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

ABSTRACT

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.