Psychology has come a long way in understanding mental health and well-being.!
Over the years, the field has moved from focusing on behaviour, to emphasising mindset, and now increasingly recognises the importance of the body through somatic and embodiment practices. This shift reflects a deeper understanding of how interconnected our minds and bodies are. Let’s explore these approaches, their strengths, and where they fall short, particularly in the context of trauma.
The Behavioural Approach: A Focus on Actions
Behavioural psychology, championed by figures like B.F. Skinner and John Watson, emerged in the early 20th century. It’s based on the idea that all behaviour is learned from our environment, and thus, unwanted behaviours can be unlearned and replaced with more positive ones. This approach zeroes in on what we can see—observable actions—rather than what’s going on inside a person’s mind.
Successes and Shortcomings
Behavioural methods have been particularly useful in certain areas. For example, they’ve been effective in treating phobias. A well-known technique is systematic desensitisation, where someone gradually faces their fear in a controlled way, helping to reduce anxiety. This method has also shaped practices in education and parenting, where rewarding desired behaviours helps reinforce them.
But the behavioural approach has its flaws. By concentrating solely on behaviour, it often ignores the thoughts and emotions driving those actions. For example, while it might help someone manage anxiety, it may not address deeper issues like low self-esteem, which can cause problems to resurface later.
A classic case illustrating both the power and pitfalls of behavioural psychology is that of “Little Albert,” a young boy conditioned to fear white rats by John Watson. While the experiment showed how easily fears can be learned, it also raised ethical concerns and didn’t consider the lasting impact on the child.
The Cognitive Revolution: Shifting to Mindset
As the limitations of behavioural psychology became evident, the cognitive revolution took centre stage in the mid-20th century. Cognitive psychology, particularly how our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviours, shifted the focus to the mind under the leadership of individuals like Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), a blend of cognitive and behavioural techniques, has become a widely used and effective therapy.
Strengths and Criticisms
CBT has been highly effective for treating various psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It’s based on the idea that by identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, people can change how they feel and behave. For instance, someone with depression might learn to replace thoughts like “I’m worthless” with more balanced ones like “I have value even when I make mistakes.”
However, cognitive approaches have been criticised for putting too much emphasis on the mind while neglecting the body. The idea that “it’s all in your head” can sometimes downplay the importance of physical sensations and how our bodies contribute to our emotional experiences. Moreover, critics argue that cognitive methods can focus too much on managing symptoms, without addressing deeper, underlying issues.
Embodiment: The Body’s Role in Healing Trauma
Recently, there’s been a growing recognition of the body’s role in mental health, particularly in the context of trauma. Embodiment is the concept that our physical bodies are not mere shells for our thoughts and emotions, but rather integral to our sense of self and overall well-being. This viewpoint has gained popularity as we have come to recognize the profound impact of trauma on our physical selves, as encapsulated by the phrase “the body keeps the score”.
Trauma and the Body: A New Understanding
The idea that “the body keeps the score” was popularised by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. He argues that trauma isn’t just a psychological issue but is also stored in the body, leading to physical symptoms and a disconnection from bodily sensations. Traditional talk therapies may fall short for trauma survivors because they often don’t address these physical aspects. Somatic therapies, like yoga, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and body-oriented psychotherapy, are suggested to help people reconnect with their bodies and process trauma more fully.
Evidence and Criticism
The idea that trauma is stored in the body has both strong supporters and sceptics. There’s growing evidence that somatic therapies can be effective. For example, studies have shown that practices like yoga can reduce PTSD symptoms, and EMDR has been recognised as a helpful trauma treatment. Many people report that these therapies have provided relief in ways traditional talk therapy didn’t.
However, critics point out that the concept of trauma being stored in the body isn’t fully understood or scientifically proven. While the mind-body connection is undeniable, how exactly trauma affects the body is complex and not yet fully explained. Some researchers warn against overgeneralising these ideas and emphasise the need for more research to understand how and why somatic therapies work.
Finding a More Integrated Approach
The transition from behavioral psychology to cognitive methods, and now to embodiment, reflects a shift towards more comprehensive approaches in mental health care. Each of these methods provides valuable insights and tools, but also has its limitations. Behavioral psychology offered powerful techniques for changing behavior but often overlooked internal experiences. Cognitive psychology brought the mind into focus but sometimes ignored the body. The rise of embodiment emphasizes the need to address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
Finding a balance between cognitive strategies and embodied practices can be key to true well-being. We’re not just our thoughts or behaviours; we’re complex, embodied beings. Our mental health depends on understanding and caring for the full spectrum of our experience.
