Self-Compassion therapy shows promise for easing shame in complex PTSD

NCT ID NCT05791760

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Twente Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested compassion-focused therapy (CFT) in 24 women with complex PTSD who struggle with harsh self-criticism. Over 12 weekly group sessions, participants learned skills to be kinder to themselves. Researchers measured changes in self-criticism, PTSD symptoms, and shame before, during, and after therapy. The goal was to see if CFT can help break the cycle of self-blame common in complex PTSD.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: compassion-focused therapy (CFT)
What this could lead to: If this therapy works, it could offer a new way to reduce self-criticism and shame in women with complex PTSD, improving their emotional well-being.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The therapy requires time and effort, and not all may benefit.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Twente

Enschede, Overijssel, 7522NB, Netherlands

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