Confrontational or Attack Therapy
very less talked about
There’s no doubt that there are several therapy techniques many of us are familiar with and there are some we aren’t. I can bet that many of us are conversant with cognitive behavioral therapy even those who aren’t therapist know this.
However, there are several other techniques that we may have experienced and not know or we don’t even know about at all. One of such is The Confrontation or Attack Therapy technique.
Welcome to the last newsletter for 2021. It has been an amazing ride with you all and I cannot wait for what 2022 has in stock for us. Let’s dive deep into today’s lesson.
In Dictionary of American Penology, Williams writes that attack therapy was actually first developed in the Synanon group. In Therapeutic Communities for the Treatment of Drug Users, it is noted that in Synanon, attack therapy was referred to within the group by members simply as "The Game".
Attack therapy is a type of psychotherapy evolved from ventilation therapy. It involves highly confrontational interaction between the patient and a therapist, or between the patient and fellow patients during group therapy, in which the patient may be verbally abused, denounced, or humiliated by the therapist or other members of the group.
A 1990 report by the Institute of Medicine on methods for treating alcohol problems suggested that the self-image of individuals should be assessed before they were assigned to undergo attack therapy; there was evidence that persons with a positive self-image may profit from the therapy, while people with a negative self-image would not profit, or might indeed be harmed.
Attack Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that brings about a lot of controversy. This form came from ventilation treatment which revolves around the negative and positive self images clients have of themselves. Adolescent centers often hold this treatment type for those who have dealt with behavior modifying and substance abuse. While it is required that the patient's self image is created before treatment, the sessions consist of attacking the patient's ego in a group or individual setting. This is for the purpose of allowing them to build their self esteem back up with their own morals and new ideals. It allows the client to be verbally demoralized by the counselor or other patients in a group session. Attack therapy is highly controversial, and using it requires a keen awareness of its potential to create even greater harm to the client.
Goals of Attack Therapy
Attack Therapy aims to radically change the individual by rebuilding them from the ground up, or bringing a dramatic new awareness that was not there before. Part of this purpose of rebuilding the client's self esteem based on new beliefs and morals by listening to the perception of others. It can be beneficial toward those who have already created a self esteem before the attack. By building a moral belief within themselves Attack Therapy actually boosts the client's self esteem by making them feel comfortable within their own skin. In avoiding the opinions of others they're able to stand on their own two feet and disregard irrelevant attacks although they will also become aware of their behavior at the same time. The goal is to tear down their defenses through attack measures and then build them back up so that they are no longer intimidated during confrontation.
When is Attack Therapy Used?
Attack Therapy is used when someone's life is on a collision course with a terrible outcome and requires a dramatic, and complete turn around. One very popular use of this form of therapy are boot camps. In fact, it can be said that all of the US military basic training is a form of attack therapy. Individuals are torn down- they are harassed and ridiculed, and then eventually built back up.
Attack Therapy is used toward those who possess a self esteem based on rigid beliefs, addiction patients and those who have a difficult time confronting others. Through isolation and imposition of rules the client will find a freedom within themselves. Being that the ridicule can be performed in a group setting the interaction is often humiliating because they are questioned about their own behaviors in an honest manner. Attack Therapy is used when there is an ego that needs to be eliminated. Once it has been broken down the person can be re-educated in terms of thought patterns. The group and the group leader will both shape an idea and form a new identity.
How Attack Therapy Works
One of the most interesting procedures that can be used for the treatment of mental disorders is attack therapy. This is a procedure that involves a patient dealing with a therapist who will allow that therapist to be rough and hostile towards the patient. This can involve a person being harsh and difficult. Verbal abuse is often used throughout this form of therapy.
The use of attack therapy is an interesting one to see with mental disorders in mind. It is often used as a means of exposing the patient to more hostility to give a person an idea of how one needs to change and improve one’s way of life. It may also work as a means of desensitizing someone to different kinds of conditions like panic attack situations. This is an interesting form of treatment that may work to help get some people to be treated to where they may be more likely to feel comfortable about things around them.
Is it effective?
There are some debates going around over whether or not attack therapy is really useful. Some studies have suggested that cases of depression may be more intensive when the attack therapy is too strong. It is often used as a means of trying to roughen up the patient but there are some cases where a patient may become so distraught that a mental condition could be worse. This is a very serious risk that makes attack therapy a questionable procedure to use when trying to handle mental disorders of all kinds.
As I bring this long note to a close, permit to me to recommend a movie to you titled “Clinical”(available on Netflix and perhaps other movie streaming platforms). You can come back to this post after watching.
As I wind down and get ready for 2022, I want to announce that this blog will be getting spices up in 2022 as I get more people to write. if interested, please reach out.
See you in 2022.
Toluse