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Objective: The narrative enhancement and cognitive therapy (NECT) intervention aims to reduce self-stigma among people with severe mental illness. Based on previous studies that showed the intervention's beneficial outcomes, we conducted an uncontrolled pilot study of NECT in the Netherlands to assess both feasibility in delivering NECT and outcomes of the intervention for self-stigma, hope, recovery, and self-concept clarity. Methods: Feasibility was assessed through uptake and implementation data that included an assessment of enhancing and impeding factors according to surveys with NECT facilitators, and interviews with participants. Outcomes of NECT were studied through scales that assess self-stigma, self-concept clarity, hope, personal recovery, and quality of life. Results: Forty-one participants from five treatment sites participated in the pilot study, among whom 78% were considered "exposed" (i.e., attended at least six sessions). The analysis of enhancing and impeding factors indicated that support from the organization, sense of ownership, expectations of outcomes, and content of the intervention were reported as important in the implementation process. Participants reported decreases in self-stigma and increases in hope during the intervention. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Assessments of feasibility provided valuable insights regarding ways to improve implementation of the intervention (such as increasing facilitators' sense of ownership of the intervention). Outcomes of NECT showed a decrease in self-stigma and improvement of hope among participants in this pilot study, supporting the previously found positive effects of the intervention. Impact and Implications: In this pilot study, NECT was found to be feasible and effective in reducing stigma and increasing hope among people with serious mental illness. The study highlights important factors related to feasibility including facilitators' and contextual factors. Results support the effectiveness of NECT. Accordingly, this pilot study gives important implications for policy makers, mental health clinicians, and peer workers in the Netherlands to further dissemination of NECT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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