collaborative, and I cultivate a safe space where you can be listened to and received without judgment.
Welcome. Starting therapy is a brave step and together we will help you uncover elusive core issues and assist in transforming blocks, leaving you free to thrive in the life you choose. I am deeply committed to helping people lead flourishing lives. My style is warm and collaborative, and I cultivate a safe space where you can be listened to and received without judgment.
(208) 285-3916 View (208) 285-3916
Compassion Focused Therapists

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.