Forgiveness Facilitation for Psychological Trauma

(MC3 Trial)

This trial explores a new method to help veterans manage feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation through forgiveness and community connection. It targets veterans receiving VA mental health care for PTSD or substance use issues and involves up to 12 sessions with a VA chaplain. Veterans who feel moderately troubled by moral injury (distress from actions or events against personal beliefs) and plan to continue mental health treatment are well-suited for this trial. The goal is to determine if veterans will participate in and complete the intervention sessions, which involve collaboration between mental health clinicians and chaplains. As an unphased trial, this study offers veterans a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health care approaches.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must plan to continue with VA mental health treatment for PTSD or SUD.

Research has shown that collaboration between mental health professionals and chaplains is generally safe and well-received. Studies have explored how these experts can assist veterans experiencing guilt, shame, and isolation due to moral injury. For instance, one study found that a group session led by both a chaplain and a psychologist yielded positive results, indicating that participants responded well to the process.

Unlike traditional treatments for psychological trauma, which often involve medication or individual therapy, the unique approach of this treatment focuses on facilitating forgiveness and building community connections. This intervention is delivered by a collaboration between VA chaplains and mental health clinicians, providing a holistic blend of spiritual and psychological support. Researchers are excited because this method aims to heal trauma by addressing emotional and social dimensions, potentially offering a more comprehensive and sustainable path to recovery.

This trial will focus on an intervention where mental health professionals and chaplains collaborate to facilitate forgiveness and community connection for veterans. Research has shown that when mental health professionals and chaplains work together, they effectively address feelings like guilt, shame, and loneliness, often experienced by veterans. One study found that chaplains helped veterans by encouraging forgiveness and building community connections, which eased their spiritual distress. Evidence suggests that this teamwork improves veterans' emotional and psychological well-being. By addressing both mental health and spiritual needs, chaplains and mental health providers together support veterans' healing and recovery.¹²³⁶⁷