Peer-led Trauma Recovery Program for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: York University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This project involves developing and piloting a peer-led intervention focused on posttraumatic stress symptoms for the family members and significant others of people with borderline personality disorder. The project involves collaborating with The Sashbear Foundation who will be delivering the trauma response program (TRP) that was developed by the investigative team to its network. In phase 1 of this project, the investigators will evaluate the first delivery of the TRP at The Sashbear Foundation and solicit feedback from peer-facilitators and recipients who consent to research participation. In phase 2 of this project, the investigators will evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and safety of the delivery of the next two to four TRPs delivered at The Sashbear Foundation consisting of up to approximately 10 group members (maximum number of TRP recipient research participants in phase 2 is 40).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for family members or significant others who have experienced trauma related to a loved one with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Participants must have completed the Family Connections program at Sashbear and not engaged in self-harm or shown elevated BPD symptoms within the last year.

Inclusion Criteria

I have completed the Family Connections program at Sashbear for BPD.

You have experienced a traumatic event related to a loved one with BPD or related issues that still affects you.

Exclusion Criteria

Engagement in suicidal or self-injurious behaviour in the past year

I have symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

Participant Groups

The study tests a peer-led Trauma Recovery Program developed for those affected by someone with BPD. It involves feedback collection, efficacy evaluation, and safety assessment of the program delivered through The Sashbear Foundation.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Trauma Recovery Program (official title TBD)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

The trauma recovery program (TRP) is a seven-session, peer-led, group program for family members/significant others of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation. It draws on principles of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD and cognitive behavioural conjoint therapy for PTSD to target PTSD symptoms in these individuals that are related to having a loved one with BPD or emotion dysregulation. As a peer-support model, it is not a psychotherapy. The TRP involves learning about common reactions to trauma and learning methods of challenging trauma-related beliefs that inhibit trauma recovery. Group members are asked to practice exercises outside of sessions that focus on challenging beliefs that fall into several key trauma-related themes.