A narrative review exploring the effectiveness of compassion focused therapy

Beaumont, EA; Hollins-Martin, CJ

Abstract

This narrative review summarises findings of research that has shown use of Compassion-
Focused Therapy (CFT) to improve psychological outcomes in clinical populations. This article reviews the
research studies that have utilised CFT to treat clients experiencing a variety of mental health issues. The
paper begins offering an overview of CFT theory and compassionate mind interventions. A literature search
was conducted which included book chapters and articles that discussed compassion focused therapy. Twelve
studies were identified which showed significant psychological improvements in clients with diagnosed trauma
symptoms, brain injury, eating disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, chronic
mental health problems and psychosis, both within groups and during one-to-one therapy. Within the context
of the reviewed studies, CFT has shown itself to be an effective therapeutic intervention when combined with
approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Citation

Beaumont, E., & Hollins-Martin, C. (2015). A narrative review exploring the effectiveness of compassion focused therapy. Review - British Psychological Society. Counselling Psychology Section, 30(1), 21-32

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Mar 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Apr 2, 2015
• Journal: Counselling Psychology Review
• Print ISSN: 0269-6975
• Publisher: The British Psychological Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 30
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 21-32