Photo by [The Times of India]
Johannesburg – We’ve all seen social media videos featuring a group of men unleashing deafening screams under picturesque waterfalls, in forest clearings or in vast open fields, leaving us puzzled about the spectacle.
To the ordinary observer, they may be simply venting their enthusiasm. However, their tears and screams reveal a deeper story to those familiar with the practice – a release of pent-up emotions and feelings of anxiety, frustration, and helplessness through a therapeutic technique known as primal therapy, more aptly termed scream therapy.
Primal therapy is an unconventional therapeutic approach developed by Dr Arthur Janov in the 1960s. Its primary goal is to address emotional pain rooted in childhood trauma by encouraging individuals to recognise, access, and liberate repressed emotions through a primal, deep scream.
What makes this therapy particularly appealing is twofold. Firstly, it’s relatively easy to participate in. Secondly, achieving a breakthrough doesn’t require several months of consistent effort.
Frankly, in the face of the pressures, stressors, and concerns that plague our lives today, an occasional cathartic scream can do wonders in releasing our bottled-up emotions.
Nevertheless, questions arise: Is it a feasible approach to consider? Can it be a long-term solution for managing neurosis and other mental disorders? And does it offer lasting benefits?
What are Some of the Critiques of Scream Therapy?
The act of vocalising and physically expressing emotions is common in contemporary society. People often report feeling better after venting their frustrations, engaging in physical exercise, or even resorting to activities like pillow-punching and smashing inanimate objects.
Undoubtedly, expressing oneself in a controlled setting can bring about a sense of catharsis and post-activity well-being. But is there more to this phenomenon than meets the eye?
According to Clinical Psychologist Kayleigh Green, screaming activates certain regions in the brain responsible for emotional release, with the surge of adrenaline providing a degree of relief. However, this relief tends to be fleeting and short-lived.
She further explained that when it comes to addressing mental health issues, scream therapy has limitations as it primarily focuses on the intensity of emotion. While it may offer a cathartic experience, it doesn’t necessarily aid individuals in effectively managing, regulating, or constructively expressing their feelings.
Furthermore, Green emphasised, scream therapy can inadvertently foster unhealthy coping mechanisms for some individuals. It may condition people to respond aggressively, rudely, or with irritability when confronted with frustration, stress, or anxiety.
“[Some of the drawbacks] is that the amount of intensity cannot be used over and over again as a coping mechanism … And needs to be done with caution. It does try to play on mediation, but the shortfall is it doesn’t take us to what we call mindfulness.”
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Should Some Seeking Therapeutic Assistance Consider it?
Considering the ongoing stigma associated with conventional therapy and the growing trend of scream therapy, numerous individuals have pondered its suitability as a viable option. According to Green’s expert perspective and the consensus of other professionals, it is generally not advised.
Green’s rationale for this stance is, in her view and that of other experts, the long-term benefits of scream therapy are considerably less significant compared to traditional talk therapy or counselling. This is primarily because scream therapy may not apply to all forms of mental disorders or individuals seeking therapeutic intervention.
“It could be quite jarring for people with PTSD or not containing for people with borderline personality disorder because it encourages worsening emotional regulation skills. For that reason, it is safe not to use that as a go-to [method].”
Committing oneself to improving one’s mental well-being takes time and effort. While some approaches can provide immediate relief, it doesn’t necessarily signify that you’re addressing your underlying challenges.
Hence, Green advises individuals seeking therapeutic support to understand that genuine progress isn’t achieved effortlessly. Substantial transformation doesn’t occur within just a few therapy sessions. It necessitates unwavering commitment, will and dedication, not just tending to emotional wounds but actively striving to heal it.
