Using shame resilience to decrease depressive symptoms in an adult intensive outpatient population

Purpose The author explores the results of a 12‐session therapy to address shame resilience as a mediator of empathy in the treatment of depression. Design and Methods Two instruments (the Beck Depression Inventory‐II and the Test of Self‐Conscious Awareness 3S) were used as pre‐, mid‐, and posttest measures given to a group (n = 20) in an intensive outpatient program receiving an intervention to increase shame resilience. Findings A statistical decline in depressive symptoms at both mid‐ and posttest was noted. Practice Implications Adding shame resilience therapy to traditional psychotherapy may be useful to improve patient adherence and alliance but further evidence is needed.