Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes of Compassion-Focused Group Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of compassion-focused group therapy (CFT) for adults with depression and/or anxiety who continued to experience symptoms despite previous treatment. CFT aims to help individuals develop a more compassionate attitude toward themselves and reduce self-criticism and shame, which may contribute to psychological distress. The study was conducted at a specialized psychiatric outpatient clinic in Stockholm, Sweden, during 2023-2024. A total of 21 participants received an 11-week group treatment consisting of weekly group sessions and brief individual telephone consultations. The study examined whether participants were willing and able to complete the treatment and whether the treatment was acceptable and feasible in routine psychiatric care. Changes in self-compassion, depressive symptoms, difficulties in emotion regulation, social safeness, everyday functioning, and quality of life were assessed before treatment, immediately after treatment, and three months later. The findings were intended to inform the further development and evaluation of compassion-focused group therapy for patients with persistent depression and anxiety symptoms.