Preliminary Evaluation of a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Group for Female Acute Inpatients

Up to 65% of inpatients may exhibit trauma symptomology, and inpatient admissions in and of themselves may be experienced as traumatic. To date, evaluations of psychological interventions targeting trauma symptomology are limited, despite growing attention in practice being paid to the conduct of psychological therapy groups on inpatient wards. The present practice article describes the preliminary implementation and evaluation of a trauma-focused group for female psychiatric adult acute inpatients. The group protocol was developed using cognitive behavioral therapy and compassion-focused therapy principles, reflecting existing evidence and guidelines for trauma-focused therapy and adult psychiatric inpatient groups. The group recruited women admitted to a psychiatric unit who were self- or staff-identified as experiencing concerns with trauma-related symptomology. For the preliminary evaluation, data were gathered on attendance, retention rates and self-reported experiences of the group. Analyses included descriptive statistics and a qualitative content analysis. Twenty-four patients attended, with 11–29% of the total bed stay attending at least once. Retention was 89%. Qualitative themes indicated that learning psychological concepts and skills, connecting with staff and peers were appreciated and beneficial. The facilitators reflected that female psychiatric inpatients reported finding the group beneficial for providing a safe, constructive space to learn about the impact of trauma. Practical skills alongside group discussions were reportedly beneficial. Challenges included maintaining safety amongst challenging group dynamics and external disruptions from the ward environment. Future groups may benefit from slightly longer sessions, continued focus on practical trauma-focused coping skills, and attention paid to group dynamics.