The Effectiveness of CFT for Reducing Self-criticism in Patients with Complex PTSD: a Single-case Experimental Study

The group protocol includes 12 two-hour sessions. Each session begins and ends with a practical exercise (calming rhythmic breathing) and each session includes psychoeducation (conceptualization, self-compassion). At the end of the session, participants are asked to practice at home between sessions (1 hour per week). The protocol consisted of 3 parts; sessions 1-5 focused on compassion understanding, including psychoeducation on emotion regulation, self-compassion skills, and mindfulness skills. Sessions 6-8 focused on motivation to care, compassion from others, the compassionate self, and the relationship between the compassionate self and self-criticism. Sessions 9-12 focused on using compassion in daily life. The group has a maximum of nine participants and is given by three therapists. All therapists are pre-trained to apply the intervention.