Sharing stories, building connections, and regaining control: a qualitative study of cognitive behavioural therapy for endometriosis and persistent pelvic pain

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Aim This qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences of participants with endometriosis undertaking a CBT intervention.Methods Fourteen women who completed an eight-week, online, group-based CBT intervention as part of a randomised controlled trial were included in the study. All participants had endometriosis and persistent pain for at least six months. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was used to explore meaning and areas of interest.Results Four themes were generated that described participants’ experiences, including 1) The need for psychological care across the endometriosis journey; 2) Psychologists are part of the “village” needed to manage endometriosis; 3) “Breaking the cycle” of symptoms and building self-awareness with CBT; and 4) Reframing and regaining “control” of endometriosis, and living well.Conclusions CBT was perceived as a needed, and valuable part of endometriosis treatment, and should be offered as part of multidisciplinary endometriosis care. CBT techniques offer an accessible and long-term option for managing endometriosis symptoms.