Treatments Growing in Empirical Support Response
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Treatments Growing in Empirical Support
The two treatment approaches chosen for focus are Neurofeedback and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). These two methods were selected, as they both can be effective forms of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, they lead to better understanding and enhanced self-monitoring and self-control.
Two Key Aspects of Neurofeedback and of IFS
The wise King Solomon taught believers to, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget …
Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” (Proverbs 4:5-7 English Standard Bible, 2001). It was no accident that the words “wisdom” and “insight” were repeatedly emphasized in this passage, by this enlightened ruler of ancient Israel. Neurofeedback and IFS lead to possession of both wisdom and insight.
(1) According to Fragekakis and Toriello, (2014), neurofeedback modalities present the patient and the therapist with a visual depiction of structural changes, within the brain in real time. This is important to note, as clients are taught how to “gain control over the neurological reaction, physiological arousal, and emotional response associated with the condition … Advances in technology allow practitioners to view brain wave patterns and further explore the central nervous system” (Fragekakis & Toriello, 2014, p. 484). This gives clients greater insight into their emotional and bodily reactions, pertaining to PTSD. They likewise receive the wisdom or knowledge of how to control these neurological reactions, related to their condition. This happens through operant conditioning, as the fluctuation of alpha waves at their proper levels are electronically, positively reinforced. This can occur through audible tones, computer games, and even animations (Fragekakis & Toriello, 2014).
(2) IFS, too, provides clients with insight and wisdom. Schwartz (2013) highlights how IFS gives clients the wisdom to accept their unwelcome thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This is done through mindfulness that “can access a state of spacious well-being by beginning to notice … more turbulent thoughts and feelings rather than becoming swallowed up by them” (Schwartz, 2013, p. 806). This in turn leads to patients feeling less overwhelmed and more accepting of areas in which they are struggling. Clients are likewise given the insight of understanding the role of their internal managers (who act as protectors of their system), firefighters (who primarily act as soothers), exiles (who hold onto painful emotions from the past), and the self (the true core of the person, who acts as a compassionate and active leader). Once clients get in touch with their true selves, they will be less affected by the firefighters and exiles and be better able to self-navigate the daily stressors of life on their own.
Christian Worldview
King Solomon taught that “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls” (Proverbs 25:28 English Standard Bible, 2001). Therefore, both neurofeedback and IFS integrate with a Christian Worldview, as they both focus on enhancing one’s level of self-control. However, as neurofeedback is more systematic in nature, and less spiritual, IFS does so to a greater extent. This is because, as explained in last week’s lecture, managers, fighters, and exiles can be viewed as different aspects of one’s soul and the true self can be thought of as the Spirit, falling in line with the trichotomy described by the Apostle Paul (1 Thessalonians 5 English Standard Bible, 2001).
Intervention with Future Clients
Moving forward, Christian clients, experiencing the effects of trauma, will be instructed to monitor their trauma-related emotional reactions and work towards reducing them. Additionally, they will be taught that when the three aspects of their soul are running amok, they should defer to their Spirit’s leadership to a greater extent, as this will give them an inner distance from their pain (Sweezy, 2011). For instance, in cases of having acted wrongly, applying the principles of IFS will enable them to feel adaptive guilt, while avoiding debilitating shame. For Jesus’s reaction to the anointing of the sinful woman reminds Christians that one should not lay prey to shame, but instead turn to Christ, who is quick to forgive (Luke 7:36-50 English Standard Bible, 2001). This falls in line with empirically supported treatment interventions, as therapists should incorporate strategies for dealing with the shame from the trauma, when counseling clients experiencing PTSD (Jongsma, et al., 2021).
References
English Standard Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
Fragedakis, T. M., & Toriello, P. (2014). The Development and Experience of Combat-Related PTSD: A Demand for Neurofeedback as an Effective Form of Treatment. Journal of Counseling & Development, 92(4), 481–488. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1556-6676.2014.00174.x
Jongsma, A., Peterson, L., & Bruce, T. (2021). The complete adult psychotherapy treatment planner: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Schwartz, R. C. (2013). Moving from acceptance toward transformation with internal family systems therapy (IFS). Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(8), 805-816. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22016
Sweezy, M., PhD. (2011). The Teenager’s Confession: Regulating Shame in Internal Family Systems Therapy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 65(2), 179-88. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?u…
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