Using Compassionate Mind Training as a Resource in EMDR: A Case Study

Abstract

This case study examines the contribution of compassionate mind training (CMT) when used as a resource in the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of a 58-year-old man, who presented after a recent trauma with psychological distress and somatic symptoms-an inability to sign his name. Self-report questionnaires (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], Impact of Events Scale-R [IES-R], and Self-Compassion Scale [SCS]) were administered at pretherapy, midtherapy, posttherapy, and 9-month follow-up. EMDR with CMT facilitated recall of forgotten memories about his sister's traumatic death decades previously, with related emotions of shame and grief, creating insight into how these past events linked to his current signature-signing phobia. Eight sessions of therapy resulted in an elimination of the client's signature-signing phobia and a reduction in trauma-related symptoms, elevation in mood, and increase in self-compassion. Effects were maintained at 9-month follow-up. The "Discussion" section highlights the value of working collaboratively with clients to best meet their individual needs.

Does Compassion-Focused Therapy Training for Health Care Educators and Providers Increase Self-Compassion and Reduce Self-Persecution and Self-Criticism?

“…Individuals are taught to employ self-soothing actions, adaptive coping strategies, courage and acts of kindness. 24,33,34 Research within therapeutic practice demonstrates that developing compassion for oneself and others can be beneficial for individuals suffering with chronic mental health problems, 29,35 psychosis, 36,37,38 trauma, 27,[39][40][41] and eating disorders. 42 See Gilbert (2014) 3 for a comprehensive overview of the origins and nature of CFT.…”

Measuring relationships between self‐compassion, compassion fatigue, burnout and well‐being in student counsellors and student cognitive behavioural psychotherapists: a quantitative survey

“…A literature review by Raab () identified mindfulness, empathy and loving kindness as factors that cultivate self‐compassion. Developing a compassionate mind may thwart compassion fatigue (Figley, ,b; Gilbert, ) and help to reduce mental health problems (Gilbert & Procter, ; Judge, Cleghorn, McEwan & Gilbert, ), psychosis (Braehler et al., ; Laithwaite et al., ; Mayhew & Gilbert, ), symptoms of trauma (Ashworth, Gracey & Gilbert, ; Beaumont, Galpin & Jenkins, ; Beaumont & Hollins Martin, ; Bowyer, Wallis & Lee, ), eating disorders (Gale, Gilbert, Read & Goss, ) and personality disorders (Lucre & Corten, ).…”

Integrating compassion into EMDR for PTSD and CPTSD

“…Kenneddy (2014) describes a detailed protocol for integrating compassion-focused approaches into all eight phases of EMDR work, with the specific intention of increasing the effectiveness of EMDR with shame-prone clients. Beaumont & Hollins Martin (2013) describe the use of compassion in the context of resource installation. Our approach differs by focusing specifically on optimising trauma memory desensitization in EMDR using compassion focused approaches.…”

“…Compassion focused approaches within EMDR have been described previously in a case study where compassion was used as a resource in EMDR (Beaumont & Hollins Martin 2013), and in a model integrating compassion at multiple points within the 8-phase EMDR protocol (Kennedy, 2014). Our approach differs by focusing specifically on optimising trauma memory desensitization in EMDR using compassion focused approaches.…”