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What Mechanisms Drive Positive Group Treatment Outcomes in Compassion-Focused Therapy for PTSD Patients According to Therapists? : A Qualitative Interview Study
Valk, L.S. van der (2025) What Mechanisms Drive Positive Group Treatment Outcomes in Compassion-Focused Therapy for PTSD Patients According to Therapists? : A Qualitative Interview Study.
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| Abstract: | Group Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a third-wave cognitive behavioural approach that aims to increase resilience and psychological flexibility, counteracting constructs such as guilt, shame, and self-criticism. For individuals with PTSD, these constructs are proven to be overdeveloped. Previous research has shown the effectiveness of group CFT in increasing psychological flexibility and resilience for individuals with a PTSD diagnose. Yet, limited research has been conducted on what working mechanisms drive positive group change in group-based CFT for individuals with PTSD, from a therapist perspective. This study aimed to discover what mechanisms of group-based CFT drive positive change for individuals with PTSD, according to therapists. This study followed a qualitative approach by conducting six semi-structured interviews with professionals who practice group CFT for individuals with PTSD, followed by a thematic analysis. The analysis identified five key themes according to the data given by the participants: (1) internalising compassion, (2) emotional openness and safety, (3) the group as a corrective relational space, (4) the therapist as compassionate co-regulator and educator, and (5) readiness for change and reflective engagement. This research showed that resistance may be seen as an integral component of therapeutic change, rather than an obstacle, highlighting its role in fostering transformation when sufficiently supported. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107187 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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