The counting method (CM), also known as Ochberg's counting method, is a therapeutic treatment designed to help with the desensitization of
post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
The method was designed by psychiatrist
Frank Ochberg
Frank Ochberg (born 1940), is a psychiatrist, a pioneer in trauma science, an educator and the editor of the first text on the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He is one of the founding fathers of modern psychotraumatology and ...
in the early 1990s. Ochberg, who'd previously helped to define and characterize post traumatic stress disorder, began using the CM in his private practice as a means of combating PTSD symptoms.
The method
During the CM, the clinician asks the PTSD client to recall a traumatic memory while the clinician counts out loud to 100. After the counting the client is asked to discuss their memory. Subsequently, clinician and client work to reframe that traumatic memory and minimize or eliminate the discomfort associated with it.
Results
A recent study sought to compare the CM to other existing forms of PTSD treatment. The study divided 38 women among three forms of PTSD therapy, including the CM. All three treatments worked very well in minimizing PTSD symptoms; additionally, the study showed that the CM may be as effective as other pre-established techniques in the treatment of PTSD.
See also
*
Progressive counting (PC)
Progressive counting (PC) is a psychotherapy technique developed by Ricky Greenwald designed for trauma resolution based on the counting method. It is used to reduce or eliminate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, and post-trauma ...
References
{{Refend
External links
The Counting Method's official websiteAn article about the CM in practiceHomepage of "Gift From Within," an organization founded by Dr. Ochberg to help survivors of trauma and victimization
Counseling
Anxiety disorders