Exploring the impact of trauma and the role of compassion before and after a phase-orientated intervention for complex trauma

The second phase of the Trauma Programme under investigation in this study focuses on processing the memory of the trauma and/or its meaning.

Article Abstract

“This study aimed to explore the impact of trauma exposure in childhood on participants lives before and after having completed a phase-orientated intervention for complex trauma. The symptoms of complex trauma encompass three core features: re-experiencing of the traumatic event in the present, avoidance of traumatic reminders and a sense of current threat as well as three additional elements called disturbances in self-organisation (WHO, 2018). These disturbances include emotion regulation difficulties, negative self-concept and interpersonal difficulties (WHO, 2018). The second aim of this study was to explore the role of a compassion-based approach in responding to these trauma-related difficulties at pre and post intervention stages. Qualitative content analysis was used to develop themes that summarize key findings. 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted at pre and post intervention stages with 10 participants who were presenting with symptoms of complex trauma.

The pre-intervention data gave rise to 4 themes. These were 1) impact of trauma understood through comorbid diagnoses and suicidality 2) multifaceted trauma survival strategies 3) difficult relationship with self and 4) complexity of compassionate relating to trauma. The post-intervention data also gave rise to 5 themes which were 5) positive impact on psychological functioning 6) understanding and coping with trauma through compassion focused therapy (CFT) mechanisms 7) group process 8) phase-orientated approach required and 9) further work required.

The pre-intervention data indicated that trauma had a widespread negative impact on participant’s psychological functioning. The post-intervention data endorsed the trauma intervention as being helpful in alleviating the emotional distress associated with trauma. The combination and sequencing of both CFT and trauma-focused therapy was central to reported improvements in trauma symptoms.”

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Willis, N., Dowling, C., Deehan, T., & O’Reilly, G. (2023). Exploring the impact of trauma and the role of compassion before and after a phase-orientated intervention for complex trauma. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 7(1), 100308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100308