Depression Alleviated by Emotional Brain Training According to UCSF Researcher
Marin County, California (PRWEB) August 18, 2014 -- In the Marin County community in which Robin Williams grew up and recently died, a novel method of treating depression has been developed.
Lifelong Marin resident, Laurel Mellin, PhD, associate professor of family and community medicine, University of California, San Francisco has devoted much of the last 35 years to developing the method, Emotional Brain Training. EBT is designed to alleviate the stress and negative emotions that are underlying causes of depression.
Dr. Mellin explains, "We have been taught that depression is caused by chemical imbalances, but those imbalances are triggered by wires. We all have some brain circuits that were encoded during stressful experiences that contribute to stress symptoms, like depression. Fortunately, we can change our wiring. EBT gives us the tools and support to rewire those circuits and can potentially alleviate depression."
EBT combines emotional support and training in specific techniques to process emotions in a way that is consistent with natural brain pathways. As stress is alleviated and negative emotions turn into positive ones, symptoms of depression can decrease. EBT is offered through groups and coaching that are provided by telephone for ease of access and improved confidentiality.
A research study conducted at UCSF followed subjects who had participated in an EBT group for 18 weeks and found that depression decreased and this improvement persisted at six-year follow-up. This research suggests that emotional brain training may offer a promising new treatment for depression.
According to Mellin, "EBT was developed at the university, but many of the group sessions early on were held in my home in Marin, and the EBT offices are in Marin, too. The day after Robin William's tragic death, a participant in one of my EBT telegroups said, 'I feel sad that Robin Williams didn't know you were right in his backyard. Thank you for your work.'"
While women have long embraced EBT, more men have enrolled in EBT telegroups recently, often citing depression as their reason for using the method. Mellin concludes, "Robin William's greatest legacy may not be the laughter that he brought us, but the awareness of depression and, more important, the permission to seek treatment."
Contact: Jennifer Murphy 800-608-1970 support(at)ebt(dot)org
Interviews: Laurel Mellin 415-272-4077 laurel(at)ebt(dot)org
For more information about the method of EBT, visit http://www.ebtgroups.com.
For upcoming professional certification courses in EBT, visit http://www.ebtgroups.org.
Next introduction to Certified EBT Provider training for health professionals: October 25 - 26, 2014
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ebt-certification-intensive-workshop-tickets-11920427319
Mellin's latest book on EBT: Wired for Joy
http://www.amazon.com/Wired-For-Joy-Revolutionary-Happiness/dp/1401925863
Laurel Mellin, PhD, EBT, Inc., http://www.ebtgroups.com, (415) 272-4077, [email protected]
Share this article