Readiness and Progress in Emotion Regulation Therapy
This trial will test if six modules of Emotion Regulation Therapy delivered by telehealth help adults in New York State with high worry, rumination, or self-criticism feel less anxious or depressed and function better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Teachers College, Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT07478393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This open trial delivers a time-variable, six-module Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) program via telehealth to adults living in New York State who report elevated worry, rumination, or self-criticism. Participants complete an online pre-screen, a structured clinical interview, and then attend 12–22 weekly telehealth sessions while completing 18–28 weekly questionnaires spanning before, during, and after treatment. The study tracks changes in ERT-specific mechanisms (attention regulation, metacognitive regulation, motivation/valued living) and their relationship to negative self-referential processing over time, and examines therapist–client concordance on skills and goals. It also aims to demonstrate the preliminary efficacy of this brief ERT format for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life and functioning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 who live in New York State, are fluent in English, report high worry/rumination/self-criticism, meet DSM-5 criteria for at least one current disorder, have internet/video access, are not currently in psychosocial treatment, and have stable psychotropic medication if used are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with active suicidal intent, substance dependence, schizophrenia, bipolar I, a primary borderline or narcissistic personality disorder, current enrollment as a Teachers College student, or those living outside New York State or without video-capable internet access are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer an accessible telehealth therapy that reduces worry, rumination, self-criticism, anxiety, and depression and improves daily functioning.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research on Emotion Regulation Therapy and related emotion-focused CBT approaches has shown positive results for reducing worry and rumination, but this specific six-module, time-variable telehealth format is preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 18 and 65 * Fluent in English (and therefore able to provide consent) * Currently living in New York State * Access to at least one device with internet and video-conferencing capabilities * High self-reported worry, rumination, and/or self-criticism * Meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for at least one, current psychological disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Active suicidal ideation or intent * Substance dependence disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar-I disorder, or a primary DSM-5 diagnosis of borderline or narcissistic personality disorder * Currently in therapy or receiving any type of psychosocial treatment * Individuals taking psychotropic mediation that has not been stabilized for a period of at least 3 months * Current students at Teachers College, Columbia University
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Teachers College, Columbia University — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Douglas S Mennin — Professor of Clinical Psychology
- Study coordinator: Douglas S Mennin
- Email: mennin@tc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212.678.6609
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.