Could we have the potential to “erase” the fear from a traumatic memory soon? Would this relieve PTSD, or cause more problems? Last month, Science Express published research done by Dr. Richard Huganir and colleagues at Johns Hopkins University suggesting we may be able to manipulate fear-based memories. Laboratory rats were conditioned to fear a [...]
Read MoreUnfortunately, bullying seems to have increased among teens aged 12-18, according to recent polls. What do you think is the best response toward bullying and cyberbullying behaviors? Support anti-bullying programs in schools? Or, teach people how not to feel like victims?
Read MoreEarlier this month, the United States Army posted an article on their website featuring Rapid Resolution Therapy as an alternative trauma therapy treatment for soldiers experiencing combat PTSD.
Read MoreShould there be a separate diagnostic category for complex PTSD related to childhood trauma in the DSM-V? Physicians and researchers such as Bessel van der Kolk, MD, Robert Pynoos, MD, and Marylene Cloitre , PhD think so. Over a year ago, these medical professionals formed a task force advocating that a diagnosis called Developmental Trauma [...]
Read MoreTeaching emotional regulation skills seems especially relevant for people who have suffered multiple traumas, as they never really learned how to naturally regulate emotions. Instead they may have used substances, self-injury, sex, shopping, or other compulsive behaviors to regulate distress. Even after we’ve cleared a trauma, they may still not have a good handle on how to cope with other stressors. A recent study by Cloitre and colleagues validates this.
Read MoreI am a big fan of neuroscientist and musician, Joseph LeDoux. His band, the Amygdaloids, just released a new album,called Theory of My Mind. Watch this music video of their song “Fearing.”
Read MoreCassie opened her eyes and tearfully smiled as she said, “I thought I was full of darkness. But now I realize you are right, I AM the Sunshine! My grandfather saw that in me. I am not those things my mom said about me. I am the Light and can chase old shadows away.” I teared up too as I watched her entire countenance change and she got up to give me a big hug.
Read MoreCassie opened her eyes and tearfully smiled as she said, “I thought I was full of darkness. But now I realize you are right, I AM the Sunshine! My grandfather saw that in me. I am not those things my mom said about me. I am the Light and can chase old shadows away.” I teared up too as I watched her entire countenance change and she got up to give me a big hug.
Read MoreDonna said she was delighted with her yellow canary. Not only was the process of breathing and imagining the canary keeping her claustrophobia at bay, but it also helped her stop smoking!
Read MoreLately, more clients have considered coming off their antidepressants since Irving Kirsch released a book this year entitled “The Emperor’s New Drugs.” In his book, Dr. Kirsch reveals mounds of data suggesting that antidepressants are really no more effective than placebo, and criticizes the FDA and pharmaceutical industry’s practice of skewing data to make a buck. And, boy, have they made some big bucks off antidepressants, to the tune of $9.6 billion in 2008.
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