A Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Counselors-in-Training: A Proof-of-Concept Study

This proof-of-concept study examined whether a brief self-compassion intervention was associated with changes in counselor development and well-being indicators. Using a delayed-treatment control design, 12 counselors-in-training in a CACREP-accredited counseling program were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a delayed-treatment group. Between-group analyses indicated that the intervention group showed greater improvements than controls in self-compassion, grit, impostor phenomenon, emotion regulation difficulties, and anxiety. Within-group analyses across participants showed significant pre–post improvements in self-compassion, belonging, grit, impostor phenomenon, loneliness, and emotion regulation. Findings provide preliminary evidence that brief, experiential self-compassion training may support counselor development and well-being.