A Mixed-Methods Compassionate Mind Training Group Service Evaluation in Primary Care

Objectives: Many people who struggle with self-criticism experience high levels of shame, anxiety and psychological distress. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a therapeutic approach created to promote self-reassurance and promote psychological wellbeing, with compassionate mind training (CMT) being a core part of CFT. The following service evaluation explored the use of CMT as a group intervention for adults accessing a Primary Care Mental Health Service using a mixed methods approach.
Methods: Three cohorts of the group were run by psychology professionals, consisting of 10 weekly sessions. In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, outcome measures were evaluated for a final sample of 15 attendees.
Results: The forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale and Goal-Based Outcomes demonstrated a significant decrease in self-criticism and a significant increase in self-reassurance and goal achievement. All attendees reported high levels of satisfaction with the group, in a service developed feedback form. Qualitative feedback was collected and analysed using an inductive content analysis. Four main themes were identified: Connection and Shared Experience, Emotional Safety and Acceptance, Growth and Change, Usefulness and Impact. These reinforced the value of the intervention, particularly, its relational and reflective components.
Conclusions: The CMT group intervention showed promise in reducing self-criticism and enhancing self-reassurance, with clients also reporting personal growth and practical benefits. The qualitative findings suggest the intervention was experienced as emotionally supportive and impactful. Further research with longer follow up is needed to assess outcome longevity.