A Process-Based Iteration of Compassion-Focused Acceptance ​and Commitment Therapy ​

Sena Ummak

Co-Presenters: Rebecca Schusterman, Emily Mozgai

College: College of Health Professions and Human Services

Major: PSYD.SCHL/CLNL

Faculty Research Mentor: Marks, Donald  Kleiman, Keryn

Abstract:

Compassion-focused acceptance and commitment therapy (CFACT) blends aspects of compassion-focused therapy with acceptance and commitment therapy to address shame and self-criticism across a range of psychological difficulties. This study will build on research previously conducted at Kean Psychological Services (KPS) on the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of manualized CFACT protocol. Past CFACT research involved providing 16-19 weekly therapy sessions with predetermined topics for each session. Findings indicated CFACT is acceptable to both participants and clinicians and leads to reduced symptom distress and increased psychological flexibility and self-compassion. The current study aims to administer CFACT in a less manualized, more flexible manner than its previous applications. By focusing on the promotion of psychological processes underlying CFACT’s model of compassionate flexibility, rather than predetermined session topics, this study aims to balance clinician adherence to the CFACT model with an increased ability to tailor treatment to clients’ varying presentations.This study uses a mixed-methods and within-subjects design to evaluate the therapy, which will be delivered at KPS. Adult clients who receive treatment will complete routine self-report measures assessing symptom severity, self-compassion, guilt/shame, psychological flexibility, and functioning in valued life contexts during intake (pre-treatment), after two and a half months, and after five months. Analyses will assess changes in clients’ ratings across the three time points. Sessions will be videotaped and coded to assess clinician adherence to the CFACT model. At five months, clients will be interviewed to gain a richer account of their experience of the treatment.The study highlights the intention of balancing external and internal validity when researching psychological treatments. While still adhering to the principles of the therapeutic approach, clinicians will be able to individualize treatment by choosing to move between different processes of the ‘compassionate flexibility’ and prolong or shorten the time they spend cultivating any particular process based on individual client need. Findings will provide insight into the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of this more flexible, process-based, and client-centered approach to CFACT.Key Words: Self-Compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Process-Based Therapy, Shame, Self-Criticism