1. ‘Being Kinder to Myself’ Elaine Beaumont, Lecturer University of Salford / Psychotherapist for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service ‘Being Kinder to Myself’ Elaine Beaumont, Lecturer University of Salford / Psychotherapist for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service Overview and Aim of the study Individuals that have been involved in a traumatic experience often feel significant levels of shame and/or guilt. Whilst CBT may be effective in reducing other symptoms of PTSD, these individuals may also benefit from using self-soothing techniques, such as developing empathy, loving kindness and compassion for themselves, in a non judgemental way (Gilbert, 2009; Neff, 2003). Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) suggests that if individuals can develop their minds to be self-soothing, nurturing, kind and loving they can alleviate self-criticism, guilt and shame (Lee, 2009). This study aims to explore differences in treatment outcome measures following a course of either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) following a traumatic incident or CBT coupled with using Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). This research aims to examine the role self-compassion can play in helping individuals who have been involved in a traumatic incident. Individuals that have been involved in a traumatic experience often feel significant levels of shame and/or guilt. Whilst CBT may be effective in reducing other symptoms of PTSD, these individuals may also benefit from using self-soothing techniques, such as developing empathy, loving kindness and compassion for themselves, in a non judgemental way (Gilbert, 2009; Neff, 2003). Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) suggests that if individuals can develop their minds to be self-soothing, nurturing, kind and loving they can alleviate self-criticism, guilt and shame (Lee, 2009). This study aims to explore differences in treatment outcome measures following a course of either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) following a traumatic incident or CBT coupled with using Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). This research aims to examine the role self-compassion can play in helping individuals who have been involved in a traumatic incident. Contact details Results and analysis Figure 1 reveals that participants in the combined CFT and CBT condition developed significant higher self-compassion scores post-therapy than the CBT only group. Participants in both conditions experienced a highly statistically significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, avoidant behaviour, intrusive thoughts and hyper- arousal symptoms post-therapy. Figure 2 reveals the mean level of improvement for both groups. Method Discussion and conclusions References The results suggest that CFT may be a useful addition to CBT for clients suffering with trauma-related symptoms. In conclusion, high levels of self-compassion are linked to a decrease in anxiety, depression and trauma-related symptoms. CFT can assist clients to learn to challenge their own ‘internal bully’ in a non-judgemental way, by their adopting the stance of ‘being kinder to myself’. A non-random convenience sample (n=32) referred for therapy following a traumatic incident were randomly assigned to receive up to twelve sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy or compassion focused therapy coupled with CBT. Data was gathered pre-therapy and post-therapy using three self-report questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale and the Self Compassion Scale) A non-random convenience sample (n=32) referred for therapy following a traumatic incident were randomly assigned to receive up to twelve sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy or compassion focused therapy coupled with CBT. Data was gathered pre-therapy and post-therapy using three self-report questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale and the Self Compassion Scale) Introduction Through combining CBT and CFT, individuals learn to challenge their own behaviour, thoughts and negative ‘self-talk’, by being more caring and sympathetic, rather than being critical and judgmental. This might be described in everyday, non-technical language, as encouraging the client to consider ‘being kinder to myself’, as an aid to therapeutic recovery, following a traumatic incident. Table 1 shows some of the treatment techniques used in both conditions. Gilbert, P. (2009). The Compassionate Mind. London: Constable. Lee, D.A. (2009). Compassion focused therapy to overcome shame and relentless self attack: In Sookman, D., & Leahy, R. (eds). Treatment Resistant Anxiety Disorders. New York: Routledge. Neff, K. (2003). Development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223-250 Gilbert, P. (2009). The Compassionate Mind. London: Constable. Lee, D.A. (2009). Compassion focused therapy to overcome shame and relentless self attack: In Sookman, D., & Leahy, R. (eds). Treatment Resistant Anxiety Disorders. New York: Routledge. Neff, K. (2003). Development and validation of a scale to measure self-compassion. Self and Identity, 2, 223-250 Elaine Beaumont. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Salford, Frederick Rd, Salford M6 6PU Email: E.A.Beaumont@salford.ac.ukE.A.Beaumont@salford.ac.uk Elaine Beaumont. School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Salford, Frederick Rd, Salford M6 6PU Email: E.A.Beaumont@salford.ac.ukE.A.Beaumont@salford.ac.uk Table 1:Some of the treatment techniques used in both conditions Cognitive Behavioural TherapyCompassion Focused Therapy Writing about the trauma, learning to take charge of the memory. Reliving work - exploring the worst memory and using coping strategies. Use of exposure therapy. For example, revisiting the scene of the trauma and/or imaginal exposure. Anxiety management training, use of relaxation and distraction techniques. Learning to observe and monitor physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive reactions using thought records/charts/cost benefit analysis. Cognitive restructuring to examine core beliefs, dysfunctional assumptions and negative automatic thoughts. Compassionate letter writing – focusing on being kind, supportive and nurturing to oneself. Developing sensitivity, sympathy, acceptance and insight into one’s own difficulties through self-reflection. Relaxation techniques. Mindfulness training. Learning to observe and monitor reactions in a kind and compassionate way. Learning to challenge the ‘bully within’. Examining positives, for example, focusing on specific individual qualities. Use of self-compassion journal. Use of imagery (building a compassionate image).