“Sharing in people's pain is not an easy thing to do”: Cognitive Behavioural Therapists' understandings of compassion in the workplace

Objectives Compassion is central to the aim of improving patient care and staff well-being within healthcare systems. To inform service development, explorations experiences meanings compassion are needed. This study explored cognitive behavioural therapists' understandings their work environment. Design A qualitative was conducted using semistructured interviews interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Methods Data were obtained from five practicing therapists. Results Two superordinate themes developed, each with two subordinate themes. CBT therapists reported entering profession intrinsic motivation for others. They further developed an interest in exposure clients ongoing professional development compassion-focused therapy (CFT). Compassionate environments helped facilitate compassionate practice; however, many, workplaces perceived lack compassion. Challenges encountered when negative workplace interactions left feeling fatigued, distressed demoralised. There a desire recognition be seen as more than “work machine,” experience which threat retaining profession. Conclusions Current recruitment training processes producing skills deliver care. However, can barrier actioning these motivations. Research needs focus on how effectively implement run systems that both clients. provide care, need show them. These findings some insights into practical suggestions regarding this achieved.