Evaluation of Self-Compassion Focused Group Treatment for Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use in Veterans with Posttraumatic Guilt: A Case Study. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eaton, Erica; Capone, Christy; Shea, M. Tracie; Cameron, Amy
• Is Part Of: International journal of group psychotherapy. Volume 70:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 481
• Page End: 508
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Group psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Group psychotherapy; Periodicals; 616.89152
• DOI: 10.1080/00207284.2020.1805617
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7284

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) following combat exposure affects a significant proportion of military veterans. Guilt and shame are common to PTSD-SUD, suggesting a possible role as a mechanism underlying both disorders. Cultivating self-compassion (SC) among veterans is a logical approach to treating guilt and shame. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) present scientific theories of SC in the veteran population with emphasis on PTSD, substance use, and guilt and shame; (b) present a case study that highlights how self-compassion-focused treatment (SCFT) can be utilized in a group format with veterans with PTSD-SUD and posttraumatic guilt; and (c) discuss implications of our findings for refining SCFT within a group intervention setting among this population and for future research.