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A multi‐method evaluation of a compassion‐focused cognitive behavioural psychotherapy group for people who self‐harm
Author(s) -
Rayner Gillian Clare,
Bowling Gosia,
Bluff Lisa,
Wright Karen,
AshworthLord Anneliese,
Laird Catriona
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
counselling and psychotherapy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.38
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 1746-1405
pISSN - 1473-3145
DOI - 10.1002/capr.12516
Subject(s) - psychology , clinical psychology , self compassion , anger , mindfulness , cognition , psychotherapist , feeling , distress , sadness , anxiety , social psychology , psychiatry
Objective This paper describes the content and multi‐method evaluation of a compassion‐focused cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) group for people who self‐harm/injure. Method Quantitative questionnaires and a qualitative focus group were used for the three participants. Reflective diary contents were analysed. Results Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the questionnaires. These demonstrated positive reductions in the GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 scores but no significant change in self‐compassion scores. The Cognitions of Self‐Injurious Behaviour Scale demonstrated some positive belief changes. Participants reported improved self‐awareness, alternative coping and improved emotional regulation. All participants reported anger, anxiety and sadness in their diaries; one reported self‐hatred, and another reported feeling dead and numb. Distraction was considered a useful strategy to avoid or delay self‐harm. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used and identified six superordinate themes: ‘The secret's out! Openness & Honesty’, ‘Care without fear: calm acceptance’, ‘Skills not Spills’, ‘We're all in it together', ‘Compassion, not competition nor comparison’ and ‘Fear of flying solo’. Conclusion Despite the small number of participants, the combination of compassion‐focused therapy and CBT appears to hold future promise for further research on effectiveness.