REFLECT: Group compassion-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for core beliefs in psychosis
REFLECT: A Novel Group-Based Compassion-Focussed Cognitive Behavioural Approach to Core Beliefs in Psychosis
This 6-week online group program will test whether compassion-focused CBT that targets core beliefs helps adults with schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 38 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Scarborough Village, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT07569471 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
REFLECT is an open-label, proof-of-concept pilot testing a 6-week, technology-supported remote group intervention focused on core beliefs thought to underlie psychotic symptoms. Participants join weekly online group sessions and complete between-session exercises using personal devices. Primary outcomes are feasibility and safety, with a key clinical outcome being change in maladaptive core beliefs; secondary outcomes include positive and negative symptoms, personal recovery, and cognitive biases. The trial is run through the University of Toronto Scarborough and uses self-reported diagnosis and symptom thresholds for eligibility.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with a self-reported schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis, current psychotic symptoms, engagement with outpatient care, and access to a smartphone/tablet/computer with internet are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without current delusions or psychotic symptoms, those not in outpatient care, those already receiving CBT for psychosis, or those without internet-capable devices are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce maladaptive core beliefs and lead to improvements in symptoms and personal recovery for people with psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: Traditional CBT for psychosis has shown modest benefits, but targeted compassion-focused, core-belief group interventions delivered remotely are relatively novel with limited prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Above the age of 18. 2. Diagnosis of SSD (i.e., Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform, Schizoaffective Disorder, or Delusional Disorder), confirmed based on self-report. 3. Have current symptoms related to psychosis (as determined by a score of 2 or higher on the SAPS). 4. Engaged in current outpatient treatment for psychosis (e.g., medication management by psychiatrist or general practitioner, case management, community mental health treatment, etc.). 5. Has or has access to personal technology (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or laptop/computer) with access to wifi or cellular data. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not capable of providing informed consent (see Consent Procedures). 2. Does not have an SSD diagnosis. 3. Does not experience current delusions. 4. Not currently involved in outpatient treatment. 5. Is currently receiving CBTp. 6. Does not own or have access to personal technology (e.g., smartphone, tablet, or laptop/computer) with access to wifi or cellular data.
Where this trial is running
Scarborough Village, Ontario
- University of Toronto Scarborough — Scarborough Village, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Micheal W Best, PhD — University of Toronto
- Study coordinator: Jessica D'Arcey, PhD Candidate
- Email: jessica.darcey@mail.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 647-689-6098
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.