Response: The New York Times “My Mother’s Psychotherapy–and Mine”
The New York Times published an article from Saïd Sayrafiezadadeh’s “Couch” series on Sunday titled “My Mother’s Psychotherapy—and Mine.” Sayrafiezadadeh said of his mother, “Her relationship with her treatment nearly killed her. How would I fare?” The author recalls that when he expressed feelings of hopelessness regarding the alleviation of the unhappy memories, the therapist’s solution was to “keep coming and talking about it.” This intentional development of a dependent relationship between client and therapist is not only ineffective as…
Elizabeth’s letter to the Washington Post
Elizabeth’s letter to the Washington Post Elizabeth’s response to the Washington Post’s article “At VA, exploring alternative therapies for chronic pain and other ailments” from October 16, front page, was published—take a look below! I laud the Department of Veterans Affairs for taking steps to make alternative therapies available and affordable for those suffering from physical and psychological traumas. As a health-care professional who uses eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and brainspotting to treat trauma patients, including veterans, it is…
The Effect of Exercise on Depression
The Effect of Exercise on Depression Exercise is a wonderful complement to therapy and life in general. Exercise releases endorphins, tones our bodies, releases tension and stress and boosts our immune systems. Research proves that exercise increases professional focus and productivity and reduces “sick days.” The Washington Post published an article last week that describes a recent study in mice that has shown “that exercise helped rid the body of kynurenine in, a stress-induced amino acid associated with mental illness.” Swimming &…
Depression is Not A Disease: It’s A Wake-Up Call
Depression is Not A Disease: It’s A Wake-Up Call James Gordon M.D. on the 7 Stages of Healing Depression without Antidepressants says: “A customized combination of complementary approaches like acupuncture, meditation and relaxation practices, sound nutrition, creative imagery, movement, and physical exercise are effective [for treating depression]. And the key factor…is a constant—the client must take an active role in the process.” Indeed, treating depression is a collaborative process between client and therapist. A therapist cannot simply “fix” depression through…
Potential Downsides of Mindfulness
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…
Loss of Sexuality with Antidepressants
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 most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. The article details the devastating impact PSSD can have on…
Understanding The Response to Trauma
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. The study involved individuals diagnosed with PTSD. When recalling everyday experiences, their brain activity showed a high…
Managing Polypharmacy: Are You Taking Too Many Medications?
Too Many Pills? A Look at Polypharmacy in the New York Times Did you catch the recent article in the New York Times (April 30, 2024) titled “You Might Be Taking Too Many Medications”? It raises an important issue – polypharmacy, the practice of taking five or more medications concurrently. While medications can be lifesavers, taking a complex regimen can have unintended consequences. The Times article likely discussed some of these downsides, including: Increased risk of side effects: With multiple medications, the…
Move Your Body, Boost Your Brain
Feeling forgetful? Battling a bad mood? You might be surprised to learn that the solution to these woes lies not in brain teasers or self-help books, but in your sneakers. A recent New York Times article, “Move It to Improve Memory, Mood and More,” highlights the powerful link between exercise and a sharper mind, sunnier disposition, and overall better well-being. The article delves into the science behind this connection. Regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, delivering essential…
Antidepressants – Potential Harms and Psychotic Side Effects
In the realm of holistic medicine, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants are often considered among the most harmful mass-prescribed drugs, frequently making the top five on many holistic doctors’ lists. However, the unique aspect that sets SSRIs apart from other medications lies in their potential to harm individuals who are not even taking the drugs. shooting and drugs = article ‘Decades of Evidence That SSRI Antidepressants Can Cause Mass Shootings’ from the ‘Mercola Take Control of Your Health‘ A…