Compassionate mind training for ex-service personnel with PTSD and their partners

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue for a substantial proportion of Australian ex-service personnel. In addition to the functional impact on individuals, PTSD can have a significant impact on intimate partner relationships. Research has demonstrated that practicing compassion and self-compassion may be an important component of psychological therapy for survivors of trauma, while also demonstrating benefits to intimate relationships. This pilot study aimed to investigate the utility of a Compassionate Mind Training intervention for ex-service personnel with PTSD and their partners. An uncontrolled, within-subjects, longitudinal design was utilized with assessment at pre-intervention, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. Twenty-four participants attended 12 biweekly group sessions. Self-report measures of compassion, quality of life and psychological symptoms were administered at each time point. Findings demonstrated a significant reduction in fears of compassion and PTSD symptoms for ex-service personnel at 3-month follow-up and a reduction in depressive symptoms and increase in quality-of-life and social safeness at post-intervention. Additionally, significant reductions in anxiety, stress, external shame and self-criticism at 3-month follow-up were found, and couples reported significant increases in relationship satisfaction. Findings from this pilot study demonstrate promising outcomes, warranting further investigation in a larger randomized controlled trial of Compassionate Mind Training for ex-service personnel and their partners.

Case series: the application of "third wave" cognitive behavioural therapies in difficult to treat asthma

OBJECTIVE

This paper provides for the first time cases of individual psychological therapy undertaken in tertiary, difficult to treat asthma services using "third wave" cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches.

METHODS

These cases were selected to represent common psychological presentations in difficult to treat asthma clinics, namely denial of severity and over-identification with asthma. Assessment, formulation, intervention and results are outlined.

RESULTS

Case 1 demonstrated change from severe to mild depression and anxiety, reduction in shame and improved well-being. Case 2 demonstrated improvements in well-being and psychological symptoms. Both interventions were experienced by the patients as highly satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that a psychological understanding of patients' presentations can open up new avenues for intervention. Further research into the potential utility of third wave cognitive therapies in difficult to treat asthma is warranted.