‘Being kinder to myself’: A prospective comparative study, exploring post-trauma therapy outcome measures, for two groups of clients, receiving either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Compassionate Mind Training

Abstract

Background/Aims/Objectives This prospective, comparative outcome study was designed to contrast the relative impact of differing therapeutic interventions for trauma victims, carried out by the same therapist. Methods/Methodology A non-random convenience sample (N=32) of participants, referred for therapy following a traumatic incident, were randomly assigned to receive up to 12 sessions of either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), or CBT coupled with Compassionate Mind Training (CMT). A repeated measures design was used and data was analysed using analysis of variance. Data was gathered pre-therapy and post-therapy, using three self-report questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; Impact of Events Scale; the Self-Compassion Scale). Results/Findings Results supported two of the three original hypotheses. Participants in both conditions experienced a highly statistically significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, avoidant behaviour, intrusive thoughts and hyper-arousal symptoms post-therapy. Participants in the combined CBT and CMT condition developed statistically significant higher self-compassion scores post-therapy than the CBT-only group [F(1,30)=4.657, p..05]. There was no significant difference between treatment groups. Discussion/Conclusions The results suggest that CMT may be a useful addition to CBT for clients suffering with trauma-related symptoms. In conclusion, high levels of self-compassion are linked to a decrease in anxiety and depression and trauma-related symptoms.