Introduction
In the realm of speech-language pathology and psychotherapy, understanding the underlying causes of performance anxiety can lead to more effective treatment strategies. A recent study, "Identifying attachment ruptures underlying severe music performance anxiety in a professional musician undertaking an assessment and trial therapy of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)," offers valuable insights into this complex issue. This blog post will explore how practitioners can enhance their skills by applying the findings of this study or by conducting further research.
The Study: A Closer Look
The study conducted by Kenny, Arthey, and Abbass (2016) delves into the severe music performance anxiety experienced by a professional musician. The researchers hypothesized that unresolved attachment ruptures from early life could be a significant factor contributing to this anxiety. Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) was employed to target these early relationship traumas, aiming to alleviate the musician's anxiety.
Key Findings and Implications
The study revealed that the musician's anxiety was deeply rooted in unresolved attachment issues with his parents. Through ISTDP, the musician was able to access and process emotions such as pain, rage, and grief associated with these attachment ruptures. This therapeutic approach demonstrated the potential to provide clinically significant relief from music performance anxiety.
For practitioners, this study underscores the importance of considering attachment issues when addressing performance anxiety. By integrating ISTDP into their practice, therapists can help clients access and resolve deep-seated emotional conflicts, leading to improved outcomes.
Implementing ISTDP in Practice
ISTDP is a structured, time-limited therapy that focuses on the patient's experience of true feelings about the present and the past. It involves several stages, including:
- Inquiry: Understanding the patient's problems and emotional state.
- Pressure: Encouraging the patient to confront defenses and experience underlying emotions.
- Challenge: Helping the patient turn against their defenses and face dissociated feelings.
- Head-on Collision: Intensifying the therapeutic process to break down resistance.
By following these stages, therapists can guide patients through a transformative process that addresses the root causes of their anxiety.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides promising results, further research is needed to establish ISTDP as a widely recommended treatment for performance anxiety. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of research by conducting their own studies and sharing findings with the broader therapeutic community.
Conclusion
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy offers a powerful tool for addressing performance anxiety rooted in attachment issues. By applying the insights from this study, practitioners can enhance their therapeutic skills and contribute to better outcomes for clients.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Identifying attachment ruptures underlying severe music performance anxiety in a professional musician undertaking an assessment and trial therapy of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP).
