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LONDON — Experts warn that alternative therapies like “brainspotting” and “cuddle curing” may cause more psychological harm than good. Researchers in London say the United Kingdom is reportedly a haven for so-called charlatans and tricksters, offering wacky treatments that endanger those with serious mental health issues. These practitioners often charge up to $300 an hour for unregulated, untested treatments with no established psychological benefit.
Treatments like “cuddle curing,” involving long hugs for depression and PTSD, and “brainspotting,” which purports to address trauma through identifying “brainspots” in the eye, are examples of these methods. Another treatment, “rebirthing therapy,” claims to heal attachment disorders by simulating the womb experience with blankets and pillows.
Many practitioners, including “Cuddle Coaches,” “Brainspotting Consultants,” and “Rebirthers,” offer virtual services at reduced rates. A team from the London Centre for Applied Psychology (LCAP) notes that many alternative therapy providers lack professional training, often relying on brief online courses. The surge in such businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic capitalized on public anxiety.
Despite the lack of expertise, few of these practitioners are registered with respected industry bodies like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Graham Johnston and Matt Wotton of the LCAP are concerned that these unproven therapies may exacerbate mental health issues, offering only temporary placebo effects. They advocate for regulated, trained practitioners and NHS-recommended therapies.
Johnston, a former government advisor, and Wotton, with experience in mental health in the criminal justice system, have authored “A Straight Talking Introduction to Therapy: What It Is, Why It Works, How To Get It” to guide people seeking private therapy. They emphasize the importance of quality therapy, noting the lack of regulation and proliferation of untested methods in the field.
The UK’s Mental Health Foundation reports that a quarter of Brits experience mental health issues annually. With a significant number on National Health Service (NHS) therapy waiting lists, many turn to private therapy. However, the lack of regulation allows for unqualified individuals to offer services.
While not all unconventional treatments are administered by unregulated practitioners, many, including “sand therapy” and “Thought Field Therapy,” lack the extensive research backing of NHS-recommended treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The voluntary nature of professional body membership means anyone can pose as a therapist without proper training or qualifications.
“Some forms of therapy are, on paper at least, nothing more than snake oil,” says Matt Wotton, according to a statement from SWNS.
“At best, they may offer some form of short-term benefit thanks to a placebo-like effect, but at worst they will make patients’ mental health worse by failing to tackle the issue at hand and even causing more harm in the process. There are some charlatans, confidence tricksters and outright cowboys out there, so we want the public to be aware of the dangers, and only ever hire regulated therapists offering evidence-based, NHS-recommended treatments.”
South West News Service writer Paul Andrews contributed to this report.
