Therapeutic Cards in a Model for Treating Anxiety Disorders and PTSD

Mooli Lahad, Moshe Farhi, Dmitry Leykin, and Nira Kaplansky

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The article Preliminary study of a new integrative approach in treating post-traumatic stress disorder: SEE FAR CBT was published in The Arts in Psychotherapy (for more about this publication, see below), No. 37, 2010, pp. 391–399.

The abstract’s mention of “cards” refers to metaphoric therapeutic cards, including OH Cards. More about this article (e.g. ordering information and article figure illustrations that include OH Cards) can be found online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2010.07.003.

Abstract

“SEE FAR CBT is a suggested new protocol for the treatment of anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using creative form treatment based on empowerment through fantastic reality. The model emphasizes the role of fantastic reality and the use of imaginal re-narration of the traumatic event with the use of cards as a means of externalization or distancing. The treatment protocol incorporates methods of somatic memory reduction as well as CBT elements. The main objective of this study was to introduce the model and test the therapeutic efficacy of this new integrative therapeutic approach by comparing it to a well-established treatment approach; eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Both EMDR and SEE FAR CBT were associated with effective alleviation of traumatic symptoms.

Adult PTSD patients, divided into EMDR (n = 12) and SEE FAR CBT (n = 9) groups, were assessed for traumatic symptoms at three time intervals (pre-treatment, post-treatment and 1-year follow-up). Both EMDR and SEE FAR CBT were associated with effective alleviation of traumatic symptoms, showing statistically significant decreases in their trauma symptoms over time but not differing in treatment efficacy during any of the assessment times. With some methodological limitations, results suggest further inquiry of the proposed model in clinical and experimental settings.”

Elsevier, 2010

The Arts in Psychotherapy

The Arts in Psychotherapy (an Elsevier publication) is “an international journal for professionals in the fields of mental health and education. The journal publishes peer-reviewed articles (including illustrations) by art, dance/movement, drama, music, and poetry psychotherapists, as well as psychiatrists, psychologists and creative arts therapists, that reflect the theory and practice of these disciplines.”

Related reading: Creative Supervision, a book by Mooli Lahad