Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

In patients with anxiety disorders, what is the effectiveness of using a somatic based therapy (touch) along with the traditional means (talk therapy alone) in treatment? I provide Somatic-based Bodywork with traditional psychotherapy. Research has not extended into this vein enough as touch therapies are alone, an effective way to treat ailments. I am proposing a research project that hypothesizes the notion that using somatic based bodywork with psychotherapy can be 1) more timely and 2) more efficient that talk therapy alone. I have completed a 5 year research project called the "life tapes project" with Stanford, and also been published along with the other fellows. I am looking to obtain a Ph.D at some point along this trajectory. Thank you , Alison Leigh Siegel, MFT

askalisonleigh@gmail.com

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

yes

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

Control group: patients with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) whom receive talk therapy alone. Variable: Patients with GAD who receive talk therapy AND somatic based therapy (touch optional)

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

Patients with GAD

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

Phobias, panic attacks, etc

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

benefits would include using less treatment sessions to treat the same issue. for example, only need 5 treatments instead of 10 to get the same result. Also, the depth of treatment can be reached faster than traditional alone.

(faster, deeper)

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

One would have to be trained in Trauma, as I am plus be licensed and also have been a bodyworker or massage therapist. The only harm i can see is improper boundary and misuse of ethics.

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

• Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and hypertension
• Depression and other mental health disorders
• Obesity
• Substance abuse

AHRQ Priority Populations

• Women

Federal Health Care Program

• Other

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

Including the body into psychotherapy has been practiced for decades in Europe and the East. Western Science is catching up to include the whole person in treatment, but is still slow going. We need to offer people more comprehensive, effective treatments that are done in less time, and go deeper faster.

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

I have always done this kind of work and always thought about producing a research project like this. I just have not had the resources to do so

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

yes

If yes, please explain:

Some people are against using touch or even thinking that it would be an appropriate form of therapy. Problem is, this is old paradigm thinking. I don't know anyone who doesn't want to get or give a hug even once in a while. People are still animals, and we all need contact. Some people whom have been touched have never understood the right way to do so. This project would focus on integration and using touch in therapy to provide a more well rounded treatment that takes less time and makes more sense. Besides, people want alternative tx.

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

It would provide the backing we need to institute the school I am about to partake.

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

ASAP

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Trauma victims

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

It would provide the backing we need to institute the school I am about to partake.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Individual

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