Integrating Emotionally Focused Therapy, Self-Compassion, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to Assist Shame-Prone Couples Who Have Experienced Trauma

Abstract

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) for couples in which one or both partners have a history of trauma and are shame prone presents unique challenges that can potentially impede the therapeutic process. Neff’s conceptualization of self-compassion and research has demonstrated the benefits of self-compassion for both oneself and interpersonally. Gilbert’s compassion-focused therapy (CFT; 2010) is an evidence-based, integrative approach that specifically works with trauma and chronic consequences of affect dysregulation and shame. This article reviews the empirical research on EFT, self-compassion, and CFT and includes a brief review of trauma and shame. This article also discusses various ways in which Neff’s conceptualization of self-compassion and Gilbert’s CFT can be integrated into EFT for the benefit of both the EFT therapist and couples taken over by trauma and shame.

The effect of the two‐chair dialogue intervention on self‐compassion ‐ adding an emotional evocative component to a basic Rogerian condition

“…Future studies would ideally also include a larger sample size. Another possible point of interest for future research could be to investigate if and how the role of self‐compassionate processes plays a part in resolving and alleviating destructive self‐criticism, e.g., through bringing up images of a caring other or a compassionate self (see, for instance, Bell et al, 2020; Karris & Caldwell, 2015).…”

“…Lastly, the present study did not include follow-up data. As some research shows that a longer time frame might be necessary for self-compassion to develop in individual therapy (Neff et al, 2007;Shahar et al, 2012) Karris & Caldwell, 2015).…”

Compassionate mind training for ex‐service personnel with PTSD and their partners

“…The authors suggested that incorporating elements of self-compassion into PTSD treatment may be worth further exploration, as a core feature of goldstandard PTSD treatments involve reducing avoidance behaviours (Allen & Leary, 2010;Foa et al, 2007;Thompson & Waltz, 2008). In addition, the integration of compassion skills training has been recommended to assist with common therapeutic process issues involving traumatized couples, for example, when such couples are susceptible to becoming stuck in negative interactions or becoming flooded by trauma symptoms or shame-based emotional states (Karris & Caldwell, 2015). Despite these benefits, traumatized individuals with high levels of self-criticism and shame can initially experience compassion as threatening and unfamiliar (Lawrence & Lee, 2014).…”

Introducing compassion focused psychosexual therapy

“…We have focused on an individual approach to therapy, however psychosexual problems are often a systemic difficulty; whether in the system of a couple, group, or where an individual compares themselves to a perceived norm in society. CFT has the potential and flexibility to be used in couples therapy (Karris & Caldwell, 2015), as well as theoretical underpinnings that allow for understanding shame and stigma in the context of social shaping. CFT has already been piloted in groups who face discrimination (whether due to sexual orientation or HIV diagnosis; Pepping, Lyons, McNair et al 2017;Skinta et al, 2015), and has the potential to offer a genuinely affirmative stance within psychosexual therapy.…”