NEST: A Group Program to Help Parents with CPTSD
Official title: NEST - Nurturing Emotional Safety in Trauma-Affected Parenting: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study of a Trauma-Informed Parenting Intervention for Parents With ICD-11 Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Run by St.Gallen University of Applied Sciences · NCT07766265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing a nine-session, trauma-informed group program to see if it’s feasible and helpful for parents who have Complex PTSD.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | St.Gallen University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Windisch, Canton of Aargau and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 2027 |
| Study ends | October 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07766265 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with ICD-11 CPTSD who are caregivers of a child 0–18 years and are receiving ongoing psychotherapy, proficient in German, and able to consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without CPTSD, without regular psychotherapy, or with language barriers may not experience benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, single-arm pilot study to determine whether the NEST group therapy can be feasibly delivered and be acceptable to parents with ICD-11 CPTSD. The program focuses on parenting-related skills, emotion regulation, and boundaries without processing traumatic memories in the group. Participants complete online questionnaires before, after the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up, and attend nine weekly 90-minute sessions co-led by a sponsor team member and a licensed psychologist. The study is integrated with participants’ regular care at two clinical sites and uses a trauma-informed, parent-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, parents may experience improved trauma-related symptoms and better confidence and effectiveness in the parenting role.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests group-based, trauma-informed parenting supports can be acceptable and feasible, but this specific CPTSD-focused program is novel in its structure and setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of CPTSD according to ICD-11, confirmed by the treating psychotherapist or psychiatrist * Caregiver of at least one child aged 0-18 years (including biological, adoptive, step-, or foster parents and other primary caregivers) * Currently receiving individual psychotherapeutic treatment (outpatient or inpatient setting) * Age 18 years or older * Sufficient German language proficiency to participate in group sessions and complete study questionnaires * Ability to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current acute psychosis or severe psychiatric instability requiring immediate intensive treatment * Severe cognitive impairment or inability to participate adequately in group-based procedures * No current contact with the child * Insufficient German language proficiency
Where it's running
-
Psychiatrische Dienste Aargau (PDAG)
Windisch, Canton of Aargau, Switzerland Recruiting -
Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences (OST)
Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland Recruiting -
Integrierte Psychiatrie Winterthur (ipw)
Winterthur, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joelle Schenkel, MSc — Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
- Study coordinator: Joelle Albrecht, MSc
- Email: joelle.albrecht@ost.ch
- Phone: +41 58 257 32 99
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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.