Homeopathy and Mental Health Care

Review

This book review is reprinted from Volume 16, 2010 Edition of The American Homeopath with permission from The American Homeopath.

Reviewed by Patricia Hechmer, DSH

I recently moved into office space in an integrative practice. I introduced myself to the psychotherapist in the next office, and we began to talk about our practices. She was not aware that homeopathy dealt with mental as well as physical symptoms. This is not surprising. Anxious to defend homeopathy from skeptics, contemporary homeopathic research and homeopathic associations often tend to focus on homeopathy's success in treating physical rather than mental disorders. In Homeopathy and Mental Health Care, Johannes and van der Zee have brought together a collection of essays to frame homeopathy as a viable modality in the treatment of mental illness. Armed with this book, I could have communicated to my psychotherapist neighbor how our therapies might complement each other. Kenneth Silvestri addresses this question head-on in his essay, "Integrating Psychotherapy and Homeopathy." This is one of many essays in Homeopathy and Mental Health Care that can aid dialogue between mental health professionals and homeopaths.

The book's first section begins with an essay by Manish Bhatia. He argues that the "global burden" of mental illness is increasing despite the growing use of psychotropic drugs. Worldwide, there are increasing diagnoses, suicide rates and disability 124 THE AMERICAN HOMEOPATH. 2010 adjusted life years due to mental health disorders. Bhatia cites research on the "paradox" that short-term benefits of psychiatric drugs have not resulted in long-term stay well rates. He reviews the research evidence for homeopathy's efficacy in treating anxiety and depression, ADHD, drug abuse, insomnia and stress, and argues for the integration of allopathy and homeopathy, using the strengths of each modality. In the next essay, Bell and Koithan explore the homeopathic healing process in terms of "transformational outcomes." Unlike the symptomatic relief of drugs, well selected homeopathic remedies can have a multidimensional impact, shifting the patient into healthier functioning. Given this transformational outcome, the authors explore the patient-provider relationship and what it means to be a "whole person therapist."

The second section, "Integration, Case Application, and Therapeutic Process," explores homeopathic treatment using case studies of behavioral and learning problems, multiple personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Edward Shalts provides advice on homeopathic case management of persons taking psychotropic drugs or using illicit drugs. In an essay subtitled "Beyond the Remedy," Christopher Johannes asks whether there should be formal credentialing of "the homeopathic counselor." While another professional credential may seem anathema to some, Johannes understands some people seek out homeopathy for its relational value, while others fail to recognize that homeopathy takes into account mental as well as physical attributes. Establishing the role of homeopathic counselor would acknowledge an existing role and communicate a neglected aspect of homeopathy to mental health professionals.

The book's last section, "Research, Ethics, and Theory," begins with an essay by Jane Ferris that asks, "Is Homeopathy Useful in Psychotherapy?" To answer this question, she summarizes the findings of a dissertation interviewing psychotherapists whose clients were given homeopathic remedies. This is followed by an essay by Guthlin and Walach, whose focus is research methodology. The authors review several randomized controlled trials using homeopathy. They also include a table meant to serve as a practical guide to research designs and their applicability to homeopathy. Kate Chatfield's essay on medical ethics elaborates four principles of care: respect for autonomy, beneficence, non maleficence and justice. She discusses the special challenges in applying these principles when dealing with mental illness.

I have highlighted the above essays to give some indication of the practical scope of the book: case studies, professional identification, ethical issues and research methodology. This by no means covers the book's breadth. The editors are to be congratulated on their global reach (authors from four continents) and comprehensiveness. Some topics expound on homeopathic principles. This is the case in van der Zee's extension of the concept of genus epidemicus to cover treatment of collective trauma such as war. Other topics adopt an interdisciplinary approach, highlighting the use of psychotherapeutic tools like Roger's person-centered approach, Jungian analysis, genograms and Stanford University's forgiveness methodology in case taking and analysis. The book closes with an essay exploring homeopathy's relationship to the emerging field of biophotonics.

Homeopathy and Mental Health Care is a valuable reference. Each essay is well researched and documented with references from many peer reviewed journals. The book is well edited and contains indices by both topic and remedy. Many of the essays support their premise with quotes from the Organon, a testament to Hahnemann's prescience regarding mental health. As a whole, the book provides credible evidence for homeopathy's place in mental health care. Some essays are valuable as resource material in communicating with non-homeopathic practitioners. Other essays prod homeopaths to more closely examine their role in mental health care.

This book review is reprinted with the permission of the National Center for Homeopathy

Reviewed by Ildiko Ran, CCH, PDHom

Homeopathy and Mental Health Care is a truly welcome addition to our homeopathic library! A collaboration of 22 homeopaths from 10 countries, the book's message is crystal clear: homeopathy can playa major role in today's global mental health crisis, if its inherent psychotherapeutic effects are acknowledged and enhanced.

Christopher K. Johannes and Harry van der Zee compiled and edited the work, giving each of the 22 authors a chapter to address a different aspect of homeopathy's role in mental health care. This anthology format is effective, as no one practitioner could possibly give a comprehensive overview of this emerging field. The book is organized into three main sections: 1) Introduction; 2) Integration, Case Application, and Therapeutic Process; and 3) Research, Ethics, and Theory. Here are some samples to give you an idea of the variety of topics covered.

In the Introductory section

Manish Bhatia argues that while modern medical science acknowledges psychosomatic ailments, its therapeutic approach is still focused on suppressing isolated symptoms. Homeopaths have been exploring mental as well as physical aspects of clients' ailments ever since the 1790s, and Bhatia maintains that "this makes homeopathy the first medical modality to systematically study the psychological effects of medicines."

In the section on Case Application

Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman gives a glimpse into her work and describes four cases in detail-children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, phobias, and aggression.

Edward Shalts, New York-based homeopath and physician, gives a concise summary of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, its types and stages, and his experiences treating this ever-more-relevant illness. He suggests approaches to Acute Stress Disorder, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters and other terror inducing events that affect large numbers of people. In another chapter, he summarizes key points to consider when treating clients who are taking prescription psychotropic medications.

Harry van der Zee addresses healing collective trauma, proposing the use of a "genus traumaticus" in similar fashion to the epidemic-specific remedy, the "genus epidemicus;' that has made homeopathy popular throughout its history. He also introduces the idea of treating intergenerational effects of trauma, followed up with individualized homeopathic treatment as necessary. He draws on his work with miasms and on his experiences in Africa treating survivors of war, genocide, and rape.

Christopher K. Johannes calls the homeopath's role in mental health care "underutilized:' He suggests that while counseling skills are already integrated into homeopathy, this integration needs to be acknowledged and verbalized. A broader clientele could be reached if the counseling aspects of homeopathy were emphasized, and homeopathy could achieve fuller potential as an integrated modality. Johannes introduces the idea of a new title, "homeopathic counsellor." Whether the same practitioner is trained in both homeopathy and counseling or whether a team of practitioners works together in a collaborative fashion, clients would receive more comprehensive treatment.

Ian Townsend shares Johannes' view on the lack of acknowledgment of homeopaths' inherent use of therapeutic skills. He sheds light on the similarities between Rogerian client-centered therapy and the homeopathic case-taking process. He encourages homeopaths to approach the therapeutic relationship in an informed way to improve their own effectiveness as well as develop a shared language with other health care professionals.

Kenneth Silvestri uses elements of "systemic psychotherapy" and the genogram (family tree) in his work with clients. His findings resonate with van der Zee's suggestions for treating the inherited effects of collective trauma. While van der Zee treats intergenerational trauma first, Silvestri concentrates on the effects of family dynamics, then turns to the individual's constitutional remedy.

In the section on Research, Ethics, & Theory

Jane Ferris shares findings from her research conducted with psychotherapists whose clients have had homeopathic treatment and psychotherapy conjointly. Ferris has found that homeopathy works synergistically with depth psychotherapy. The combination can be especially useful when therapy is stuck. Homeopathic remedies reach a level that is not easily touched by psychotherapy, and homeopathy can move patients to greater awareness and "wholistic" functioning.

Kate Chatfield, building on the framework of ethics in medicine and mental health care, suggests that well-defined guidelines for safe and ethical practice are crucial for homeopaths. According to a survey of 96 practitioners in the UK, homeopaths treat a full spectrum of mental health disorders. Problem areas are collaborative support, use of allopathic medication, compliance, boundaries, and safety for both patient and homeopath. Chatfield concludes that in order to create sustain ability in the profession, collaboration with other health care providers and patients' social networks is a must.

And much more

Many more authors share their insights in the book including: Iris Bell on transformational outcomes of the healing process, Daniel Benor on spiritual aspects of homeopathy, Peter Morrell on Hahnemann and psychiatry, Philip Bailey on Multiple Personality Disorder, Jane Cicchetti on Jungian perspectives, Hannah Albert on personal evolution through homeopathic treatment, Seema Mahesh on her clinical diary, Joseph Rozencwajg on combining homeopathy with Chinese medicine, Corina Giithlin on research issues, and Traian Stanciulescu on neuro-psychic disorders and biophotonics. Throughout the text, the authors cite and discuss evidence-based research. Their expertise and professionalism are evident in their writing and references.

This book will be eye-opening to the general public and the homeopathic consumer, as they realize the benefits of homeopathic treatment in mental health, as well as to psychotherapists and other mental health care providers. Homeopaths reading this book will find ways of redefining their role in the healing community. Homeopathic educators can use it to create curriculum integrating the authors' ideas. A word of caution: some ideas in the text are thought-provoking or controversial and might be confusing for the novice. For this reason, I would recommend it only for those who have some basic understanding of the principles and practice of homeopathy.

Homeopathy and Mental Health Care is a good-quality, hardcover book that can be reread and referenced with ease. The list of short biographies of the authors and the separate index of remedies and keywords make it handy for quick reference.

Timely topic

Increasingly, mental health professionals are also realizing the importance of body and mind integration. Psychoanalysts and psychotherapists are looking for ways to incorporate the body's role in expressing the unconscious. Publishing Homeopathy and Mental Health Care is a wise and timely first step in a process of acknowledging homeopathy in broader circles of mental health care.

Now it is the task of the homeopathic community to follow the authors' lead and keep the momentum going. If these efforts succeed, we all-homeopaths, psychotherapists, and consumers of mental health care-will benefit.

This book celebrates the integration of tradition and innovation in homeopathy, and it offers an interesting challenge that stimulates dialogue. An important job well done!

This book review is reprinted from Volume 23, Spring 2010 edition, with permission from Homeopathic Links.

Reviewed by Ronald D. Whitmont, MD, USA

Johannes' and van der Zee's compilation entitled "Homeopathy and Mental Health Care" is an impressive and well researched text. What marks the difference in this work is the effort that has been made to locate the benefits of homeopathy within the evidence base of current medical and scientific knowledge. The authors of this book have explored the use of homeopathy in mental illness within the context of the current global crisis in mental health care. These chapters clearly and concisely delineate the remarkable achievements of homeopathy in stark contrast to the current, ailing system of medicine.

 The book brings together evidence supporting the advantages of homeopathy while demonstrating how it can be integrated into mainstream psychological approaches. The book is remarkable because it places homeopathy within the context of the current mental health system at precisely the point where it is needed. This is indeed a scholarly work that should be widely read both by homeopaths and integrative practitioners alike. The book helps bridge the gap between practitioners of somatically based therapeutics with those who practice only psychologically based therapies. 

This book will allow homeopathic practitioners to gain tremendous insight into the mainstream context of what they do, while integrative and allopathic practitioners stand to gain from the scholarly, evidence based presentation of homeopathy as it relates to the care and treatment of mental and psychological conditions. 

The sections dealing with research in homeopathy are remarkable for careful citations and well-referenced information on the current state-of-the-art of ongoing homeopathic medical research. 

Homeopathy is discussed frankly and coherently. Reading this text makes it clear that homeopathy is an emerging medical science that holds tremendous potential for widespread application in the field of mental health. This work places the topic of homeopathy squarely in the middle of current mainstream medical research and clarifies the position that an integrative and balanced approach to mental health would look like. The book forces us to go beyond our current addiction to psychotropic medications and to consider therapies that may cure rather than palliate. The text is consistently well-referenced, bridging some of the most current scientific data with homeopathic methodology and treatment. This book should act as a template for future books on the benefits of homeopathy in a vast array of medical conditions. 

The 23 contributing authors from 11 different countries to this anthology are: Hannah Albert, Philip Bailey, Iris Bell & Mary Koithan, Daniel Benor, Seema Bhat, Manish Bhatia, Kate Chatfield & Joy Duxbury, Jane Tara Cicchetti, Jane Ferris, Christopher Johannes, Corina Guethlin & Harald Walach, Peter Morrell, Joseph Rozencwajg, Kenneth Silvestri, Edward Shalts, Traian Stanciulescu, Ian Townsend, Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman & Robert Ullman and Harry van der Zee 

I highly recommend this work to my homeopathic, integrative and allopathic medical colleagues.