"My comment was related to individuals citing methods of practice they know little or nothing about,"

You don't half make a lot of wrong assumptions.

After thoroughly reading and re-reading Mr. Barry's guide, it pretty much sums up t o a novel, eclectic approach to exposure therapy. I do find his explanation of the limbic system 'watching' and 'searching' inaccurate, as this function of the nervous system response are not likely to be involved in these types of thought processes, but are more involved in long term memory, pleasure centers, arousal and, theoretically, fight/flight response through stimulation of the amygdala(debates abound). Exposure therapy is not new, it has been used for years, and he has a devised a system that works for him, through challenge/distraction modalities and the approach that there is nothing physically wrong. As most anxiety suffers know, the fear is irrational, no physical problems are likely to exist, no danger exists, exposure therapy challenges this fear, e.g., fight/flight(simplistic Mr. Barry view: caveman cooking mammoth steaks on the grill, sabre tooth tiger wanders into cave). The fear seems as real, but through desensitization/ distraction, you challenge, invite the fear response, until it is actually realized, no real danger exists. He even cites Claire Weekes work in exposure therapy. Being a technical writer(takes complicated data and makes it readily understandable to trainees/employees) in the mechanics of rotor aircraft, I would hardly think this gentleman is even remotely qualified to ask you to delineate quantitive research and breakthroughs in modern psychology and psychiatry for an untested, un-researched modality that happened to work for him, most likely gleaned from published works, internet articles or actual therapy he may have received(He does not expound upon this, probably for good reasons). To ask you discard proven publications from researched professionals in their field and adopt his practice is tantamount to practicing psychology without a license, and it is a good thing he keeps it free, because all kinds of potential legal issues arise here if he were to ask for 'donations'). It is warm, sometimes humorous, familial(he references his family, home life), but could countermand a therapy/medication program you may already have in place. We're all fairly intelligent and should know simply because a devised program works for one, does not work for others. I will concede the medical psychiatric and psychological community has it's flaws, but would wager any day of the week that more significant recoveries have happened through these networks of care than an unproven, untested theorem. But, if you choose to use this methodology and it works for you, so much the better. At one point he even suggests, because you are searching for an 'answer' when the question is better left unanswered, to give up using web based support or informational sites, a support network that helps many of you get through a tough spot, and propose you will have no more need for any publications. How can anyone uneducated in the field of psychiatry or psychological practice recommending a psychologically based method, make such a claim? That would be like me saying what works for me would most likely work for you. As I have reduced my anxiety level greatly through proven methods and no longer have need for medication, and am now in continuing education for a degree in biology sciences, it would be inexcusable for me to suggest a plan or model for therapy based on no education in that field of expertise. Not only could it be counterproductive, but detrimental. I care for and sympathize with all here on DS, and what you go through, I've been there, I know exactly what it's like, at times my progress was slow, but it will happen. CBT worked for me, and I am hopeful, with diligence and a set of motivated, goal oriented therapy, it will work for many of you. Truly from my heart, I wish you all success in your recovery.

Where did you qualify in psychology?

My original major was in psychology. I'm not a psychologist nor claim to be, but have studied it, and have many publications regarding this field. Biological Sciences seems to suit me better. I am familiar with many modalities of treatment, even have some publications on older Gestalt modalities.

i should correct by saying I have a limited education in that field of expertise, i did study psychology, but not to the point where it would make me anything near a n expert in that field of practice.

GoldtopSam;

I'm not even sure what your point is anymore.

My original post was to share an article as originally stated.

It now seems as if you are critiquing and judging. In addition also citing potential legalities i.e. "potential legal issues". Are you kidding? This is the internet. There are a gazillion articles on everything and it is up to the users discretion. Daily Strength in itself is up to the user's discretion. If you're going down that road, every single article or suggested posted on Daily Strength has "potential legal issues". Get real.

In my opinion, your comments are long winded. When reading, I feel like I'm in a university lecture listening to a professor who's trying to impress me by his use of the English language. Not an attack, just my opinion. Frankly, I'm even sure why the attack on an article written by a sufferer to help others. As far as educated people go, the United States is being run by "educated" people, and we all can see how well that's going.......(just a little humor)

This is Daily Strength. People trying help people, people looking for help and support from people. All at the discretion of the member. As you stated "intelligent people".

You, as I, are entitled your expression of comment, and once again, as I stated, I never claimed it was an attack, just an unproven methodology by an admittedly uneducated individual(in this field of science) offering an unproven modality of treatment, however 'long-winded' you perceive it to be. It is a comment, nothing more, to be taken with or without a grain of salt. I pose no solution, but a simple incredulous comment, which by right to acknowledgment of this publication, you offer. Simple, maybe long-winded, but an opinion we are all entitled to. Your reference to educated persons running the country and it's subsequent financial deficit is not relevant, This has happened many times throughout our country's history in terms of economics, that is a completely different field of study and does not pertain to this topic. This is not political. A sufferer attempting to lead others by by a singular positive experience might be construed as 'the blind leading the blind' without knowledge that it is a proven method of recovery other than for that individual. Thank you. I must cook steaks now. Have a wonderful evening, and a strong tomorrow.

I made an intelligent, informed comment, or would you prefer I just say,"What a crock of sh**", if it is easier to digest?

So it seem you are completely unqualified to make any comment.

Talk about a hypocracy

GoldtopSam;

"unproven methodology".....? Actually I would suggest it's proven by it's author.

My comment on educated people running this country was an analogy, so in my opinion it is relevant. And by the way, nothing was mentioned of government policies i.e. deficit, economics, or time frames. Those were your additions. My comment was broad based.

"A sufferer attempting to lead others".......? I don't think so. It's more of a sufferer attempting to share an experience that helped.

As far as saying " what a crock of sh**". You could have. On this site you have that option. Again, we are intelligent and could decipher. It may be how you actually feel? It would certainly saved a lot of time.

thanks,

p.s. i hope you didn't conflagrate your bovine. oops, I mean I hope you didn't burn your steaks.....(again, a little humor)

it is not proven other than by it's publisher relevant application unto himself, as he cites this as a personal experience. Like i stated, if this works for you, use it. My comment was not intended to mock. Only a intelligent, informed comment on the inability of an uneducated individual in this field of science to offer a an unfounded mode of therapy. I stress, as I have from the beginning, If it works for you, use it. Having been the sufferer of anxiety and panic, have tried everything from, medication to supplementation to meditation, but I do not propose to anyone that these are methods that will work for your particular element. We are all different, genetics, environment, etc. You are the one that brought educated individuals running government into play, not I. My wish is to see a recovery for all that I now experience, but do express concern over those not qualified to to teach it. Analogy is not fact to current events. By the very fact that you hold a disdain for the way i express myself despite our disagreements of subject is in itself a hipocrisy(hipocacy would be incorrect) to to the very right we hold to express ourselves in in a free, healthy mutual debate. I did not render myself to base, rhetoric concerning you personally, nor your qualification to make a comment despite your education level, but the subject matter itself. I would never out down any member of DS in such a manner. It my true wish that all have symptom free days, no matter how achieved, which is why I stated if you wish to use this method, do so, if you think it will help you, or if you find an empathetic correlation you relate to in this guide, despite the author's lack of knowledge in the area of psychological or psychiatric medicine. And despite your bovine reference to steak, yes, they came out fine for my guests and family.

Without unintended conflagration(yes, I am aware it pertains to burning by fire)Humorous.

Y'all are giving me a panic attack!!! LOL Just kidding :P

Lol, now that is humor. A lively debate, like a panic, i can't recall ever killing anyone or causing one physical harm. I have to go to bed now, I have work and classes this week. I've stated my piece and am looking forward to a restful sleep. Goodnight to all on DS and sleep well.

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