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EMDR and Brainspotting for Traumatic Brain Injury: Powerful Tools for HealingTraumatic brain injury (TBI) can have devastating effects on a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional wellbeing. While traditional therapies play an important role in TBI recovery, innovative approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting are showing great promise in addressing the complex needs of TBI patients. Here’s why these therapies can be particularly beneficial for those with traumatic brain injuries: Targeting Trauma at Its Source TBI often…

Too Much of a Good Thing? Examining the Potential Downsides of Mindfulness The New York Times’ recent article, “Are We Being Too Mindful?” (published May 7, 2024), dives into the growing conversation about the potential drawbacks of mindfulness practices. Mindfulness, the act of focusing our attention on the present moment without judgment, has become a popular tool for stress reduction, anxiety relief, and improved focus. However, research suggests that an excessive focus on mindfulness may lead to unintended consequences. The…

Based on November 21, 2023 New York Times Article “After Antidepressants, a Prolonged Loss of Sexuality.” Lingering Shadows: The New York Times Explores Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction A recent article in the New York Times titled “After Antidepressants, a Loss of Sexuality” brought a rarely discussed side effect of antidepressants to light: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). The piece, written by Azeen Ghorayshi, delves into the experiences of individuals struggling with long-term sexual problems after discontinuing Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), the…

Based on New York Times Article “Study Suggests Trauma Stays in the Present Tense.” Dec. 5, 2023 Why Trauma Feels So Raw: Study Suggests Traumatic Memories Live in the Present Have you ever wondered why traumatic events can feel so vivid and intrusive, even years later? A recent study published in the New York Times on December 5, 2023, sheds light on this phenomenon. Researchers at Yale University found that traumatic memories are processed differently in the brain compared to regular memories….

Dyslexia can be experienced as a trauma for many individuals, particularly when it goes undiagnosed or unsupported during childhood and adolescence. This trauma stems from several factors: Repeated failure and humiliation: Dyslexic individuals often struggle with reading, writing, and other academic tasks, leading to repeated experiences of failure in school settings. Being asked to read aloud in class or complete tasks they find extremely challenging can result in profound feelings of shame and humiliation. Misunderstanding and mislabeling: Without proper diagnosis,…

The New York Times article from July 16, 2024, titled “Can a Drastic Cut Heal a Familial Wound?” explores the growing trend of family estrangement as a therapeutic approach. This controversial topic has gained traction on social media platforms, with many Americans considering or implementing drastic measures to address familial issues.The article delves into the complex nature of family relationships and the reasons why some individuals choose to cut ties with their relatives. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of…

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is not simply about bringing up feelings, but rather aims to carefully process trauma through bodily sensations in a controlled manner. However, there are some valid criticisms and limitations of SE that are worth considering: Lack of robust scientific evidence: While some preliminary studies show promise, there is currently insufficient high-quality research to conclusively prove SE’s effectiveness. Risk of retraumatization: Simply bringing up traumatic feelings without proper processing can potentially retraumatize someone. Overemphasis on bodily sensations: SE’s…

This article argues that the current medical model of depression, which focuses on chemical imbalances and antidepressants, is flawed and ineffective. The author, Bruce Levine, proposes a new model that emphasizes the role of social and psychological factors in causing and treating depression. Depression: Psychiatry’s Discredited Theories and Drugs Versus a Sane Model and Approach Here are the key points of the article: The “chemical imbalance” theory of depression has been discredited by research. There is no evidence to support the…

Brainspotting for athletic performance Yes, brainspotting is a promising therapy for athletic performance. It can help athletes to: Reduce performance anxiety. Brainspotting can help athletes to identify and release the emotional trauma that is often at the root of performance anxiety. This can help them to feel more calm and confident in their abilities. Overcome performance blocks. Brainspotting can help athletes to identify and release the negative thoughts and beliefs that are holding them back from performing at their best….

  Talk therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), does not work for everyone. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that only about 50% of people who receive CBT experience significant improvement in their symptoms and improvement is not permanent due to a lack of change in the brain. There are a number of reasons why CBT may not be effective for people. For example, CBT requires the client to be…

If you’re living with depression, you may have heard of ketamine as a potential treatment option. But the most recent research suggests that while ketamine might provide some relief, it’s no more effective than an active placebo. In short, the evidence indicates that there are more effective alternatives for managing depression symptoms and improving overall wellbeing. If you’re affected by depression, it’s important to explore all of your options and find a solution that works best for you. In the…