A novel eight-week program combining compassion and mindfulness has shown remarkable effectiveness in alleviating post-traumatic stress symptoms, according to a study conducted by researchers at Murdoch University School of Psychology.
The program, trialed in a group setting, demonstrated its potential to transform the lives of individuals suffering from clinical post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Led by Clinical Psychologist Dr. Auretta Kummar, the study was conducted as part of her Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Murdoch University.
The program, known as Compassion-oriented and Mindfulness-based Exposure Therapy (CoMET), was co-developed by Dr. Kummar and Murdoch University Adjunct Professor Helen Correia.
The therapy offers a supportive environment for participants over a set period, with impressive outcomes.
Dr. Hakuei Fujiyama, who supervised Dr. Kummar’s research, highlighted the significant improvements observed in participants. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were reduced from clinical to non-clinical levels.
Furthermore, there were noticeable enhancements in alpha-band connectivity in brain networks, including the amygdala, which is associated with processing fear.
The program’s effectiveness was not only observed in the reduction of symptoms but also in the way it changed brain activity related to stress and fear.
The researchers employed a comprehensive approach to measure these changes, using self-reported questionnaires and monitoring brain network connectivity at different stages of the intervention.
Participants were also engaged in mindfulness and self-compassion practices outside of the therapy sessions, which were tracked through weekly homework reflection sheets.
This aspect of the program underscores the importance of consistent practice in achieving therapeutic outcomes.
The findings of this transformative study were published in the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Journal. Dr. Kummar, now running her clinic, ASK Psychology in Fremantle, plans to implement this innovative therapy method in her practice.
With a focus on anxiety and trauma, Dr. Kummar aims to start group programs based on the CoMET approach, building on the success of her research.
This study signifies a crucial step forward in treating post-traumatic stress symptoms, offering hope and a new avenue of treatment for those affected by trauma.
The integration of compassion and mindfulness into exposure therapy could potentially reshape the landscape of psychological treatment for trauma-related conditions.
If you care about depression, please read studies about vegetarianism linked to higher risk of depression, and Vitamin D could help reduce depression symptoms.
For more information about nutrition, please read studies that ultra-processed foods may make you feel depressed, and Vitamin D could help reduce depression symptoms.
The research findings can be found in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
