Recruiting

Learning self-compassion to reduce shame from mental illness

Plain-English translation of NCT05698589 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), a type of talk therapy designed to help people with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, autism, or borderline personality disorder. The therapy focuses on building self-compassion and reducing the shame and self-blame that often come with having a mental illness. Researchers want to see if this treatment works better than standard care alone or a psychoeducation program.

Many people with mental illness internalize negative attitudes about their condition, which can lead to shame, isolation, and difficulty following their treatment plan. This trial exists because reducing that shame and building self-compassion could help people recover better and stay connected to their care.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with a chronic mental health condition (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, borderline personality disorder) or autism spectrum disorder
you are currently receiving mental health treatment as an outpatient or in a day program
you experience moderate to high levels of shame or self-stigma related to your diagnosis
you are fluent in French (speak and read it well enough to participate)

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently in an acute crisis or emergency related to your mental health
you are currently in an active suicidal or homicidal crisis
you have an intellectual disability (IQ below 70)
you are currently enrolled in another therapy study or experimental drug trial
you are under court-ordered psychiatric care or legally deprived of freedom

What participation looks like

You would join one of three groups: a new compassion-focused therapy program, a psychoeducation program, or a treatment-as-usual group. If you're selected for one of the active programs, you'll attend group sessions where you'll learn techniques to reduce shame and build self-compassion. The researchers will measure how you feel about your diagnosis before, during, and after the program to see if the therapy helps.

Learning self-compassion to reduce shame from mental illness

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(7 sites)