Learning self-compassion to reduce shame from mental health conditions

This trial tests Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), a type of group counseling program designed to help people with conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, autism, or borderline personality disorder reduce the shame and stigma they feel about their diagnosis. The therapy teaches self-compassion skills and aims to help people feel better about themselves and be more willing to stick with their treatment and participate in daily life. Researchers will compare this new therapy program to standard care and to a different educational program to see which works best.

Many people with serious mental health conditions develop shame and negative feelings about themselves because of stigma — both from society and from their own internalized beliefs. This shame can make people avoid treatment, isolate themselves, and struggle more with their symptoms. This trial exists to test whether teaching self-compassion can directly reduce this shame and help people recover better.