An evaluation of compassion‐focused therapy groups for women accessing a specialist perinatal service in England

Abstract

BackgroundThe perinatal period is a potentially vulnerable time for new mothers and infants, and can trigger self‐criticism and feelings of shame or blame. Compassion‐focussed therapy (CFT) focusses on developing an alternative to shame and self‐criticism.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate a transdiagnostic CFT group for women accessing a specialist perinatal service.MethodQuantitative data were obtained from 114 people who engaged in the intervention. Participants completed a range of pre‐ and post‐group self‐report outcome measures that assessed self‐criticism and self‐compassion, mental health, parent–infant bonding and personalised goals.FindingsStatistically significant improvements were found on all measures, suggesting that attending the CFT group resulted in meaningful change.ConclusionsResults suggest that CFT groups are feasible and efficacious for women in the perinatal period across a range of clinical presentations. Limitations of this study are considered together with future directions for research into perinatal CFT.