What are best practices? More on the horizon
Therapeutic interventions that are
backed by research have one or
more of the following labels: "empirically supported intervention",
"best practice", or "evidence-based practice". If you
suspect that you have a mental illness or disorder, or if you have already received a diagnosis
from a mental health professional, you would probably benefit from researching the
most effective, proven interventions for that diagnosis.
One of the best consumer-friendly research resources for mental health consumers is the U.S. government's SAMHSA website.
Other therapeutic interventions appear to be effective, but are not yet supported by rigorous, lengthy research studies. Although hundreds of interventions used by professionals outside of Western culture have historically been effective for thousands of years, they have not yet been studied by Western medical researchers. Until they are put through rigorous studies by Western scientists, such practices will not be deemed legitimate by federal programs like SAMHSA. That does not mean, however, that the practices are not effective.
For instance, when Mindfulness Meditation - a set of restorative and calming meditative techniques - was first introduced to Western scientists, its validity was questioned because it originated from the Eastern part of the world and was practiced primarily by Buddhist monks. Now, mindfulness meditation is strongly supported by Western research and appears to be a very effective therapeutic intervention for children, adolescents and adults who suffer from PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.
Disclaimer
No part of the Healing Journey recovery website is to be used as a substitute for professional therapy. If you need professional support, please contact a qualified ministerial or mental health professional. Materials in this website may be printed or copied for personal use only. Readers are welcome to agree or disagree with any statements made in this website, and may benefit from sharing and discussing them with support persons.