Abstract
AbstractBackgroundCompassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) aim to help people cultivate compassion for self and others. To date, there is little evidence exploring the effects CMT has on those engaged in or embarking on a career in the helping professions. Interventions that encourage self‐reflection and self‐practice may help practitioners cultivate self‐compassion, leading to the promotion of self‐care.AimTo explore the impact CMT has on students’ levels of self‐compassion and self‐criticism, and on their work as healthcare practitioners/counsellors/psychotherapists.MethodologyThis was a mixed‐methods study (N = 15). Pre‐ and post‐quantitative data were collected via three questionnaires: The Self‐Compassion Scale‐SF, the Forms of Self‐Criticising/Self‐Attacking and Self‐Reassuring Scale and the Functions of Self‐Criticising/Self‐Attacking Scale. Qualitative data were collected via diaries and a focus group to portray the impact training had on students.FindingsResults revealed a statistically significant increase in self‐compassion post‐training and a statistically significant increase in scores on the reassured self subscale. Statistically significant reductions in self‐correction scores and inadequate self scores were observed post‐training. There was no statistical significant difference post‐training on the hated self or self‐persecution subscales. Themes identified from the weekly diaries included the following: the benefits of compassion; when compassion arises; and difficulties and opportunities. Themes identified by the focus group data included the following: self‐reflection and self‐practice; finding balance; and critical self and compassionate self.ImplicationsIncorporating interventions into education programmes that help student’s foster compassion may help them cultivate a compassionate mindset and learn to be kinder to self.
Highlights
This paper reports on a study exploring the impact of compassionate mind training [Compassionate Mind Training (CMT)] on 15 qualified health professionals, counsellors, psychotherapists, a psychological well-being practitioner and a registered mental health practitioner, enrolled on a compassion- focused therapy [Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)] module
For the purpose of this paper, those undertaking the course are referred to as ‘students’, as CFT and CMT were new to all those enrolled on the module
The results showed that training was well received, staff found CMT helpful for dealing with emotional problems and there were significant increases in self-compassion and decreases in self-criticism post-training
Summary
This paper reports on a study exploring the impact of compassionate mind training [CMT] on 15 qualified health professionals, counsellors, psychotherapists, a psychological well-being practitioner and a registered mental health practitioner, enrolled on a compassion- focused therapy [CFT] module. CMT is an integral part of CFT and uses physiological, psychological, contemplative, imaginal and body- based practices These include attention and mindfulness training, soothing rhythm breathing, memory exercises and compassion- based imagery, all of which are used to help people cultivate compassion (Gilbert, 2009, 2010). These practices have been found to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (Kirby et al, 2017), increase levels of self-compassion and positive emotions, and reduce self-criticism, shame and psychological distress (Matos et al, 2017; McEwan & Gilbert, 2016). Implications: Incorporating interventions into education programmes that help student’s foster compassion may help them cultivate a compassionate mindset and learn to be kinder to self
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
