Dog Digestion, the Bedrock of Modern Psychotherapy

     Beginning in 1890, a Russian scientist studied the digestive tracts of dogs in his laboratory. One of his experiments at the time involved comparing the differences in saliva produced under various conditions. Throughout this study, he realized something interesting: the psychological response of the dog expecting food produced saliva. This conditioned response occurred regardless of whether the dog saw food, and a broad range of different stimuli associated with food produced the same result—this researcher’s name: Ivan Pavlov.

     We take the discovery of this type of conditioning for granted. It is straightforward, after all. However, it informed the early behaviorists and led to some of the most critical concepts in psychotherapy. We get conditioned into cycles that worsen our mental health symptoms, but we can condition ourselves out of them. The most effective forms of trauma therapy, EMDR, PE, and Cognitive Reprocessing Therapy, all utilize this basic concept.

      We didn’t need another reason to love dogs, as their presence has been shown to improve both our mental and physical health. Still, now we can also appreciate their contributions to the development of our most effective therapies for PTSD. If you're seeking exceptional telehealth trauma therapy in Ohio or Indiana, don't hesitate to contact me today to schedule a complimentary 20-minute phone or text consultation at 812-884-1312. I accept the following insurances:

• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Indiana in Indiana
• Quest Behavioral Health in Indiana and Ohio
• Aetna in Indiana and Ohio
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in Ohio
• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio in Ohio