In HIV treatment, the barriers to care are numerous and complex, especially for those already marginalized by society. People living with HIV who also inject drugs face compounded stigma, which significantly impacts their ability to access and maintain healthcare. A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe explored a novel intervention designed…
Shame is a complex, self-conscious emotion that plays a significant role in both social functioning and psychological well-being. While shame can be a healthy response in certain contexts, chronic and intense feelings of shame have been linked to a variety of mental health issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance misuse. Given the…
Excoriation Disorder (ExD), commonly known as skin picking disorder, presents significant challenges for those who suffer from it, often leading to severe distress and self-consciousness about their appearance. Traditional treatments, like Habit Reversal Training (HRT), have shown effectiveness in managing symptoms, but there is a growing interest in exploring how additional therapeutic approaches might enhance outcomes. A study by…
Internalized shame presents a significant challenge for people seeking recovery, particularly among justice-involved women with substance use disorders (SUD). Shame, compounded by societal stigma, often impedes the recovery process. For this population, mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) emerges as a promising approach to addressing internalized shame and fostering justice-involved women’s recovery. A recent study, co-authored by Dr. Jason Luoma, explores how…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) remains a significant mental health challenge, especially among veterans. A recent study published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science delves into the interplay between psychological inflexibility, mindfulness, and self-compassion in the context of PTSD. The study, led by a team of researchers including Jason Luoma PhD from Portland Psychotherapy, provides…
