Abstract
Shame and self-stigmatisation are common in adolescents with mental health problems, and can hinder their recovery. Compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) help people address challenging experiences and emotions with courage, wisdom, and care. However, no previous studies have examined whether CFT is helpful for adolescents with mental health problems. The present study aimed to describe lived experiences regarding group-based CFT based on the perspectives of a sample of adolescent girls who were recruited from a child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinic in Sweden. In-depth interviews were conducted with six girls, aged 15 to 17, using a reflective lifeworld research approach. The results showed that participating in group-based CFT means gaining the courage to see and accept oneself through meeting with peers who are experiencing similar difficulties. When sharing experiences in a group, new perspectives and an acknowledgement that mental and emotional struggle are normal arise, and a sense of inner peace and belonging emerges. Instead of hiding from society, it is possible to participate in everyday life, ask for help, and asserting oneself. CFT can provide a promising method for empowering young people with mental health problems, helping them feel connected with others, and fostering in them the strength to show their true personalities.
Highlights
IntroductionYoung people with mental health problems (i.e. diagnosable mental-health conditions) represent a vulnerable group with unique needs
Young people with mental health problems represent a vulnerable group with unique needs
Instead of becoming more independent, young people with mental health problems often become more dependent on their parents (Hasson-Ohayon et al, 2014)
Summary
Young people with mental health problems (i.e. diagnosable mental-health conditions) represent a vulnerable group with unique needs. Instead of becoming more independent, young people with mental health problems often become more dependent on their parents (Hasson-Ohayon et al, 2014) It is common for adolescents with mental health problems to internalise public stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination; that is, to self-stigmatise (Kaushik et al, 2016). A special focus in compassion-focussed therapy (CFT) is helping clients regard themselves in a caring and supportive manner, rather than criticising and blaming themselves (Gilbert, 2010, 2017). Whether this approach is helpful for adolescents with mental health problems requires further exploration
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