The Compassion Focused Caregiver Protocol: A Pilot Investigation

Abstract

The current paper reports on a pilot investigation of a novel Compassion Focused Therapy protocol for parents and caregivers of young people with mental health difficulties. Results suggest improvements in parental burnout, self-criticism, and self-reassurance as well as improvements in child mental health.

Theory and Interpersonal Processes in Compassion Focused Therapy

“…Some relationship skills that may be fostered in CFT (depending on a client's needs) include assertiveness, loosening or tightening interpersonal boundaries, relationship repair, modifying interpersonal vulnerability, emotion coaching and interpersonal attunement, ending relationships, and conversation skills [55]. Past research suggests that interpersonal skills can be trained and that interpersonal skill training is associated with prevention and health promotion [56].…”