ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the origins of CFT as an evolution informed, biopsychosocial model that integrates four domains of functioning: motives, emotions, competencies, and behaviours. It outlines how the organisation of motives, with their associated emotion and cognitive competencies, are the source of different brain states. At any moment in time what we experience in consciousness is the result of the shifting patterns of brain states arising from the interactions of the four functions of mind. Compassion is viewed as a basic motivation of caring that is guided and directed intentionally with our complex human cognitive competencies. To stimulate compassion is also to stimulate body and brain states. When compassion is the focus within therapy, it sets the framework for all interventions, thus having major impacts for how interventions are performed, experienced, and are transformative.
