Efficacy of Compassion Focused Therapy in Group for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (GCFT-PTSD)

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a 8-week program of Compassion Focused Therapy in Group comparing to Supportive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Group for patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

This study will be a randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups, with two models of treatment: Group 1 - Control Group - will receive CBT Supportive Group (CBT-SG) and Group 2 - Experimental Group - will receive Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT-G). Will be attended in total, the maximum of 80 patients, with 40 patients in each arm (CBT-SG versus CFT-G). Both groups will be formed by at least eight patients and a maximum of twelve patients who receive eight weekly sessions with an hour and a half each session, and the total duration of treatment will be eight weeks. The groups will be closed, that is, after the start will not be permitted to input any more participants. The experimental group (CFT-G) will be structured and the control group (CBT-SG) will be unstructured, and free format. All patients will be assessed through self-report scales, within three distinct phases: Assessment I - Initial (before therapy); Assessment II - Final (after therapy); Assessment III - Follow-up (after 3 months of therapy ending). All groups will be led by a principal therapist and co-therapist. All sessions will be recorded for later evaluation of the researcher responsible for the research.

This CBT-Supportive group will focus on the interaction here-and-now, realizing that the group acts as a secure place, driven by interactions among its participants and therapist and co-therapist. The main objective is to welcome and support the participation of all patients and stimulate the group's initiatives, encouraging interpersonal interactions and mutual aid. There will be no specific therapeutic intervention in relation to any PTSD related content.

This CFT-group will focus on activities using specific therapeutic strategies, to learn and training compassionate skills - psychoeducation and exercises developed for use in session and at home.They will learn What is compassion and shame? Steps to the training of compassion and how Building a compassionate image. Will use Thoughts Daily Record - self critical and self compassionate. Explanation of Formulation of Strategy Threats and Security, The Three Emotional regulation systems and PTSD formulation - based on shame and guilt. They will learn how to incorporate these skills to everyday situations. At the end, will write an Autobiography writing about this experience and share with the group.

Inclusion Criteria: Clinical Administered PTSD Scale 5 Monthly version Criteria A and >30 points Exclusion Criteria: Suicidal patients and/or severe automutilation behavior and/or psychotic symptoms and/or lack of event memory.