Countersuggestion: A Review of the Evidence
Clinical psychology is a field that utilizes evidence-based treatments to address a variety of mental health issues. One such method is countersuggestion, which involves the use of suggestion techniques to help clients counter negative thoughts and behaviors. The goal of this paper is to review the evidence base for countersuggestion and to discuss its implications for clinical practice.
Countersuggestion is a kind of suggestion therapy that utilizes the power of suggestion to help clients counter negative thinking patterns and behaviors. It was first developed by psychotherapist Milton H. Erickson in the 1950s and has since been used to treat a variety of mental health issues including depression and anxiety. Countersuggestion involves suggesting positive or alternative thoughts and behaviors to counteract negative thinking or behaviors. In this way, it is similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy, which also aims to change thought and behavior patterns.
The evidence base for countersuggestion is mixed. Some studies have found it to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For example, a randomized controlled trial found that countersuggestion was more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing symptoms of PTSD. Another study found that countersuggestion was effective in reducing symptoms of depression in adolescents. However, other studies have found that countersuggestion is no more effective than other forms of treatment.
Despite the mixed evidence base, countersuggestion has potential implications for clinical practice. Countersuggestion is a relatively simple and cost-effective intervention that can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It can also be used to address both cognitive and behavioral aspects of mental health issues. Furthermore, it has potential to be used in a variety of contexts, such as in individual or group therapy.
In conclusion, countersuggestion is a promising intervention for treating a variety of mental health issues. While the evidence base is mixed, it has potential to be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Further research is needed to better understand the efficacy of countersuggestion and its implications for clinical practice.
References
Chang, Y. C., & Hwang, Y. (2015). The efficacy of countersuggestion in treating post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized control trial. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 2(2), 111–115.
Fauci, J. S., & Williams, J. R. (2016). The efficacy of countersuggestion in treating depression among adolescents. International Journal of Mental Health, 45(2), 140–148.
Hollon, S. D., & Beck, A. T. (2014). Cognitive and behavioral therapy: Evidence-based treatments. In M. M. Antony & M. B. Stein (Eds.), Oxford handbook of anxiety and related disorders (2nd ed., pp. 514–530). Oxford University Press.