Psychoneuroimmunology: An Introduction to Immune-to-Brain Communication and Its Implications for Clinical Psychology.

Research conducted over the past several decades has revolutionized our understanding of the role of the immune system in neural and psychological development and function across the life span. Our goal in this review is to introduce this dynamic area of research to a psychological audience and highlight its relevance for clinical psychology. We begin by introducing the basic physiology of immune-to-brain signaling and the neuroimmune network, focusing on inflammation. Drawing from preclinical and clinical research, we then examine effects of immune activation on key psychological domains, including positive and negative valence systems, social processes, cognition, and arousal (fatigue, sleep), as well as links with psychological disorders (depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia). We also consider psychosocial stress as a critical modulator of neuroimmune activity and focus on early life adversity. Finally, we highlight psychosocial and mind-body interventions that influence the immune system and may promote neuroimmune resilience.

Psicólogas(os) no sistema educacional de Boa Vista/Roraima: concepções, práticas e desafios / Psychologists in the educational system of Boa Vista/Roraima: conceptions, practices and challenges / Psicólogas(os) en el sistema educativo de Boa Vista/Roraima: concepciones, prácticas y retos

O objeto de estudo deste trabalho é a atuação de psicólogas(os) no campo da educação básica. Tivemos como objetivo investigar as práticas de atuação e os desafios enfrentados pelas(os) psicólogas(os) que trabalham na educação em Boa Vista (RR), com intuito de conhecer a inserção desses profissionais no sistema educacional. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, orientada pelo referencial teórico-metodológico da Psicologia Escolar Crítica. Realizamos o processo de levantamento dos dados entre os meses de março e abril de 2018, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, audiogravadas e transcritas. Encontramos 21 psicólogas e um psicólogo trabalhando em instituições educacionais e de ensino na cidade; a maioria atuava na educação básica; metade dos entrevistados ingressou por concurso público e a outra metade era contratada e comissionada; poucos(as) foram contratados(as) como psicólogos(as) escolares. Para a análise, selecionamos dez psicólogas(os) com mais tempo no cargo. Quanto às práticas de atuação, identificamos que 60% atuavam na modalidade clínica e 40% na modalidade clínica e institucional. Como desafios, encontramos melhoria das condições de trabalho; estabelecimento de relações hierárquicas e a dificuldade de fazer compreender as especificidades desse campo de trabalho; necessidade na melhoria das condições para formação continuada; atuação da(o) psicóloga(o) escolar enquanto ação institucional. Diante do exposto, compreendemos ser necessária uma mudança de paradigma na atuação das(os) psicólogas(os) que trabalham na educação na região, e a apropriação das discussões da área, principalmente, aquelas apresentadas pela Psicologia Escolar Crítica, vez que esta contribui para uma atuação que leve em conta os determinantes sociais, políticos, culturais e pedagógicos que constituem o processo de escolarização.(AU)

This work has as object of study the role of psychologists in the field of Basic Education. We aimed to investigate practices and challenges faced by psychologists who work in education in Boa Vista/RR, to know the insertion of these professionals in the educational system. This is a qualitative research, guided by the theoretical-methodological framework of Critical School Psychology. The data collection process was carried out between March and April 2018, with semi-structured, audio-recorded, and transcribed interviews. We found 21 female psychologists and one male psychologist working in educational institutions in the municipality; most worked in Basic Education; half of the interviewees had applied to work as government employee and the other half were hired and commissioned; few were hired as school psychologists. To carry out the analysis, we selected ten psychologists with more time in the position. Regarding the practices, we have identified that 60% worked in the clinical modality and 40% in the clinical and institutional modality. As challenges, we find the improvement in working conditions; the establishment of hierarchical relationships and the difficulty of making the specificities of this field of work understood; the need to improve conditions for continuing education; the practice of the school psychologist as institutional action. In view of the above, we understand that a paradigm shift in the performance of psychologists working in education in that region is necessary, and the appropriation of discussions in the area, especially those presented by Critical School Psychology, contributes to an action that considers social, political, cultural, and pedagogical determinants that constitute the schooling process.(AU)

Este trabajo tiene como objeto de estudio la actuación profesional de las(os) psicólogas(os) en la educación básica. Su objetivo es investigar las prácticas y retos que enfrentan las(os) psicólogas(os) que trabajan en la educación en Boa Vista, en Roraima (Brasil), con la intención de conocer la inserción de estos profesionales en el sistema educativo. Esta es una investigación cualitativa que se guía por el marco teórico-metodológico de la Psicología Escolar Crítica. Se recopilaron los datos entre los meses de marzo y abril de 2018, mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas, grabadas en audio y después transcritas. Las 21 psicólogas y un psicólogo trabajan en instituciones educativas de la ciudad; la mayoría trabajaba en la educación básica; la mitad de los entrevistados ingresaron mediante concurso público y la otra mitad era contratada y de puesto comisionado; pocos fueron contratados como psicólogos escolares. Para el análisis, se seleccionaron diez psicólogas(os) con más tiempo en el cargo. Con respecto a las prácticas, el 60% trabajaba en la modalidad clínica; y el 40%, en la modalidad clínica e institucional. Los retos son mejora de las condiciones laborales; establecimiento de relaciones jerárquicas y dificultad para comprender las especificidades de este campo de trabajo; necesidad de mejorar las condiciones para la educación continua; y actuación dela (del) psicóloga(o) escolar como acción institucional. En vista de lo anterior, es necesario el cambio de paradigma en la práctica profesional de las(os) psicólogas(os) que trabajan en la educación de la región y la apropiación de las discusiones del área, especialmente las presentadas por la Psicología Escolar Crítica, que contribuye a una acción que tiene en cuenta los determinantes sociales, políticos, culturales y pedagógicos que constituyen el proceso de escolarización.(AU)

Notas sobre o pesquisar em cena(s) / Notes on researching in scenes / Notas sobre la investigación en escena(s)

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar a construção metodológica desenvolvida em uma pesquisa de mestrado, na qual sustentamos a escrita de cenas como método de pesquisa da escuta clínica. As cenas do trabalho em questão foram recolhidas ao longo do tempo, no contorno da experiência de um projeto de extensão universitária de atenção à infância e adolescência em situação de vulnerabilidade social, situado em uma comunidade periférica. Apresentamos, neste texto, as interrogações que se elaboraram em torno da escolha pelo trabalho com cenas, e compartilhamos o resgate histórico dessas como um método de escrever a clínica, bem como a retomada de sua análise a partir da tradição psicanalítica. Amparadas nesta teoria e em leituras e contribuições do filósofo francês Jacques Derrida, embasamos a noção de que a cena se constitui como um lugar de produção, ao engendrar a configuração particular de elementos significantes nos processos de subjetivação e de construção social. A cena não é, então, compreendida aqui como uma representação do que acontece na clínica, mas como um modo de produzir a escuta e os seus processos de investigação.(AU)

This article aims to present the methodological construction developed in a master's research, in which the writing of scenes as a method of clinical listening research was endorsed. The scenes from the study in question were collected over time, from the experience gained in a project conducted within a university extension program on care in childhood and adolescence in social vulnerability, in a peripheral community. In this study, we present some questions that were elaborated surrounding the choices of working with scenes; and we share the historical rescue of this work as a method of writing on clinic practices and resuming their analysis from the psychoanalytic tradition. Based on the psychoanalytic theory and on the readings and contributions of the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, we corroborate the notion that the scene is constituted as a place of production, engendering the particular configuration of significant elements in the processes of subjectivation and social construction. Here, the scene is not a representation of clinical practice but one mode of producing listening and its research processes.(AU)

Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar la construcción metodológica desarrollada en una investigación de maestría, en la que sostenemos la escritura de escenas como método de investigación de la escucha clínica. Las escenas del trabajo en cuestión se recogieron a lo largo del tiempo desde la experiencia en un proyecto de extensión universitario de atención a la niñez y adolescencia en situación de vulnerabilidad social aplicado en una comunidad periférica. En este texto, presentamos los interrogantes que se elaboraron en torno a la elección por el trabajo con escenas y compartimos el rescate histórico de las mismas como un método de escribir la clínica y la reanudación del análisis a partir de la tradición psicoanalítica. Amparadas en el psicoanálisis y en lecturas y contribuciones del filósofo francés Jacques Derrida, nos basaremos en la noción de que la escena se constituye como un lugar de producción, engendrando la configuración particular de elementos significantes en los procesos de subjetivación y de construcción social. La escena no es aquí una representación de lo que pasa en la clínica, sino un modo de producir escucha y sus procesos de investigación.(AU)

Saúde mental na universidade: atendimento psicológico online na pandemia da covid-19 / Mental health at the university: online psychological care during the covid-19 pandemic / Salud mental en la universidad: atención psicológica en línea en la pandemia de covid-19

Com a pandemia da covid-19, o contexto universitário, que já vinha sendo palco de discussões em relação à saúde mental, tem vivenciado crises mais severas pelos estudantes. Diante deste cenário, foi desenvolvido o projeto Escuta Solidária, voltado à saúde mental dos discentes de graduação e de pós-graduação. Neste artigo, temos como objetivo discutir o atendimento psicológico online com estudantes do curso de psicologia durante o período de isolamento social rígido (maio a junho de 2020). Fizemos, com os psicólogos voluntários, um grupo focal direcionado para a experiência de atendimento psicológico online de curta duração no contexto pandêmico. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado com os 11 psicólogos clínicos participantes do referido projeto. A partir de uma análise fenomenológica crítica, os resultados foram divididos em cinco categorias: a) limitações e contribuições do projeto; b) a importância da capacitação e supervisão clínica para a qualidade do projeto; c) atendimento psicológico online; d) ser psicólogo clínico durante a crise da covid-19; e e) demandas emergentes nos atendimentos psicológicos na quarentena. Por fim, discutimos a importância da desmistificação do atendimento psicológico em situações de crise, especialmente na modalidade online, fomentando questionamentos à formação e atuação dos profissionais, no sentido de estarmos atentos às demandas psicológicas que o contexto de crise acarreta na sociedade.(AU)

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the university context, which had already been the stage for discussions regarding mental health, has experienced more severe crises by students. In view of this scenario, the Solidarity Listening project was developed, aimed at the mental health of undergraduate and graduate students. In this article, we aim to discuss online psychological care with psychology students during the period of strict social isolation (May to June 2020). We carried out, with volunteer psychologists, a focus group aimed at the experience of short-termonline psychological care in the pandemic context. This is a qualitative study, carried out with 11 clinical psychologists participating in the aforementioned project. From a critical phenomenological analysis, the results were divided into five categories: a) limitations and contributions of the project; b) the importance of training and clinical supervision for the quality of the project; c) online psychological care; d) being a clinical psychologist during the COVID-19 crisis; and e) emerging demands in psychological care in quarantine. Finally, we discuss the importance of demystifying psychological care in crisis situations, especially in the online modality, promoting questions regarding the training and performance of professionals, to be aware of the psychological demands that the context of crisis entails in society.(AU)

La pandemia del covid-19 provocó que las universidades, que ya habían sido escenario de discusiones sobre la salud mental, experimentaran crisis más severas entre los estudiantes. Ante este escenario, se desarrolló el proyecto Escucha Solidaria, dirigido a la salud mental de estudiantes de grado y posgrado. Este artículo pretende discutir la atención psicológica en línea con estudiantes de Psicología durante el período de aislamiento social más estricto (mayo/junio de 2020). Se conformó un grupo focal con los psicólogos voluntarios orientado a la práctica de la atención psicológica en línea, a corto plazo, en el contexto de una pandemia. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo, realizado con 11 psicólogos clínicos que participaron en el mencionado proyecto. A partir del análisis fenomenológico crítico, los resultados se dividieron en cinco categorías: a) limitaciones y aportes del proyecto; b) importancia de la capacitación y la supervisión clínica para la calidad del proyecto; c) atención psicológica en línea; d) ser psicólogo clínico durante la crisis del covid-19; y e) demandas emergentes en atención psicológica en la cuarentena. Se concluye que es importante desmitificar la atención psicológica en situaciones de crisis, especialmente en la modalidad en línea, al promover principalmente preguntas sobre la formación y el desempeño de los profesionales con el fin de ser conscientes de las demandas psicológicas que el contexto de crisis conlleva la sociedad.(AU)

A experiência intersubjetiva na ludoterapia humanista sob uma perspectiva fenomenológica / The intersubjective experience in humanistic play therapy from the standpoint of phenomenology / La experiencia intersubjetiva en la ludoterapia humanista desde una perspectiva fenomenológica

Esta pesquisa qualitativa objetivou compreender, fenomenologicamente, a experiência vivida por psicoterapeutas e crianças no acontecer clínico da ludoterapia humanista. Foram realizados 26 encontros dialógicos individuais com nove psicoterapeutas e sete crianças, registrados pela pesquisadora na forma de Narrativas Compreensivas que incluíram suas impressões impactadas subjetivamente pelas falas e expressões corporais dos participantes. A análise fenomenológica culminou com a escrita de uma Narrativa Síntese. Os resultados indicam que a relação psicoterapêutica é percebida como: facilitadora do crescimento psicológico da criança; intensificadora do fluxo de mudanças ao dinamizar os processos pessoais infantis; geradora de motivação na criança para a relação interpessoal, a partir do envolvimento subjetivo do terapeuta; potencializadora da tomada de consciência com base na corporeidade; propiciadora da integração de experiências por meio do brincar; reveladora das singularidades individuais, catalisando o desenvolvimento; e, por fim, benéfica à atualização de significados e sentidos da experiência pessoal e relacional. Evidenciou-se, entre os psicoterapeutas, uma concepção da ludoterapia humanista que prioriza a compreensão dirigida ao estilo próprio de cada cliente em relação aos modos de sentir e expressar-se no mundo e à estruturação do processo psicoterapêutico a partir do relacionamento com a criança. Concluiu-se, assim, que a experiência desse tipo de relação interpessoal facilita a constituição na criança de singularidades que imprimem um sentido existencial próprio ao seu mundo de relações e historicidade. A relevância do processo psicoterapêutico para o crescimento psicológico da criança apresentou-se também pelo seu caráter psicoprofilático, reverberado no encadeamento de processos associados à experiência pessoal dela.(AU)

This qualitative research aimed to understand, phenomenologically, the lived experience of psychotherapists and children in the clinical event of humanistic play therapy. A total of 26 individual dialogical encounters were held with nine psychotherapists and seven children, registered in the form of Comprehensive Narratives by the researcher, which included her subjectively impacted impressions about the participants' speeches and body expressions. The phenomenological analysis culminated in a Synthesis Narrative. The results demonstrate that the psychotherapeutic relationship is perceived as: facilitating the child's psychological growth; intensifying the flow of change by streamlining children's personal processes; generating motivation for the child to get involved with interpersonal relationship, based on the subjective involvement of the therapist; potentiating awareness raising based on the corporeality; enabling the integration of experiences by playing; revealing the uniqueness, catalyzing development; and, finally, benefiting the updating of meanings and senses of personal and relational experience. A conception of humanistic play therapy became evident among the psychotherapists, which prioritizes the understanding directed to the own way of each client regarding how to feel and express themselves in the world and the structuring of the psychotherapeutic process based on the relationship with the child. Thus, it was concluded that the experience of this interpersonal relationship facilitates the constitution in the child of singularities that bring their own existential meaning to their world of relationships and historicity. The relevance of the psychotherapeutic process for the child's psychological growth was also shown by the psycho-prophylactic character reverberated in the processes associated with the child's personal experience.(AU)

Esta investigación cualitativa tuvo por objetivo comprender, fenomenológicamente, la experiencia vivida por psicoterapeutas y niños en ludoterapia de orientación humanista. La investigadora desarrolló 26 conversaciones dialógicas individuales con nueve psicoterapeutas y siete niños, registradas como narrativas comprensivas que incluyeron sus impresiones impactadas subjetivamente por los discursos y expresiones corporales de los participantes. El análisis fenomenológico culminó con una síntesis narrativa. Los resultados demuestran que la relación psicoterapéutica se percibe como facilitadora del crecimiento psicológico del niño; intensificadora del flujo de cambio, optimizando su procesos personales; generadora de motivación para que el niño se involucre en la relación interpersonal a partir del envolvimiento subjetivo del terapeuta; potenciadora de la toma de conciencia a partir de la corporeidad; propiciadora de la integración de las experiencias por medio del juego; reveladora de singularidades individuales al catalizar el desarrollo; y beneficiosa para actualizar los significados y sentidos de la experiencia personal e relacional. Entre los psicoterapeutas se hizo evidente una concepción de ludoterapia humanista que prima por comprender la forma propia del cliente de sentirse y expresarse y la estructuración del proceso psicoterapéutico a partir de la relación con el niño. Se concluyó que la vivencia de este tipo de relación facilita la constitución en el niño de singularidades que le aportan un sentido existencial a su mundo de relación e historicidad. La relevancia del proceso psicoterapéutico para el crecimiento psicológico también se mostró por su carácter psicoprofiláctico, que reverberó en la cadena de procesos asociados con la experiencia personal del niño.(AU)

Indicators of Sensory and Intellectual Thinking Based on Clinical Psychology and Islamic Perspective and their Role in Psychotherapy and Spiritual Health: Introducing a New Model of Thinking.

Today, the field of health is not limited to physical and mental health, but is related to all aspects of life, including spirituality. Spiritual health is so important that it is suggested as the fourth dimension of health, and in the near future, it will form part of the definition of health by the WHO. According to research in clinical psychology, in addition to spiritual health, another important issue in most psychotherapy theories is the issue of thinking. Given the importance of health and thinking, so far, no model has been presented in the field of the relationship between "thinking and health". So, the purpose of the present study is introducing a new model of healthy thinking based on human soul faculties. In this study, qualitative content analysis method has been used. Indicators of sensory and intellectual thinking have been noted within research results, which are the main components of the new model of thinking. In this type of thinking model, it is argued that all human beings have powers within them that can grow, which are referred to as the faculties of the soul. The level of thinking of individuals is determined by the level of each person's soul faculties. The lowest level is sensory perception and the highest level is intellectual perception. The more a person grows from the level of sensory thinking to the level of intellectual thinking, the sources of thought error decrease and the better the health of the thinking. Also, those who have a level of intellectual thinking have a higher level of spiritual health and the lifestyle of these people is health-oriented. This is a philosophical-psychological model in which indicators of sensory thinking and intellectual deviation have been extracted from theories and texts of psychology and philosophy. The results of this study can be used in psychotherapy because research has shown that thinking, especially healthy thinking, has a very effective role in mental health and a healthy lifestyle as well as treatment of disorders.

Conhecimento, recomendação e uso de mindfulness por psicólogos clínicos brasileiros / Knowledge, recommendation and use of mindfulness by brazilian clinical psychologists / Conocimiento, recomendación y uso de mindfulness por psicólogos clínicos brasileños

Mindfulness tem se tornado popular na comunidade psicoterapêutica e, também, entre clientes em busca de alívio para seu sofrimento. Contudo, pouco se conhece sobre como mindfulness tem sido integrado à psicoterapia, especialmente no Brasil. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e caracterizar conhecimento, recomendação, uso clínico e pessoal de mindfulness por psicólogos clínicos brasileiros. Os dados foram obtidos utilizando levantamento quantitativo nacional, realizado com 417 psicólogos clínicos habilitados. O instrumento utilizado foi um questionário estruturado online, desenvolvido e testado para este estudo. Os resultados foram analisados descritivamente por meio de frequências; para a associação entre categorias de respostas utilizou-se teste exato de Fisher e nível de significância p < 0,05. Os resultados indicaram que a maior parte dos psicólogos (65,23%) relatou nenhum ou pouco conhecimento de mindfulness; quase metade (47,96%) já recomendou a seus clientes; cerca de um terço (31,18%) já aplicou na clínica, predominando o uso de técnicas isoladas com clientes individualmente; e cerca de um quarto dos profissionais (25,37%) pratica mindfulness a nível pessoal. Estes dados sugerem que o uso de mindfulness na clínica tem se distanciado do formato baseado em evidência - programas baseados em mindfulness -, cuja eficácia já foi verificada. Espera-se que os resultados contribuam para a reflexão acerca da capacitação e da regulamentação de práticas emergentes em psicologia (incluindo mindfulness) por parte dos campos regulatório, acadêmico e científico, qualificando o psicólogo para tomar melhores decisões sobre a integração de tais práticas na psicoterapia.(AU)

Mindfulness has become popular within psychotherapeutic community and among clients seeking relief from their suffering. However, little is known about how mindfulness has been integrated into psychotherapy, especially in Brazil. This study aimed to identify and characterize knowledge, recommendation, clinical and personal use of mindfulness by Brazilian clinical psychologists. Data were obtained using a national quantitative survey, carried out with 417 licensed clinical psychologists. The instrument was a structured online questionnaire, developed and tested for this study. Results were analyzed descriptively by frequencies; Fisher's exact test and significance level p < 0.05 were used for association between categories of response. Results indicated that most psychologists (65.23%) reported no or little knowledge of mindfulness; almost half of them (47.96%) have already recommended it to their clients; about a third (31.18%) has already applied it in clinical setting, mainly using isolated techniques on individual clients; and about a quarter of the professionals (25.37%) practices mindfulness at a personal level. These data suggested that the use of mindfulness in clinical setting has moved away from the evidence-based format - mindfulness-based programs -, whose effectiveness has been verified. We expect that results can contribute to the reflection about training and regulation of emerging practices in psychology (including mindfulness) on the part of regulatory, academic, and scientific fields, qualifying the psychologist to make better decisions about integrating such practices in psychotherapy.(AU)

Mindfulness se ha vuelto popular dentro de la comunidad psicoterapéutica y entre los clientes que buscan alivio de su sufrimiento. Sin embargo, se sabe poco sobre cómo mindfulness se ha integrado en la psicoterapia. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar y caracterizar conocimiento, recomendación, uso clínico y personal de mindfulness por parte de psicólogos clínicos brasileños. Se realizó una encuesta cuantitativa nacional con 417 psicólogos clínicos utilizando un cuestionario estructurado online, desarrollado y probado para este estudio. Los resultados se analizaron estadísticamente por frecuencias; la asociación entre categorías de respuestas se analizó utilizando la prueba exacta de Fisher y significación estadística de p < 0,05. Los resultados indicaron que la mayoría de los psicólogos (65.23%) informaron poco o ningún conocimiento de mindfulness; casi la mitad (47.96%) ya lo ha recomendado a sus clientes; aproximadamente un tercio (31.18%) ya lo ha aplicado en el entorno clínico, con el uso principal de técnicas aisladas en clientes individuales; y aproximadamente una cuarta parte (25.37%) de los profesionales tienen una práctica personal de mindfulness. Los datos sugirieron que el uso de mindfulness en la clínica se ha alejado del formato basado en la evidencia a través del cual se ha verificado su eficacia. Se espera que los resultados contribuyan a la reflexión por parte de los campos regulatorio, académico y científico sobre la formación y regulación de las prácticas emergentes en psicología (incluido el mindfulness), calificando al psicólogo para tomar mejores decisiones sobre la integración de tales prácticas en la psicoterapia.(AU)

'An Apple a Day'?: Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Psychotherapists Report Poor Literacy for Nutritional Medicine: International Survey Spanning 52 Countries.

Nutritional interventions have beneficial effects on certain psychiatric disorder symptomatology and common physical health comorbidities. However, studies evaluating nutritional literacy in mental health professionals (MHP) are scarce. This study aimed to assess the across 52 countries. Surveys were distributed via colleagues and professional societies. Data were collected regarding self-reported general nutrition knowledge, nutrition education, learning opportunities, and the tendency to recommend food supplements or prescribe specific diets in clinical practice. In total, 1056 subjects participated in the study: 354 psychiatrists, 511 psychologists, 44 psychotherapists, and 147 MHPs in-training. All participants believed the diet quality of individuals with mental disorders was poorer compared to the general population (p < 0.001). The majority of the psychiatrists (74.2%) and psychologists (66.3%) reported having no training in nutrition. Nevertheless, many of them used nutrition approaches, with 58.6% recommending supplements and 43.8% recommending specific diet strategies to their patients. Only 0.8% of participants rated their education regarding nutrition as 'very good.' Almost all (92.9%) stated they would like to expand their knowledge regarding 'Nutritional Psychiatry.' There is an urgent need to integrate nutrition education into MHP training, ideally in collaboration with nutrition experts to achieve best practice care.

Realidade virtual na prática de mindfulness em psicoterapia: uma revisão narrativa / Realidad virtual en la práctica del mindfulness: una revisión narrativa / Virtual reality in the practice of mindfulness in psychotherapy: a narrative review

RESUMO A associação entre mindfulness (MF) e Realidade Virtual (RV) é recente. O MF vem sendo utilizado na psicoterapia em razão dos efeitos terapêuticos observados. Entretanto, não são todos os pacientes que conseguem obter o benefício desse recurso, sendo a RV uma via para o trabalho com o MF por facilitar o sentido de presença. Este artigo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão narrativa da literatura sobre a utilização terapêutica da RV na prática de MF. Foram analisados 23 artigos completos, sendo os principais focos de pesquisa: o aprimoramento dos ecossistemas imersivos e dos recursos terapêuticos no contexto do MF em relação à experiência do usuário; o desenvolvimento de recursos tecnológicos econômicos; material de fácil manuseio para facilitar a experiência do usuário. Concluímos que a RV pode ser facilitadora como ferramenta no tratamento de pacientes cujo perfil se enquadra em terapia mediada por MF, embora sejam necessários estudos controlados que permitam compreender as especificidades da RV e as variáveis com valor terapêutico.

RESUMEN La asociación entre mindfulness (MF) y Realidad Virtual (VR) es reciente. MF se ha utilizado en psicoterapia debido a los efectos terapéuticos observados. Sin embargo, no todos los pacientes pueden obtener el beneficio de este recurso, siendo la RV una forma de trabajar con el MF porque facilita el sentido de presencia. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión narrativa de la literatura sobre el uso terapéutico de la RV en la práctica de MF. Se analizaron 23 artículos completos, siendo los principales focos de investigación: la mejora de ecosistemas inmersivos y recursos terapéuticos en el contexto de MF en relación a la experiencia del usuario; el desarrollo de recursos tecnológicos económicos; material fácil de manejar para facilitar la experiencia del usuario. Concluimos que la RV puede ser un facilitador como herramienta en el tratamiento de pacientes cuyo perfil encaja en la terapia mediada por MF, aunque son necesarios estudios controlados para entender las especificidades de la RV y las variables con valor terapéutico.

ABSTRACT The association between mindfulness (MF) and Virtual Reality (VR) is recent. MF has been used in psychotherapy due to the therapeutic effects reported. However, not all patients are able to obtain the benefits of this resource, and VR becomes a way to work with MF as it facilitates the sense of presence. This paper presents a narrative review of the literature about therapeutic uses of VR in the practice of MF. A total of 23 complete papers were analyzed, being the main research focuses: the improvement of immersive ecosystems and therapeutic resources in the context of MF in relation to the user experience; the development of economic technological resources; easy to handle material to facilitate the user experience. We concluded that VR can be a facilitator as a tool in the treatment of patients who could benefit from MF-informed therapy, although controlled studies are needed to understand the specificities of VR and the variables with therapeutic value.

Existential positive psychology and integrative meaning therapy.

The unprecedented changes in our society because of COVID-19 and the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) shows that our healthcare system and the medical approach to psychotherapy can no longer meet the mental health needs of society. This paper first described the negative impact of COVID-19 and 4IR on our mental health. Then, following a brief critique of the medical model, this paper proposes that the future of psychotherapy needs to be based on the more inclusive and integrative framework of existential positive psychology (PP 2.0), which emphasizes flourishing through suffering. Finally, the paper emphasizes Viktor Frankl's cure and Wong's integrative meaning therapy. It concludes that integrative meaning therapy represents the future of psychotherapy, because it is situated in the area of interactions of at least three traditions: Clinical psychology, existential psychology, and positive psychology. This integrative model is holistic, recognising humans as bio-psycho-social-spiritual beings and considers several theoretical perspectives in both diagnosis and treatment.

The possibilities and challenges of integrative medicine implementation in clinical psychology: a qualitative study in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Integrative medicine (IM), which is the integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into conventional health services, has been applied in some nations. Despite its highly relevant holistic approach with the improvement of mental health care using person-centred approach, there are limited studies that discuss IM, specifically in clinical psychology. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of Indonesian clinical psychologists (CPs) on the possibilities and challenges of IM implementation in clinical psychology. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 43 CPs who worked in public health centres were conducted between November 2016 and January 2017. A maximum variation sampling was used. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was applied considering its flexibility to report and examine explicit and latent contents. RESULTS: Three themes were identified from the analysis. First, the possibility of IM implementation in clinical psychology, which revealed two possible options that were centred on creating co-located services. Second, the challenges that covered (a) credibility, (b) acceptance, (c) procedure and facility, and (d) understanding and skill. Lastly, participants proposed four strategies to overcome these challenges, including: (a) certification, (b) facilities, (c) dialogue, and (d) regulations. CONCLUSION: Participants recognised the possibility of IM implementation in clinical psychology, particularly in clinical psychology services. This IM implementation may face challenges that could be overcome by dialogue between CPs and CAM practitioners as well as clear regulation from the government and professional psychology association.

Personal Therapy and Self-Care in the Making of Psychologists.

Psychologists are skilled in assessing, researching, and treating patients' distress, but frequently experience difficulty in applying these talents to themselves. The authors offer 13 research-supported and theoretically neutral self-care strategies catered to psychologists and those in training: valuing the person of the psychologist, refocusing on the rewards, recognizing the hazards, minding the body, nurturing relationships, setting boundaries, restructuring cognitions, sustaining healthy escapes, maintaining mindfulness, creating a flourishing environment, cultivating spirituality and mission, fostering creativity and growth, and profiting from personal therapy. The latter deserves special emphasis in the making of health care psychologists. These strategies are recommended both during training and throughout the career span. Recommendations are offered for enhancing and publicizing systems of self-care throughout the profession.

"Doing My Profession is also Part of Worship": How Clinical Psychologists Address Aspects of Spirituality and Religion in Indonesia.

This study aimed to explore how Indonesian clinical psychologists (CPs) address aspects of spirituality and religion (SR), particularly their attitudes towards and experience of it, on the mental health context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 CPs in public health centres in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. Data were analysed using deductive thematic analysis and they generated ten sub-themes which were merged into three central themes. The first theme was experiences related to SR, particularly in Indonesian sociocultural context. The second theme concentrated on participants' clinical experience related to SR integration into clinical practice. The last theme highlighted the effort made by participants to create holistic mental health services. The originality of this study was represented by the interview quote in the title, "Doing my profession is also part of worship". It was found that SR is part of culture and belief among Indonesian people, including CPs and mental health treatment clients. In summary, participants genuinely acknowledged that they were not able to completely detach SR from their professional practice. However, participants also pointed out that they were different with spiritual-religious healers (SRHs) and favourably welcomed future collaboration with credible SRHs. This positive attitude embodied a holistic care approach that recognises the diverse biopsycho-social-spiritual needs of clients. Therefore, professional organisations and psychology faculties should establish regulations and education of SR in psychology curricula and conventional psychotherapy to achieve this holistic mental health services in Indonesia.

Benefits of relaxation techniques in the elderly: a systematic review / Benefícios das técnicas de relaxamento em idosos: uma revisão sistemática / Beneficios de las técnicas de relajación en ancianos: una revisión sistemática

The goal of this Clinical Psychology study was to present the possible therapeutic effects of Relaxation Techniques in elderly people. The systematic review was conducted by two researchers who performed inquiries independently in the following databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus and Lilacs in June 2015 using the string: "relaxation" OR "relaxation therapy" AND "elderly people." The initial selection resulted in 244 articles and, from the criteria for inclusion and exclusion, 11 studies were analysed for this review as of May 2017. This research found evidence of the effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques in elderly populations, especially in reducing symptoms of anxiety, related cognitive difficulties, physical symptoms, especially tension headaches and increasing immunity through the diminishment of stress.

Este estudo tem como área temática a psicologia clínica e o seu objetivo foi apresentar os possíveis efeitos terapêuticos das técnicas de relaxamento para idosos. A revisão sistemática foi conduzida por dois pesquisadores, que realizaram as buscas de forma independente nas seguintes bases de dados: PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus e LILACS, em junho de 2015, utilizando a string: "relaxation" OR "relaxation therapy" AND "elderly people". A seleção inicial resultou em 244 artigos e, a partir de critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram analisados 11 estudos para esta revisão até maio de 2017. Foram encontradas evidências de eficácia das técnicas de relaxamento na população idosa, principalmente na redução de sintomas de ansiedade, bem como de dificuldades cognitivas a ela relacionadas e redução de sintomas físicos, sobretudo dores de cabeça tensionais e aumento da imunidade através da diminuição das consequências do estresse.

Este estudio abarca el ámbito temático de la Psicología Clínica y tiene como objetivo mostrar posibles efectos terapéuticos de las Técnicas de Relajación en ancianos. La revisión sistemática fue conducida por dos investigadores, que realizaron sus investigaciones independientemente en las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus y Lilacs en Junio de 2015, utilizando el string "relaxation" OR "relaxation therapy" AND "elderly people". La selección inicial resultó en 244 artículos. Desde criterios de inclusión y exclusión, hasta mayo de 2017 fueron analizadas 11 investigaciones para este estudio. La investigación encontró evidencias de la eficacia de las Técnicas de Relajación en personas mayores, reduciendo sobre todo síntomas de ansiedad, así como problemas cognitivos a ella relacionados y también en la reducción de síntomas físicos, como cefaleas tensionales y aumento de inmunidad por la disminución de los efectos del estrés.

[The clinical psychologist in health centres. A joint work between primary care and mental health]. / El psicólogo clínico en los centros de salud. Un trabajo conjunto entre atención primaria y salud mental.

From the model of Integral Primary Care and under the principle of continuity of care, the development of channels of communication and integration between the first and second level of care in relation to mental health care is proposed. It presents the pioneering experience established in the Health Service of Lanzarote in which the figure of the clinical psychologist has been moved to the Health Centres to develop a joint community program from the Primary Care. The lines of action have focused on direct work with the patient, as well as with the staff, both individually and as a group. The objective is the sensitisation and standardisation of the treatment for mental disease in Health Centres. This work has been carried out with a positive assessment by patients and staff of the centres, which at the same time has demanded greater accessibility for a full implementation of the joint work model focused on the promotion, prevention, detection, and treatment for health mental.

Changes in body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychology trainees through a mindfulness program.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Health professional trainees can experience the costs of caring, thus the importance of the teaching self-care. The aim of the present study is to analyze the changes in body awareness and self-compassion in clinical psychologists in training through a mindfulness program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight clinical psychologist trainees received eight weekly sessions; qualitative analysis of participants' personal journal was conducted. RESULTS: First, participants experienced four changes: awareness in physical sensations, well-being, and the sharpening and integration of senses. Then, they relayed an increase in body awareness of unpleasant sensations and self-compassion. On completion of the eight sessions, participants reported synchronicity with others, more compassion for themselves, deepening of body awareness and changes of habits and daily patterns. CONCLUSION: Mindfulness can help improve body awareness and self-compassion. It is important to address self-care in future health professionals to prevent stress and burnout, improving self-knowledge and self-consciousness.

From serendipity to clinical relevance: How clinical psychology and neuroscience converged to illuminate psychoneuroendocrinology.

Dirk Hellhammer and his colleagues have played a major role in creating the field of psychoneuroendocrinology from their roots in psychology. In this review, using examples from the history of the McEwen laboratory and neuroscience and neuroendocrinology colleagues, I summarize my own perspective as to how the fields of neuroscience and neuroendocrinology have contributed to psychoneuroendocrinology and how they converged with the contributions from Dirk Hellhammer and his colleagues.

Questionário de Fusão Cognitiva (CFQ): novas evidências de validade e invariância transcultural / Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ): new validity evidences and cross-cultural invariance / Cuestionario de Fusión Cognitiva (Cfq): nuevas evidéncias de Validez e invarianza transcultural

A fusão cognitiva é um conceito chave na Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso, mecanismo em que a pessoa se funde com seus pensamentos e os toma como se fossem fatos reais. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram de estimar novas evidências de validade do Questionário de Fusão Cognitiva (CFQ) e de testar a invariância dos itens entre amostra brasileira e franco-canadense. Participaram desta pesquisa 578 adultos brasileiros e 676 adultos franco-canadenses. A Análise Fatorial Exploratória revelou adequação da estrutura unidimensional, conforme hipótese teórica. O Rating Scale Model demostrou índices de dificuldade entre -0,42 e 0,69 e índices ajustes adequados (Infit/Outfit) entre 0,79 e 1,45 para os itens de ambas as versões e descrição sumarizada dos níveis de theta dos participantes. A Análise de DIF apontou dois itens que não suportavam invariância no parâmetro dificuldade em função das diferenças culturais. Contudo, observou-se invariância destes parâmetros quando avaliados em função do gênero dos participantes de cada amostra.

The cognitive fusion is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-ACT. It is a mechanism in which the person merges with his/hers thoughts as if they were real. The objectives of this study were to estimate new validity evidences of the Brazilian version of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire (CFQ) and to test the items invariance among Brazilian and French-Canadian sample. The sample comprised 578 Brazilian adults and 676 French-Canadian adults. The Exploratory Factor Analysis showed adjustment of the one-dimensional structure, confirming the theoretical hypothesis. The Rating Scale Model showed difficulty indexes between -0, 42 e 0, 69, god fit indexes (Infit/Outfit) between 0,79 e 1,45 to both items versions, as well as summarized description of participants' theta levels. The DIF analysis showed that two items violated the invariance of the difficulty parameter due to cultural clashes. However, it was observed invariance of these parameters when the participants'gender was considered in the analysis.

La fusión cognitiva es un concepto clave en la Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso, mecanismo en que la persona se funde con sus pensamientos, como si estos son reales. Los objectivos de esta investigación fueran evaluar nuevas evidéncias de validez de la versión brasileña del Cuestionario de Fusión Cognitiva (CFQ) y testar la invarianza de los ítems entre muestra brasileña y francocanadiense. Análisis Factorial exploratorio reveló adecuación de la estructura unidimensional, según la hipótesis teórica. El Rating Scale Model mostró índice de dificultad entre -0,42 e 0,69, índices de ajustes adecuados (Infit/Outfit), entre 0,79 e 1,45, para los ítems de las dos versiones, así como análisis descritivo de los niveles theta de los participantes. Análisis del DIF mostró dos ítems que no suportavan invarianza del parámetro dificultad en función de las diferencias culturales. Sin embargo, se observó invarianza de estos parámetros cuando evaluados en función de lo género de los participantes de cada muestra.

Hipnose e dores crônicas: do controle à complexidade / Hypnosis and chronic pain: from control to complexity

O presente trabalho busca desenvolver referências teóricas iniciais de uma perspectiva complexa para a compreensão das relações entre hipnose e dores crônicas. Opondo-se ao pensamento linear e causal dominante nas pesquisas contemporâneas, o trabalho é desenvolvido a partir da ilustração clínica de uma pessoa onde são focados, a partir da noção complexa de configuração, dois grandes eixos: sua experiência de dor crônica e sua experiência de transe hipnótico. No primeiro eixo, discorre-se sobre sua autoimagem, suas formas de relação com os outros e sua vivência de tempo; no segundo, discorre-se sobre totalidade, sabedoria e pertencimento. Na conclusão, destaca-se que a característica do transe em pessoas com dores crônicas remete a temáticas de ordem complexa, como o sujeito, suas origens, os saberes que emergem no transe que não permitem, em termos clínicos e teóricos, uma abordagem linear e de controle como geralmente preconizado nas pesquisas contemporâneas.(AU)

This paper seeks to develop initial theoretical references from a complex perspective to understand the relationship between hypnosis and chronic pain. Opposing the linear and causal dominant thinking in contemporary research, this work is developed based on the clinical illustration of a person focusing the complex notion of configuration, on two main areas: the chronic pain experience and the experience of hypnotic trance. The first axis discusses people's self-image, their ways of relating to others and their experience of time; the second one talks about wholeness, wisdom and belonging. In conclusion, it is emphasized that the characteristic of trance in people with chronic pain refers to complex themes, such as the subject, its origins, the knowledge emerging from the trance which does not allow, in clinical and theoretical terms, a linear approach and control, as it is generally recommended by contemporary research.(AU)