Can talking about feelings ease Veterans' chronic pain? new study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07218757

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a type of talk therapy called Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) for veterans with chronic musculoskeletal pain. EAET helps people understand and express emotions linked to past stress or trauma, which may reduce pain. Researchers will train therapists at up to 7 VA hospitals and try EAET with 84 veterans, comparing it to standard cognitive behavioral therapy. The goal is to see if EAET works well in real-world clinics and helps veterans feel less pain and move better.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could provide a simple, effective talk therapy option for veterans with chronic pain, potentially reducing pain severity and improving daily life.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase pragmatic trial with only 84 participants, so results may not be conclusive. The therapy may not work as well in real-world settings as in controlled studies, and some veterans may not find it helpful.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Chronic Pain Musculoskeletal Pain musculoskeletal system disorder Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of California, Los Angeles

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••