Can writing about trauma in a virtual group help heal PTSD?

NCT ID NCT05553249

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

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether Written Exposure Therapy, a treatment where people write about their traumatic experiences, can work when delivered virtually in a group setting. The participants were 29 military and police personnel with PTSD. The goal was to see if this approach is acceptable and practical, and whether it reduces PTSD symptoms and improves quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Written Exposure Therapy (a behavioral intervention where participants write about their traumatic experiences)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a convenient, virtual group therapy option for PTSD that is easier to access than in-person sessions.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 29 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It focuses on feasibility, not yet on proving effectiveness.

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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.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Deer Lodge Centre

Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 0L3, Canada

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