From acorns to oak trees: Evaluation of an introductory self-compassion group based on the compassionate mind workbook by Irons and Beaumont

This mixed method evaluation study explores the experience and effects of a Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) informed group, adapted from Irons and Beaumont’s Compassionate Mind Workbook (2017), augmented with the use of the workbook. Six clients from a community treatment team (CTT) in Northern England completed three outcome measures before and after the group. Quantitative change is reported using the Reliable Change Indicator (RCI) (Jacobson & Truax, 1991). Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with clients to explore their experience of the group and were analysed using thematic analysis approach. Results suggested that the group seemed effective in improving aspects of self-compassion, anxiety, and mood. Qualitative analysis found three themes of, increased knowledge, skills, and implications of skill use for reducing distress, importance of connections in a safe and comfortable environment, and hope for life after the group. The results tentatively support the use of the handbook to structure a CFT informed group. This paper would suggest the CFT informed group is a potentially useful intervention for pre-therapy stabilisation.