A Pilot Study of a Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and Compassion Intervention

A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study of a Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness and Compassion Intervention

This mixed-methods pilot study aim to assess the changes in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), dissociative symptoms, self-critique, and self-compassion following participation in a 16-week trauma-sensitive mindfulness and compassion (TMC) intervention. Adverse experiences of participation are also explored explicitly.

Seventeen clients most female with severe childhood abuse and PTSD and CPTSD participated in the TMC intervention. A mixed-methods design was used. All clients completed questionnaires before (pre) and after (post) the intervention to gain information on symptom change, self-critique, and self-compassion. Second, a qualitative interview addressing clients' experiences of participation, including an explicit focus on adverse experiences, was conducted.

Inclusion Criteria:

• report traumatic experiences and trauma related symptoms
• be between 18 and 65 years of age
• give informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute suicidality
• serious psychotic symptoms
• substance abuse interfering with treatment
• crisis interfering with treatment
• violent behavior