Gulum, Kaan; (2025) What if we spoke to ourselves like we help others? Supporting helping professionals with self-compassion using virtual reality: A pilot randomised controlled trial targeting fears of compassion. Doctoral thesis (D.Clin.Psy), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Part 1: Conceptual introduction. Utilising a trauma-informed lens, this review outlines the systemic pressures and workplace threats faced by helping professionals in the United Kingdom, which can compromise their professional wellbeing (i.e., burnout, moral injury, and job dissatisfaction) and psychological wellbeing (i.e., experiences of stress and mental health difficulties). It examines how compassion has been defined and measured in the literature, its application within compassion-based interventions, particularly Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and the need to cultivate compassion across organisational systems. Finally, it explores the potential of Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) and other experiential methods to support individuals who experience fears, blocks and resistances to compassion. Part 2: Empirical paper. This pilot randomised controlled trial examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a brief CFT-based IVR intervention, combined with mirror self-talk, for helping professionals with high trait self-criticism. Seventy-two participants were randomly assigned to two conditions (with or without enhanced psychoeducation and soothing rhythm breathing). Both conditions showed a significant medium-large reduction in psychological distress and small to medium improvements in self-compassion and fears of compassion, suggesting comparable effectiveness. Mechanisms and moderators were explored. Findings support its potential scalability and warrant further investigation in a definitive trial. This formed part of a larger mixed-methods project, shared with two other Trainee Clinical Psychologists (Gosden, 2025; Mustafa, 2025). Part 3: Critical appraisal. This section presents a reflective critique of methodological, practical, and personal aspects of the research process, including recruitment challenges, design limitations, and measurement issues, as well as considerations for enhancing ecological validity and both cultural and systemic relevance in future studies.

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