Feasibility of a brief psychotherapy for mothers with PTSD and their young children

Clinician-Assisted Video Feedback Exposure-Approach Therapy (CAVEAT): An Open-Trial of a Brief Psychotherapy for Traumatized Mothers and Their Young Children

Not applicable Interventional University of Lausanne Hospitals · NCT06552832

This study is testing a short therapy for mothers with PTSD from violence to see if it helps them and their young children build a better relationship.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages12 Months to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Lausanne Hospitals Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lausanne, Canton of Vaud)
Trial IDNCT06552832 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This open clinical trial aims to assess the feasibility of a brief manualized psychotherapy called Clinician-Assisted Videofeedback Exposure Approach Therapy (CAVEAT) for mothers suffering from PTSD related to interpersonal violence and their children aged 1-3 years. The study will involve up to 10 mother-child dyads over a period of two years, utilizing pre- and post-intervention measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. The approach is grounded in empirical research that highlights the negative impact of maternal trauma on child development and aims to improve maternal attributions and the mother-child relationship.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are French-speaking mothers with PTSD related to interpersonal violence and their biological children aged 1-3 years.

Not a fit: Patients with physical or mental handicaps that interfere with participation, active psychotic illness, or substance abuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the emotional and psychological well-being of both mothers and their young children, fostering healthier parent-child relationships.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar videofeedback approaches have shown significant improvements in maternal attributions, indicating potential for success in this novel intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* French-speaking, biological child living with mother

Exclusion Criteria:

* Physical and/or mental handicap that can interfere with participation in play and measures, active psychotic illness or substance abuse

Where this trial is running

Lausanne, Canton of Vaud

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.
Conditions Parent-Child RelationsPTSDDissociationBrief PsychotherapyVideofeedbackMentalizationInfant Mental HealthParenting
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.