“Strengthening Myself Occurs by Caring for Myself”: Self-Perceptions and Experiences of Group Compassion-Based Therapy for Female Survivors of Intimate Partner and Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

BackgroundPTSD, depression and anxiety are common in survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate-partner violence (IPV). Since shame and self-criticism maintain these difficulties, compassion-based therapies may be effective, but have not yet been adapted for this population. This study sought to identify self-perceptions of women who had experienced IPV or GBV in familial relationships, to determine areas in which compassion-based interventions might be helpful for this population. Additionally, it evaluated participants’ opinions of a compassion-based therapy group regarding the usefulness of learned strategies and perceived barriers to cultivating self-compassion.MethodA 5-session compassion-based therapy group for IPV /GBV survivors was developed. Four groups were conducted with 18 Colombian women reporting past/current IPV/GBV. Session transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsSelf-criticism, low self-compassion and prioritizing others’ needs were common among participants. Participants valued various techniques they learned (e.g., soothing breathing, compassionate self-talk) as well as hearing other group participants’ experiences.ConclusionsGroup compassion-based therapy was acceptable for this population, even when gender violence is a sociocultural norm. Barriers to change and solutions are identified and discussed.