Playing Holding Therapy
Submitted by Kerry on Sat, 2008-08-30 22:59.
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August 19, 2008 "I'm talking about my experiences with the Holding Therapy (after the methods of Jirina Prekop) who my mother did with me every day since I was 3 years old until I was 5. Sometimes even for several hours a day." [Note what Holding Therapy did to the relationship she has with her mother.]
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i wanted to add that this
i wanted to add that this woman is transcendently beautiful.
time and time again the victim exhibits so much compassion for humanity and grace.
the rest of the world is a fetid, sordid cesspool in comparison.
"Holding" is not as sweet as it sounds
Interestingly, on the bottom of her "About" page, in parentheses, you will find the following instruction: "(Please bring suitable clothing, a blanket and a small pillow.)"
Back in the states, we have people like Dr. Ronald S Federici, (an adoptive parent), making the following statements on adoption websites:
Meanwhile, note what Federici recommends doing with a small pillow:
Perhaps most disturbing to me is how desperate foster/adoptive parents are, and this seems to be the sort of therapy/treatment that reads best to them.
I have yet to read within any of the pages linked, any mention of brain imaging studies being taken and reviewed as part of the diagnostic-testing process done on those who require treatment. I'll be honest, as a parent, if my child's arm looked broken, I'd like to see the x-ray that shows the damage before I decide if I'm going to lay on my child's arm (for hours at a time), or not. You'd also have me asking questions like: How else can this be "fixed" or "stabilized"? and, "How long have you been doing this, because I'd like to talk with those who can tell me about their own treatment experiences". [I know, I'm really goofy that way ....I like second opinions from many different sources.]
Now, as luck would have it, Federici DOES have a testimonial page, which I read quickly. [It can be found here: http://www.drfederici.com/testimonial.htm] I especially liked the first one... this describes "a day of thorough testing", where a "difficult and hopeless" child sits through 10 hours of testing, which included 34 tests, a diagnostic interview, and then he (Federici) reviewed seven years of reports written on this child. A 37 page report was sent three weeks later to the parent, but it needed revision because the parent noticed a "few inaccuracies".
My point is simple... as a parent, I would what to know WHY my child was behaving a certain way, WHAT was causing it, IF there was something medical/physical causing the behavior problems, and HOW it could be fixed, helped or managed. I would also like to see before and after cases, so my decision would be an educated one, and not one made out of sheer desperation. If people like Federici were trained medical professionals, or affiliated with neurologists familiar with fMRI's (and other similar brain function tests/technology), I'd feel more comfortable knowing these holding theories were based on proven facts, and not trendy fashion.
After watching this video, and after reading many letters from those who have been hurt by this holding technique, I really have to wonder what's going on in the minds of people who think force and restraint will bring forth feelings of love and respect? I especially find it concerning how adoption websites and adoptive parents have rallied around therapists who believe force will bring forth bonding.
It's all about control...
What I have experienced with therapists is a total need for control; their way or you must take the highway. I
chose the highway after seeing and experiencing the controlling chit that went on. Textbooks are their bibles! NO child/adult is a carbon copy of another and can not be treated in such a way with success. Basics of talking do help most people, but
to savagely attack a child and call it therapy is insane.
If someone were to hold me down and call it love, I'd call it rape!
"I can be changed by what happens to me, I refuse to be reduced by it." M.A.
One Step Up From Bottom
Teddy
BBC - Should Federici's treatment be applied?
The BBC broadcasted a documentary on Federici' s controversial treatment:
The film follows two families, one British and one American, as they start to implement the treatment programme under supervision of Dr Federici himself. For at least a month, each child must stay within three feet of their parents 24 hours a day. They have to be totally compliant to whatever their parents want, and if they refuse to obey they are forced down to the floor and held there. Their bedrooms are stripped bare. They are allowed no life of their own. They are never left alone; they are not allowed to play with or see friends. Through a gradual process of reward and punishment the child will eventually be reintroduced to their toys, their peers and the outside world. The treatment can last for months.
At the end of this controversial regime the child's mind should have been literally re-programmed. Dr Federici claims this is the only way the child can progress to developing normal emotions. His critics believe this process may be damaging. But now, thousands of American families have been recommended by word of mouth to do the programme. The question is, does the treatment work and should it be applied?
The transcript of the programme can be read here (not nice reading)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/2000/problemchild_transcript.shtml
Correct me if I'm wrong...
Did I read correctly?:
So in addition to "Holding Techniques", Federici adds the fun-twist of "withholding" to those who have already lost everything they once knew.
Why bother taking an orphan home... why not just adopt a child, and send the problem-child immediately to a private prison? At least in an institution, the child can sit among his own ilk in an unfurnished cell and share stories about the traveling experience, that is, assuming the child wasn't medicated the whole time, making the traveling much easier on the new-parents.
Oh wait... isn't that what Federici is trying to prevent: Institutional Autism?
Meanwhile, someone sent me the following in a private letter, asking if I would share it with others:
With therapists and treatments like that, who needs police?
Spock what Spock?
Apart from being cruel, paternalistic, manipulative towards children, Federici is also a sleaze here. I bet when people read: Remember Mr. Spock's famous Vulcan shoulder grip from Star Trek? Think of this. many of them will think of Dr. Spock instead of Mr. Spock, lending credibility to the rubbish he publishes.
[Throwing popcorn]
Either way, Federici scares me more than any science fiction movie. The damage he is causing is real, in ways I think very few are willing, (or daring enough), to imagine. After all, it's not just that he sells his own practice to those who are very desperate... but his books and ideas are promoted on so many adoption websites, making it look as if all these adoption groups/agencies endorse his appeal to adopt and treat these children, using HIS methods.
Shouldn't this concern people?
DR. RONALD FEDERICI RESPONDS
DR. RONALD FEDERICI RESPONDS TO INTERNET POSTINGS FILLED WITH
BIZARRE, FRAUDULENT, SLANDEROUS AND PURE HATEFUL CONTENT
To All My Past, Current And New Families Around The World
I am asking ALL who have read my WEBSITE, and prior to going any further in
“Internet-Google-Yahoo Research” regarding my name and professional skills read these
very important pages below. It will set your mind at ease, and give a real education about
the wonderful “truths” of the Internet. Remember, Internet is 100% true!!
As most of you know, my name is Dr. Ronald Federici, Board-Certified Developmental
Neuropsychologist/Clinical PsychoPharmacologist and Specialist in complex cases of
Domestic/International Adoptions. I have dedicated my career to children with significant
neurodevelopmental disabilities. I have been an International Expert in the field for
twenty-six (26) years and hold multiple Degrees and Board Certifications which are ALL
posted in my office and are well-known and validated by my State and National Licensing
Agencies , and available to ALL if my Expert Colleagues and patients. My multiple
degrees, licenses and Board Certifications are the by-product of a lifetime of hard work
and dedication to children and families in need.
I am writing this commentary which has a “direct link” from my website as I have been
designated an “International Public Figure” following a recent Federal Court Hearing by
the Honorable Judge Bruce Lee ( Eastern Federal District ). In my petition to the courts , I
attempted to put an immediate halt to fraudulent internet postings regarding myself, my
family, professional career, credentials and clinical practice which have been made by a
group of social and professional “misfits”, who operate a fringe advocacy group with a
“mission” to discredit many well respected experts in the field of Child Development.
Their motives remain a mystery, aside form emulating the infamous “National Enquirer”
or equally slanderous and outrageous publications which “target” Public Figures.
Remember, people with “ no lives, no qualifications, no job, no ethics, and no moral
character are typically the first to slander and make false and hurtful statements. Their
agenda is hatred vs free speech.
According to the Federal Court hearing which transpired on March 5, 2011, the Presiding
Judge designated myself and everyone in my “Expert” category as “Public Figures” who
have no choice but to endure the hardships of worldwide jurisdiction of Internet postingswhether
they be fact, fiction , slander or outright bizarre allegations. Again, the Internet
and National Inquirer have no limits to what they can publish about a “Public Figure”.
Sad, but true. Just think about all the bizarre “stories” you may have read on the “Net?”
It seems that, following my 26 years of exemplary Clinical Practice ( without any type of national or
international complaint, malpractice suit or question regarding my professional credentials and
abilities ), there has emerged a “ coalition of individuals” who have found it their “ life mission “ to
target both myself as well as many of the other “international experts” in child development-adoption
and trauma medicine. All of these outstanding professional colleagues such as Dr. Gregory Keck,
Heather Forbes, Nancy Thomas, Dr. Daniel Hughes, Dr. David Ziegler, Dr. Arthur Becker -
Wiedeman and a host of others have been subject to the same vicious, malicious and fraudulent
attacks by this same set of individuals who consider themselves to be “above the law”. Tragic as it
may sound, these non-credentialed, non-clinicians, and unemployed individuals spend their days and
nights writing the most slanderous and fraudulent posts on the Internet without a single “legal filter”,
due to the First Amendment, and , more importantly, the right to freely criticize and disparage a
“Public Figure”. Reality or fact does not matter here. Again, the “National Inquirer Mentality”
prevails.
So here are the “Cast of Characters” that you may read about, or who have targeted me or others out
of pure malice, vindictiveness, professional jealousy or just because they have too much spare time.
MIND YOU, I KNOW NOT ONE OF THEM, nor have I ever dealt with in any professional or
personal forum!! They are not in my league of morality or professionalism. They live in the following
“worlds” or delusions:
1.
Dr. Monica Pignotti dropped out of college to join the Church of Scientology. She rose
to the highest levels of Scientology “processing” including the notorious “OT3” which
teaches that Earth was used by the galactic warlord “Xenu” to murder alien spirits by
dropping atom bombs on volcanoes.
While in Scientology, Pignotti became involved with Quentin Hubbard, son of
Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. She now claims to be a “cult expert”.
Pignotti tired of Scientology and became a practitioner of “Thought Field Therapy”
which is an unproven technique developed by Roger Callahan. “Thought Field
Therapy” has a more advanced level called “Voice Technology” where conditions are
diagnosed over the phone. The “cures” consist of tapping the body in various
proprietary ways.
Ms. Pignotti has earned a Ph.D. in social work from Florida State University, but her
actual practice-working with patients or clients-has been quite limited (it would seem
she abandoned any kind of practice when she stopped doing “Thought Field Therapy”.
Instead, she sees herself as a “professional critic” and spends most of her time attacking
others.
I have never met Dr. Pignotti. I have invited her to my clinic to observe my work, and
she has not accepted my invitation. Instead, she prefers to attack me on the Internet.
Page Three
Dr. Pignotti is associated with the “Advocates for Children in Therapy Group” in
Colorado as well as Charly D. Miller of Nebraska and Jean Mercer.
How and why she found me out is beyond belief but it is very clear that she is still in the
middle of her cult-scientology-mentality and an individual who makes absolutely no
common sense in this world we live in.
Her “blogs” are filled with lies, fabrications and malicious content. Why? Because she
has never left the “ cult “ way of thinking which is to criticize anyone to “ elevate” your
own delusional beliefs that you are, in some way, “superior”. We wish her well on her
next trip on “Spaceship Apollo”.
2. Jean Mercer holds a Ph.D. in academic psychology and is also a critic. She taught for
20-some years at a small university in New Jersey and has written books about child
development but has never (and I mean never) evaluated or treated a patient as she is
not eligible for any type of clinical license in any state or province. Furthermore, Ms.
Mercer finds it comical to criticize the top-ranking people in the field of adoption
medicine and child development by writing all types of books and bizarre articles about
“restraint therapy” without ever dealing with a violent or out-of-control child. She was
an author for Psychology Today who found it appropriate to fire her immediately as
she did not follow instructions and directions following another court hearing when she
continued to mention my name and was insolent when told that she had to cease and
desist immediately.
Furthermore, Ms. Mercer never lectures in any capacity and is apparently now retired
but finds it to be appropriate, along with her “colleague” Monica Pignotti, to criticize
every professional in the field whom they have never met. Once again, it appears to be
a cult-like mentality.
3. Larry Sarner of Loveland, CO holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and
mathematics.
He is not a medical professional, and his qualifications to evaluate therapeutic methods
are questionable at best.
Sarner is described as a mathematician, inventor, and cryptographer. His only
“invention” seems to be a design for voting machines. In the 1980s, Sarner raised
millions of dollars through loans and investments to develop these machines. The
machines, unfortunately, did not work.
The result was litigation. Sarner ended up in bankruptcy. One of his former supporters
was Peter Paul Luce, son of Time Magazine founder Henry Luce. Another was
esteemed Denver politician Vern Bickel. Sarner never repaid either one of them.
Page Four
Sarner appealed a court decision against him and claimed that a judge had conspired to
take his property. The court did not even bother to hear this argument!
It is not clear what Mr. Sarner has done since then, except to criticize things he does not
understand. I have never met him, but I have invited him to come and observe my
work, which he seems to believe is dangerous. He has not accepted my invitation. If he
did, he would see that I do nothing wrong, and that I work with many families who
thank me for the progress made with their children.
Larry Sarner, incidentally, is a senior figure in “Advocates for Children in Therapy”
which is operated from his home in Loveland, CO. In this context, Sarner has been
described as a “legislative aide” even though no one is willing to name the legislator for
whom Sarner has allegedly worked.
Advocates for Children in Therapy (ACT) is a very bizarre and unusual organization
run by Larry Sarner and her nurse wife, Linda Rosa. Once again, both of these
individuals have never met myself and have never held any type of clinical practice but
find it comical to put up websites disparaging professionals such as myself and my
colleagues as well as attacking professional publications, credentials, family members
and even going as far as to make fraudulent statements on their websites. While they
hold to “freedom of speech”, they are no different than writers for the National
Enquirer.
Larry Sarner’s wife , Linda Rosa, spent her unemployed days performing
“experiments” on her own daughter. Both very unusual people. Please get a real job!
Larry Sarner, Linda Rosa, Monica Pignotti are all part of the same fringe group
“ACT”, and feel they are above the law. They have no morals and find it comical to
violate copyright law. More cult-like thinking and behaviors. Maybe they will assume
editorial positions at the National Inquirer?
4. Charlie Miller is one of the most unique and outrageous individuals who writes
incredible web articles about my performing some type of “asphyxial therapy” and
involved in killing children. Charlie Miller is a known alcoholic, drug addict and
claims to be an emergency medical technician but she was fired for being intoxicated on
her job and holds no job or license at this time in any type of medical field or child
development. I have the court records for all to read.
Additionally, Charlie Miller was recently found guilty in Texas for writing fraudulent
material regarding a prominent doctor and was appropriately sanctioned by the court
and fined. She writes the most bizarre material which is unbelievable on her website
Page Five
and is no different than the rest of her colleagues (Pignotti, Mercer, Sarner and Rosa).
She makes claims of murder, death and child abuse about myself and many of my
colleagues which have the same bizarre content as authors of the infamous National
Enquirer.
Charlie Miller’s current occupation is that of being unemployed and being part of a
“Coven of Wenches Guild” which is a group of individuals who have nothing to do but
dress up as witches and individuals from the past, much like what one has seen at a
Renaissance Fair. This is her prime occupation.
5. Interestingly, all of these individuals have also recently affiliated with a very bizarre
individual who lives in Lebanon and has been tied to Hamas. He is under FBI scrutiny.
Daniel Ibyn Zaid has chimed in with these other cult-like individuals and bizarre
authors and finds it comical to insult anybody that he finds to be a public figure as he
has her own adoption issues and is a quite bizarre and clearly mentally maladjusted
individual.
It is not surprising whatsoever that all of these individuals have “come together” and
developed their own “attack forum” on multiple websites that you will read about
which include both my name as well as
many of the other prominent adoption-trauma experts in the United States who also
have an exemplary record.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS:
With all of these factors in mind, I wanted to make this very direct and honest statement prior to your
reading any of the garbage and rubbish on any of the future websites by these cult-like individuals
who have nothing better to do with their lives but attack and attempt to interfere with the
professionalism and business practices of both myself, Dr. Ronald Federici, and multiple colleagues
across the country.
All of us believe that they are still in their cult-like mentality, unemployed, mentally unstable at
multiple levels and have probably all worked for the National Enquirer or should get a job there as
their writing certainly “fits the picture”.
Should any of you have any questions regarding the veracity of this letter and my overall
INTEGRITY, PROFESSIONAL and PERSONAL LIFE, credentials, qualifications and treatment
approaches, I urge you to contact me directly any time of the day or night at (703) 830-6052 or write
me an email directly at DrFederici@aol.com . I will respond to you directly by email or by phone and
Page Six
I will personally make certain that you have every shred of “positive evidence” that every degree,
credential, board certification, professional training, education and treatment program I have is valid
and reliable, completely safe and has absolutely and unequivocally nothing to do with “attachment
therapy” or other “crimes against humanity” these bizarre individuals have claimed in their web
pages. Everything I do professionally and personally is moral and ethical, and , in no way, hurtful to
any child. I would NOT be so successful and in practice if I did hurt a child.
If these cult-like individuals had any common sense at all, they would have realized that I have been a
staunch supporter for children’s rights across the world. It is for these reasons, the Federal Judge
designated me an “International Public Figure” who has to handle the bizarre people of the world
who will attack on any level under the First Amendment, particularly for public figures who typically
do not have much recourse, aside from to write disclaimers such as this one you are reading.
So, in conclusion, I have not tortured, killed, starved, re-birthed, controlled, hurt, bankrupted or
done anything wrong or unethical in my personal or professional life, aside from a traffic ticket. I am
not defending my position from these “critics” and unusual individuals. I am merely stating the true
and unequivocal facts of my life and this outrageous situation and personal/professional attacks
without merit/foundation or reality.
Again, I welcome any of your comments or questions directly without hesitation.
Dr. Ronald S. Federici, Neuropsychologist (And all around honest and decent guy
aw shit he left me out
I feel unappreciated.....