“...a troubling trend: rejecting evidence-based treatments in favor of vague, feel-good solutions”
Shoshana Schwartz’s piece “Healing Beyond Habits” where she suggested people experiencing anxiety heal it by “releasing the root causes through deeper methods like mindfulness, journaling, EFT tapping, and EMDR” highlights an important conversation about anxiety — but also reflects a troubling trend: rejecting evidence-based treatments in favor of vague, feel-good solutions. In any other area of medicine, we wouldn’t bypass proven methods for alternatives without substantial proof — why should mental health be different? As a frum community, we’re living the consequences of this.
EMDR and mindfulness, while popular, aren’t primary evidence-based treatments for anxiety. EMDR is primarily studied for PTSD, and its effectiveness comes from exposure — something CBT already incorporates in a more structured, collaborative, and transparent way. This raises concerns about informed consent. Mindfulness is a critical life skill, but not a standalone therapeutic strategy. Teaching mindfulness isn’t the same as treating anxiety — please don’t confuse the two. These methods may provide temporary relief, but don’t offer long-term solutions.
Dr. Chaya Lieba Kobernick
Founder/Director of The CBT/DBT Center
Thank you, Rachel Burnham, for including the story about the 23-year-old girl who hadn’t yet gotten a single date in your serial. As I read it, my eyes popped out of my head and I thought, this is me! And so many other girls, although I haven’t heard it being talked about.
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