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While Somatic Experiencing (SE) has gained popularity as a trauma treatment approach, there are several reasons why it isn’t effective for everyone dealing with trauma: Lack of Robust Scientific Evidence Despite some positive preliminary findings, the overall scientific support for SE remains limited. A Cochrane analysis of risk of bias indicates that the overall study quality is mixed. Many studies on SE have methodological limitations, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its effectiveness. Potential for Re-traumatization SE involves…

The Pope’s recent call to reject unhealthy individualism highlights a growing concern in our modern society – the rise of anxiety and alienation. This phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent, affecting people across various demographics and cultures. The Pope’s Message Pope Francis, in his address reported by The New York Times, emphasized the need to move away from excessive individualism that has taken root in many societies. His message underscores the importance of community, solidarity, and interconnectedness in combating the isolation…

Somatic experiencing (SE) is not effective or appropriate for patients with severe trauma and there is zero change in the brain. Here are a few reasons why it doesn’t work: Dissociation and Lack of Body Awareness Many patients with severe trauma experience dissociation, which involves a disconnection from one’s body, thoughts, and emotions. This can make it extremely challenging to engage in body-focused therapies like SE. For these individuals: Connecting with bodily sensations may feel frightening or overwhelming They may…

Healing Trauma and Strengthening Relationships with EMDR EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting have emerged as powerful therapeutic approaches for couples seeking to improve their relationships. These modalities, which focus on processing trauma and negative experiences, are particularly effective in addressing underlying issues that often contribute to relationship difficulties. All too often couples seek therapy when problems are entrenched and their relationship is suffering. I have been counseling couples for over 20 years and I have found that…

Marijuana Addiction and Dependency Contrary to popular belief that marijuana is non-addictive, healthcare professionals are observing alarming trends. In Maine, a pediatrician reports teenagers using cannabis nearly every hour of the day, indicating a high level of dependency. Cannabinoid Mental Health Issues Mental health professionals across the country are seeing an uptick in patients experiencing cannabis-induced symptoms such as delusions, paranoia, and other forms of psychosis. This challenges the perception of marijuana as a harmless substance. Physical Health Complications Emergency…

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…