Comparing Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy to Prolonged Exposure for PTSD
Official title: Clinical Effectiveness and Implementation of Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy Compared to Prolonged Exposure (TrIGR)
Run by Veterans Medical Research Foundation · NCT06296589 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new therapy for guilt can help veterans with PTSD just as well as a traditional therapy that focuses on exposure to traumatic memories.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 158 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Veterans Medical Research Foundation Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Little Rock, Arkansas and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | August 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06296589 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are U.S. veterans aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with PTSD and experience significant trauma-related guilt.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are currently at risk of suicidal behavior, have severe substance use disorders, or are receiving other trauma-focused treatments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR) Therapy compared to Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy in veterans suffering from PTSD and trauma-related guilt. The study will assess whether TrIGR, which consists of six sessions, is as effective as the more traditional PE, which consists of twelve sessions, in reducing PTSD symptoms, improving psychosocial functioning, and alleviating depression. Additionally, it will explore the potential superiority of TrIGR in addressing trauma-related guilt and shame. Participants will be U.S. veterans who meet specific diagnostic criteria and are not currently receiving other trauma-focused treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more efficient and targeted therapy option for veterans with PTSD and trauma-related guilt.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary research suggests that similar approaches targeting trauma-related guilt have shown promise, but this specific comparison of TrIGR to PE is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* U.S. Veterans age 18 or older who served in the military since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom; OEF/OIF)
* meets diagnostic criteria for PTSD;
* a score of 2 or higher ("true" to "extremely true") on feeling trauma-related guilt much or all of the time or scoring 3 or higher ("very true" or "extremely true") on at least one guilt cognition factor (hindsight bias/responsibility, wrongdoing, or lack of justification) on the Trauma Related Guilt Inventory
* not currently receiving trauma-focused treatment such as PE or CPT
* willingness to attend psychotherapy and assessment sessions
Exclusion Criteria:
* current risk of suicidal/homicidal behavior that requires immediate intervention
* current severe substance use disorder (in the past two months) based on DSM-5 criteria
* current unmanaged psychosis or mania
* life threatening or unstable medical illness
* inability to read
Where it's running
-
Little Rock Veterans Health Care System (LRVHCS)
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States Recruiting -
VA San Diego
San Diego, California, United States Recruiting -
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS)
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Recruiting -
William S. Middleton Memorial Hospital
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shannon Kehle-Forbes, PhD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Sonya Norman, PhD
- Email: snorman@ucsd.edu
- Phone: 858-518-8266
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Trauma-focused group therapy for adults with trauma symptoms in primary care
A group-based trauma therapy delivered in primary care to see if it helps adults with trauma-related symptoms more than usual care.
-
Preventive Narrative Exposure for PTSD After Cardiac Surgery in the ICU
In adults having cardiopulmonary bypass heart surgery, this trial tests whether an ICU-based narrative exposure intervention helps prevent posttraumatic stress symptoms compared with standard care.
-
MOCHA: Inpatient Mental Health Care for High-Risk Pregnancy
This study tests a collaborative mental health program for pregnant or recently postpartum patients hospitalized for medical problems to see if it can be delivered feasibly and acceptably.
-
Energy Resonance by Skin Stimulation to reduce stress after ICU hospitalization
This trial will try Energy Resonance by Skin Stimulation (ERCS), a noninvasive skin‑touch technique, to see if it lowers perceived stress in adults recovering in a post‑ICU rehabilitation unit.
-
SMART treatment for youth with complex trauma
This trial tests whether Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) helps kids aged 7–17 with developmental trauma more than usual therapy.
-
Adaptive Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Therapist Training
This project tests different sequences of training methods to find the best way to help VA therapists learn and stick to Cognitive Processing Therapy so Veterans with PTSD get higher-quality care.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.