EMBARK Mechanisms of Change in the Treatment of Depression
EMBARK Psychedelic Therapy for Depression April 23, 2024 DOI: 10.1093/9780197762622.003.0004 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Depression |
| Key points | Proposes that the EMBARK psychedelic therapy model for depression works through twelve psychological mechanisms of change across six clinical domains, and argues that the field relies too heavily on neurobiological mechanisms. The authors also describe how CBT, emotion-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, the Hakomi method, compassion-focused therapy, and spiritual evocation inform the approach. |
Abstract
AbstractChapter 3 describes proposed psychological mechanisms of change within the EMBARK psychedelic therapy model for the treatment of depression. Twelve mechanisms of therapeutic change are described across the six EMBARK clinical domains: Existential–Spiritual: (a) spiritual self-development, (b) mystical experiences; Mindfulness: (c) freedom from rumination, (d) a more flexible identity, (e) greater compassion for oneself; Body-Aware: (f) embodiment and enlivenment, (g) somatic trauma processing; Affective–Cognitive: (h) transforming emotions and updating core beliefs, (i) increased acceptance of emotions; Relational: (j) relational repatterning, (k) increased interpersonal openness; Keeping Momentum: (l) building motivation for beneficial new habits and other life changes. Other potential mechanisms supported by the EMBARK approach are enumerated. A critique of the field’s overreliance on neurobiological mechanisms is offered. This chapter includes descriptions of the EBTs that inform the EMBARK approach to depression, including CBT approaches, emotion-focused therapy (EFT), motivational interviewing (MI), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). The influence of other modalities on EMBARK is also discussed: the hakomi method, compassion-focused therapy, and spiritual evocation.