Compassion-focused therapy for reducing self-criticism in complex PTSD patients

Effectiveness of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) for Reducing Self-criticism in Female Patients with Complex PTSD: a Single-case Experimental Study

NA · University of Twente · NCT05791760

This study is testing whether compassion-focused therapy can help people with complex PTSD feel less self-critical and improve their emotional well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Twente (other)
Locations1 site (Enschede, Overijssel)
Trial IDNCT05791760 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) in reducing self-criticism among patients diagnosed with complex PTSD. It targets individuals who have experienced repeated traumatic events, particularly in interpersonal contexts, and suffer from severe self-criticism. Participants will engage in CFT and complete twice-weekly questionnaires over a 24-week period to assess changes in their self-criticism levels. The study aims to provide insights into how CFT can help improve emotional regulation and overall well-being in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with a diagnosis of complex PTSD and severe self-criticism.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age criteria or lack sufficient Dutch language proficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly reduce self-criticism and improve emotional well-being for patients with complex PTSD.

How similar studies have performed: While compassion-focused therapy is a recognized approach, this specific application for complex PTSD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The participant is between 18 and 65 years old.
* Diagnosis of cPTSD and severe problems with self criticism (as diagnosed by an experienced clinican).
* The participant gives consent to participate in the study using the online informed consent procedure.
* Sufficient Dutch language proficiency and average intelligence.
* The participant has an e-mail address and is in possession of a smartphone or tablet with access to the internet.
* The participant is willing to complete twice-weekly questionnaires for up to 24 weeks.

Exclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Enschede, Overijssel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, Shame, Compassion, Well-being

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.