Moving Forward: A new internet-delivered program integrating life review therapy and self-compassion may lessen depression and anxiety in people facing life transitions

Life Review Therapy (LRT) is an evidence-based treatment for depression in the elderly. Some evidence suggests that LRT may be helpful for any individual going through a life transition as people tend to reminisce during such times. Preliminary findings also support the guided online delivery of LRT. The reflective nature of the therapy may however be challenging in the absence of clinical guidance. Self-compassionate writing may facilitate this reflective process. The present study examined the feasibility of a new Internet-delivered LRT based on self-compassion called Moving Forward for the management of life transitions among adults. Twenty participants were included in the analyses. The intervention is a 6-week program including psychoeducation and writing exercises related to reminiscence activities, life review therapy, self-compassion and best possible self. Most participants (71.4%) completed at least four of the six weeks of therapy. An attrition rate of 28.6% was obtained. Acceptability was high with 93.3% of the participants who reported that the program was worth their time. Mixed effect models analyses revealed significant and large pre-post treatment reductions in depression. Gains were maintained at a 3-month follow-up. Overall, the results support the feasibility of the Moving Forward program. A randomized controlled trial is needed to assess its efficacy.