Frontiers | Assessing the effects of group perinatal compassion focused therapy in a National Health Service Talking Therapies service in England

March 26, 2026 - 17:00

A pioneering program within England's National Health Service (NHS) Talking Therapies service is offering new hope for mothers experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties. The initiative utilizes Group Perinatal Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), a psychological approach designed to alleviate distress by cultivating self-compassion and reducing feelings of shame and self-criticism.

Perinatal mental health issues, which occur during pregnancy and the first year after birth, affect a significant number of individuals in the UK. The NHS Talking Therapies service, known for providing evidence-based psychological treatments, has integrated this specialized group therapy to address a critical gap in support. The CFT groups create a safe space for participants to explore their challenges, focusing on developing a kinder and more supportive relationship with themselves during a period of immense change and vulnerability.

Preliminary assessments of the program indicate positive effects on the well-being of attendees. By explicitly targeting the harsh inner critic that often accompanies perinatal anxiety and low mood, the therapy helps mothers build emotional resilience. The group format also fosters a powerful sense of shared experience and mutual support, reducing the isolation that can exacerbate mental health struggles.

This structured intervention represents a proactive step in expanding the toolkit available within standard NHS care pathways. The integration of compassion-focused therapy acknowledges the unique psychological needs of the perinatal period, aiming to provide effective, accessible support that promotes long-term mental health for both parent and child.