Trauma Informed Guilt Reduction (TrIGR)

Principal Investigator: Christy Capone, PhD

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This study was a DoD-funded randomized clinical trial evaluating a treatment for trauma-related guilt and shame for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.  This project was conducted at two VA Medical Centers – in Providence, RI and San Diego VA. We compared trauma informed guilt reduction (TrIGR) to supportive care therapy (SCT) and found that Veterans who received TrIGR showed greater reductions in PTSD and depression than those who received SCT. Results of this trial have been published: https://doi.org/10.1002/da.23244

We also evaluated this same treatment for guilt stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted at Brown University, the San Diego VA , and the Boston VA.  Results from this study will be available soon.

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) and in vivo exposure for PTSD: A pilot study of feasibility and acceptability 

Principal Investigator: Christy Capone, PhD

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This was a pilot study funded by the VA’s Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology (CfNN) to examine feasibility of combining SGB (an injection of an anesthetic medication at the base of the neck) with 5 sessions of individual psychotherapy with a focus on in vivo exposure exercises. SGB is an established procedure used for pain with a growing evidence base in reducing PTSD symptoms, particularly arousal symptoms. Findings from this study will be available soon.

Mindful Self-Compassion for combat deployed Veterans with Moral Injury and PTSD-SUD

Principal Investigator:  Erica Eaton, PhD

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We just finished up our pilot study of Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) with combat-deployed Veterans with Moral Injury and co-occurring PTSD-SUD. This Rehabilitation Research and Development (RR&D) funded study is designed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of MSC with this population. Further, the study is examining preliminary evidence of the effects of MSC, particularly changes in self-compassion, post-traumatic guilt, shame, and PTSD and SUD symptom severity.