The Art of Compassion

Compassion Based Therapy is an important treatment for many of the clients of Bethlem Royal Hospital’s Anxiety Disorder Clinic. It explores how, through gaining insight into the workings of our minds and cultivating compassion towards ourselves and others, we can gradually build up the strength and courage to face difficulties and move towards a life of meaning, connection and recovery.

Dr Anna Smith and Lisa Williams both work as Compassion Focused Therapists at the Anxiety Disorder Residential Unit (ADRU), Bethlem Royal Hospital treating clients suffering with anxiety disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and emetephobia.

Martin Wade, a current resident in the ADRU using Compassion Focussed Therapy, was medically discharged from the British Army in 2015 after 15 years of service following his diagnosis of complex PTSD after his return from Afghanistan. Encouraged to paint when receiving treatment in Germany, Martin has found that creating art has become a significant part of his recovery process.