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Background: Eye‐movement protocols are considered empirical, evidence‐based treatments for mental disorders, and there is ample research around their efficacy. However, little research as to why these approaches are effective exists. In this study, an emerging approach, titled Tholáge neuropsychotherapy (called RELEASE at the time of the study), is explained and tested through an exploratory mixed method experiment. Aims: A new theory on the efficacy of eye‐movement treatments is also presented, exploring existing research and contending that specific emotions are associated with specific eye movements. If proven, it may be possible to use eye movements to access specific emotions, for therapeutic outcomes. Methods: In this experiment, there were 14 participants (n = 14) who experienced Tholáge as a treatment for depression. Two one‐way ANOVAs were conducted and found to be statistically significant and have a large effect size. Qualitative responses were shared from participants, and themes were highlighted. Results: The ANOVAs and qualitative responses demonstrated that Tholáge was effective with emotional regulation, and participants showed improvement on measures of affect and depression (the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Beck Depression Inventory). Discussion: These results show that there is potential for this new eye‐movement treatment in reducing symptoms of depression. Conclusion: These findings can help practitioners in treatment of depression and potentially other diagnoses as well. There needs to be more research studies conducted on the efficacy of this treatment protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion suppression is considered a maladaptive form of emotion regulation and is transdiagnostic of numerous mental disorders, including depressive, anxious, and trauma disorders. Existing eye-movement-based inten'entions, stich as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, lise eye movements to access subconscious content and reduce the intensity of associated affect. This article presents information on the neuroanatomy of the eyes, including that the retinas are entirely made of brain tissue. The article then examines the literature on the eyes and their relationship to the men'ous· system, emotion regulation, emotion suppression, psychopathology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, and it explores interventions that use eye movements and contraindications of their use. It also provides resulting helphil tips about all these subjects for counselors to incorporate into their daily practice, and it indicates where further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma is pervasive in the clinical world of counseling. The current literature indicates adverse effects for survivors of a traumatic event and the counselors listening to the details of traumatic events, but there is a gap in research on the adverse effects trauma in counseling has on supervisors. This study aims to understand the lived experiences of supervisors who have dealt with traumatic experiences in clinical work through interviews with current supervisors of those who work with trauma. The results indicate trauma-informed supervision consists of trauma taking many forms, supervisors (and counselors) using the self in their work, supervisors knowing their stance, and developing a “third eye” as a new way of seeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breathwork techniques and therapies offer a set of practical interventions for clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) and are viable methods for integrating physiological sensitivities in treatment by way of the relaxation response. We discuss an organizing framework of breathwork practices and identify three broad categories of breathwork within the field: deep relaxation breathing, mindfulness breathwork. and yogic breathing. Each style is distinct in how it is applied and in the specific respiratory patterns that users are instructed to use. We also aim to elaborate the physiological effects, clinical research outcomes, and applicability of breathwork for treating mental illness. Overall, research findings indicate that breathwork may be efficacious for treating anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite preliminary evidence for breathwork's efficacy for treating common psychological distress, more research is needed to evaluate its utility for treating a wider range of mental illness. CMHCs are encouraged to incorporate breathwork techniques in their clinical treatment programs but must appraise the value o f each technique individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]