An Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Experiences of Compassion-Focused Therapy in an Inpatient Mother and Baby Unit

Growing evidence supports the value of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) groups in specialist perinatal mental health community services. However, little is known about their effectiveness in acute inpatient Mother and Baby Units (MBUs), specialist wards for women with severe mental health difficulties and their babies, where stays are short and presentations complex. To our knowledge, this service evaluation is the first to examine a brief, transdiagnostic CFT group for mothers admitted to an MBU. A mixed-methods design assessed a five-session CFT group (two hours per session, workbook-supported) delivered in an 8-bed MBU. Quantitative data included the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) and Fears of Compassion Scale (FCS), collected pre- and post-group, alongside sessional ratings of calm and distress and group connection. Qualitative data comprised open-text feedback (n = 56) and semi-structured interviews (n = 6), analyzed using content and reflexive thematic analysis. Large, statistically significant pre-post improvements were observed across FCRS subscales (range: -0.66 to -0.81) and all FCS domains (range: -0.55 to -0.68). Sessional data showed significant changes in calmness and connectedness. On average, mothers attended three of the five sessions. The following qualitative themes were identified: feelings and understandings upon arrival at the MBU, experiencing containment, gaining insight and practical tools, obstacles to engaging with the group, and CFT beyond the MBU. Findings suggest that a brief CFT group is feasible and clinically promising for mothers in an acute MBU, targeting shame reduction, increased safeness, and fears of compassion. Implementation should prioritize facilitator skill, sensory and soothing environments, and inclusive group processes.