What is the feasibility of NET for people experiencing psychosis?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is the feasibility and potential impact of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for people experiencing psychosis?
IRAS ID
360115
Contact name
Thomas Schröder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 14 days
Research summary
Psychosis is a severe mental health condition affecting around 31 in every 100,000 people in England. People experiencing psychosis may hear voices or see things others do not (hallucinations) and hold beliefs that seem unusual to others (delusions). The condition can have a major impact on the individual, their caregivers, and society.
Research shows that many people with psychosis have experienced adverse childhood events, such as sexual abuse. Such trauma—events that threaten a person’s safety and security—can have lasting psychological effects and may increase the risk of developing psychosis. Avoiding distressing memories can lead to intrusive thoughts or images, which often worsen emotional distress.
Some researchers suggest that symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions, may be caused by trauma. When traumatic experiences remain unprocessed, they may emerge in distressing and confusing ways. Talking therapies, such as Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), aim to help individuals make sense of their trauma, improving well-being and reducing emotional pain.
NET involves working with a therapist to recount traumatic experiences in detail, integrating them into a coherent life story rather than avoiding them. While NET is effective for other mental health conditions, it has not been widely used with people experiencing psychosis.
This study will explore whether NET can be a feasible and potentially impactful treatment for people with psychosis and examine their experiences of the therapy. Participants will be adults (18+) from Local Mental Health Team (LMHT) services within Nottinghamshire NHS Foundation Trust. Findings could help develop better support for those experiencing psychosis.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
25/SS/0106
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion