The CBT Myth: Why It Doesn’t Work — And How It Can Harm You
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is marketed as the scientific solution to mental health problems — quick, efficient, “evidence-based.” It’s the darling of insurance companies because it’s short-term and cheap. Therapists are trained to sell it as a cure-all. But strip away the glossy brochures and you’re left with a very different reality: the research is flimsy, the results […]
Combat Cocktail or Clear Thinking? How to Truly Heal Our Veterans
America’s veterans deserve the best care possible. They’ve endured the unthinkable in service to our country—and when they return home, they should be met with compassion, time, and therapies that work, not a haze of prescription drugs. Yet as The Wall Street Journal recently reported, the VA has leaned heavily on what’s been called the “combat cocktail”—the routine […]
The Deadly Link: Antidepressant Medications and Homicidal Ideation in Youth Violence
Mounting evidence reveals that the dangers of antidepressant medications, particularly among young people, go far beyond the risk of suicide. Psychotropic medications—including widely prescribed SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Prozac, Paxil, Luvox, Pristiq, and Zoloft—are increasingly being connected with violent and homicidal behaviors. While pharmaceutical companies and some mental health professionals continue to defend these medications, real-world […]
Psychedelic Therapy: A Dangerous Distraction from Real Healing
A Dangerous Distraction from Real Healing The latest Psychotherapy Networker edition reads like a love letter to psychedelic therapy — ketamine-assisted sessions, MDMA, and other mind-altering substances touted as breakthrough treatments. But beneath the glossy headlines is a troubling reality: these drugs are neither safe nor truly therapeutic, and they risk inflicting deep, lasting harm. Reports from […]
Why CBT Does Not Work: Understanding Its Limitations
Why CBT Does Not Work: Understanding Its Limitations. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is widely promoted as the leading method in psychotherapy, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that this approach does not work for most people. Examining the limitations of CBT can empower individuals to make better decisions about their mental health treatment. 1. CBT Overlooks […]
Lingering Shadows: The New York Times Explores Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction
Lingering Shadows: The New York Times Explores Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction, November 21, 2023 A recent feature in The New York Times, “After Antidepressants, a Loss of Sexuality,” has brought much-needed attention to a rarely discussed but deeply impactful side effect of antidepressant medications: Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD). However, as highlighted by journalist Azeen Ghorayshi, a subset of […]
EMDR and Brainspotting for Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can turn life upside down—impacting memory, mood, and even how you connect with others. While traditional therapies are essential, innovative approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting are offering new hope for those on the road to recovery. Here’s how these therapies can make a difference for TBI […]
Too Much of a Good Thing? Examining the Potential Downsides of Mindfulness
Too Much of a Good Thing? The Potential Downsides of Mindfulness | Trauma Therapist Insights Mindfulness—focusing on the present moment without judgment—has become a go-to tool for stress reduction, anxiety relief, and improved focus. However, as highlighted in a recent New York Times article, “Are We Being Too Mindful?” (published May 7, 2024), there’s a […]
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
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 […]
Phone Addiction Warning Signs and Treatment
Diagnosing Screen Addiction Our addiction to devices has had a profound impact on our social skills and ability to communicate with one another. In the past, people were more likely to interact with each other in person, whether it was on public transportation, in the workplace, or in social settings. But today, we’re so constantly […]