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.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on depression, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression | 2006 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Psilocybin-assisted therapy of major depressive disorder using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a therapeutic frame | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Yale Manual for Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy of Depression (using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Therapeutic Frame) | 2020 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression in depression: Effects of alternative drug treatments | 2022 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Improving cognitive functioning in major depressive disorder with psychedelics: A dimensional approach | 2021 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
Citations in the library
Cites 216
- Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: a randomized controlled trial Journal of Psychopharmacology November 30, 2016
- Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance Psychopharmacology July 7, 2006
- Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry May 17, 2016
- Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression New England Journal of Medicine April 14, 2021
and 211 more in the library