THE VALUE OF MEDICATION IN LIFE PATTERNS
The use of psychotropic medicine to help with emotional issues is on the rise. Writers like Robert Whitaker report that medication does damage with prolonged use. Other professionals take issue with his findings. Are medications critical to psychotherapy and in particular Life Pattern therapy?
The key question is what's the pattern? If a person has an addiction to a pill that keeps their emotions regulated, the pill is part of the problem (an addiction). If the pill is regulating some thoughts or behaviors that the person is presently unable to control, let's use the medicine.
People can regulate their emotions. The medicine needs to be part of the solution and never part of the problem. If it increases dependence and reduces problem solving ability or the perceived need for problem solving, the person will benefit only for a short period of time.
The therapist's job is to help a person get better on the way to getting well. If the medicine helps with "better", wonderful use it. If the medicine becomes the definition of "well", we need to be wary.
Interesting Meeting
Yesterday, I asked a simple question about Life Pattern training. What is the best way to find "well".
I met with a group yesterday and asked how learning about patterns helped. The group agreed that knowing about Life Patterns coupled with finding a relationship with God was a powerful combination (another bog for a another time). Several stated that it really helped to understand their pattern, but stated the experience was daunting early in treatment.
I asked how it could be improved and generally this is what they said.
First, give each person a short orientation time to their new program before starting pattern work. It was hard to think about patterns when they were learning the organization of a new place, routine and expectations. Let them get settled before digging into their Life Patterns.
Second, create something to read that explained the seven core ideas of Life Patterns before they entered the training group.
Third, have individual pattern sessions with each person before the enter the training group. Give them the opportunity to understand their Life Pattern.
Fourth, enter the training group and work through the workbook. Using their understanding of their pattern as the basis for their work.
Finally, have an open group for graduates of the program. When they are "better" and know they are better, give them the opportunity to leave "better" and go to "well".
I listened carefully. I meet with the staff within the next weeks to change my training process in the program. I am changing my practice to incorporate these ideas. Anything I can do to help a person to 'well' so be it.