The Vermont research study: testing group EMDR and compassion-focused therapy for PTSD and moral injury in first responders and police officers
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN75942230 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN75942230 |
| ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT) | Nil known |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | Nil known |
| Protocol serial number | Ref:ID8250/DPF/Vermont/Northumbria |
| Sponsor | Northumbria University |
| Funder | Investigator initiated and funded |
- Submission date
- 15/10/2025
- Registration date
- 26/11/2025
- Last edited
- 25/11/2025
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Ongoing
- Condition category
- Mental and Behavioural Disorders
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
This study is being run by Northumbria University to explore better ways of treating psychological trauma. It focuses on two types of trauma: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which comes from experiencing traumatic events, and moral injury, which happens when someone feels they’ve acted against their values or beliefs. The study is testing an intensive treatment approach that delivers therapy over several full days, rather than spreading it out over weeks.
Who can participate?
The study is aimed at people who work in front-line roles such as healthcare, emergency services, or social care, and who may have experienced trauma or moral injury as part of their job.
What does the study involve?
Participants will take part in an eight-day treatment program. The first four days are in-person sessions, followed by three online sessions about a month later, and a final in-person session on day eight. The treatment includes group therapy and uses two main approaches: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and compassion-focused therapy, which combines EMDR with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires before, during, and after the treatment to help researchers understand how well the therapy works.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The treatment may help reduce symptoms of PTSD and moral injury and improve overall wellbeing. As with any psychological therapy, some people may find parts of the process emotionally challenging. The research team will be available to support participants throughout.
Where is the study run from?
The study is being run by Northumbria University (UK) in partnership with the Vermont Centre for Responder Wellness (USA) and the Trauma Response Network in Ireland.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2025 to November 2026
Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded
Who is the main contact?
Professor Derek Farrell, derek.farrell@northumbria.ac.uk
Contact information
Public, Scientific, Principal investigator
Room B106, Coach Lane Campus West, Northumbria University
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE7 7XA
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0002-9898-8031 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +44 7780686673 |
| derek.farrell@northumbria.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Interventional mixed methods non randomized |
| Secondary study design | Non randomised study |
| Participant information sheet | 48196 Vermont Project Participant Information Document DF124-09-24.pdf |
| Scientific title | The Vermont research trial protocol: a mixed-methods study of group EMDR integrated with compassion-focused therapy for PTSD, complex PTSD, and moral injury in first responders and law enforcement officers |
| Study acronym | Vermont Protocol |
| Study objectives | The primary aim of this study is to develop a solid understanding of effective treatment interventions that can be delivered in an intensive format using a combination of group EMDR and compassion-focused therapy. This 'proof of concept' study will guide a subsequent application for funding to conduct a larger randomised controlled trial (RCT). The Vermont Centre for Responder Wellness, based in Burlington, Vermont, USA, is conducting this clinical research project, offering trauma-informed care and evidence-based interventions to first responders across the state (Vermont Centre for Responder Wellness). This centre plays a vital role in supporting access to trauma services for emergency responders, who face an increased risk of PTSD and moral injury due to the nature of their work (Smith et al., 2020). This specialised treatment centre within the USA serves a significant population group. Research team members have had a practical, long-standing relationship with the Vermont Centre for Responder Wellness. Research Focus and Goals: The research aims to address psychological trauma and moral injury experienced by Law enforcement and First Responders (fire officers, paramedics, healthcare workers, and local authority care workers). The primary goal is to evaluate the impact of an early intervention psychological treatment using a combination of empirically supported psychological treatment – Group EMDR and Compassion-Focused Therapy for the treatment of PTSD/Complex PTSD/ Moral Injury Research Questions for this study: Research question 1. Is Intensive Group Treatment for PTSD and Moral Injury a relevant and effective treatment intervention for Frontline/ Emergency/Workers who experience psychological trauma in response to their occupational duties? Research question 2. Is Intensive Group Treatment for PTSD and moral Injury a safe and efficient treatment intervention for Frontline/ Emergency/Workers who experience psychological trauma in response to occupational duties, about trauma sequelae and co-morbid symptoms |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 24/01/2025, Northumbria University Health Sciences (15 Coach Lane, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7TR, United Kingdom; 44 (0)191 215 6367; ethicsonline@northumbria.ac.uk), ref: ID8250 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, and Moral Injury |
| Intervention | Participants will take part in an eight-day treatment program. The first four days are in-person sessions, followed by three online sessions about a month later, and a final in-person session on day eight. The treatment includes group therapy and uses two main approaches: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and compassion-focused therapy, which combines EMDR with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires before, during, and after the treatment to help researchers understand how well the therapy works. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Measured at Pre, Post, 1-month FU, 3-month FU, and 6-month FU |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
Measured per intervention only: |
| Completion date | 03/11/2026 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Population |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 16 |
| Total final enrolment | 16 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Aged 18 years or older 2. Currently employed as a front-line health, emergency, or social care worker 3. Exposure to psychological distress, trauma, and/or moral injury in the course of occupational duties 4. Evidence of psychological distress and/or moral injury with measurable impact on psychological well-being and functional capacity 5. A minimum score of 24 on the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R) indicates clinically significant post-traumatic symptomatology |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Individuals not currently in active service or employment. 2. Individuals currently receiving psychiatric or psychological treatment. 3. Individuals presenting with active suicidal ideation. Note: It is assumed that participants are either actively working or have been formally assessed and deemed fit for duty by their occupational health provider. |
| Date of first enrolment | 24/01/2025 |
| Date of final enrolment | 01/11/2025 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United States of America
Study participating centre
Colchester
VT 05446
United States of America
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | All data supporting the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request from the corresponding author, Professor Derek Farrell MBE (derek.farrell@northumbria.ac.uk). Data will be shared in accordance with applicable data protection regulations and institutional policies. |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Long version | 24/09/2025 | 25/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Participant information sheet | Plain English version | 24/09/2024 | 25/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Additional files
Editorial Notes
15/10/2025: Trial's existence confirmed by Northumbria University.
