Energy psychology brings about positive changes in physical, mental, and emotional well-being by the process of thought. It is literally the process of thinking about a problem with the intention to treat it. The treatment itself can include a variety of techniques all of which are based in the philosophy that the body is fundamentally energy (or energetic). The techniques used are adapted from profound Asian medical systems such as acupuncture and yoga. This model is based in the understanding that energy maintains health and well being and a disruption in its flow creates emotional and physical problems. Any change in the physical, mental, or spiritual state effects all other organ systems, down to the cellular level, including one’s conscious and unconscious thoughts and emotions. Various cultures refer to this energy by different names. The Chinese call it Ch’i or Qi, the Indians Prana, the Koreans Ki and the Hawaiians Mana.
Energy psychotherapy applies these newly rediscovered ancient techniques to a wide variety of emotional and physical problems as well as to performance enhancement. In fact, the situations in which these techniques may be applied are almost limitless. Therapists successfully treat trauma, PTSD, phobias, anger, depression, guilt, anxiety, addictions, etc. and dramatically reduce physical symptoms of pain, headache, asthma and more. It works quickly, with the majority of people experiencing symptom relief in the first session. Results are long lasting and the only side effect may be a momentary sense of confusion and disbelief at the sudden removal of symptoms.
The treatment methods vary but simply stated one thinks about a problem or trauma, instructs the subconscious mind to treat the associated negative thoughts and emotions and depending on the technique used, repeat aspects of the problem while touching acupuncture points. Rapid changes in thoughts, emotions, and behavior that underlie many psychological problems are frequently reported. David Feinstein, Ph.D. (2007) in Energy Psychology in Disaster Relief identifies four tiers of energy psychology. The first is to provide immediate relief, similar to first aide, the second tier targets dysfunctional fear, aggression or avoidance, the third tier targets aspects of complex problems related to developmental issues and the fourth level of intervention promotes optimal functioning.
Energy psychology had its origins approximately 30 years ago when Roger J.Callahan, Ph.D. integrated concepts of applied kinesiology, acupuncture and psychology into a powerful, and effective therapy technique known as Thought Field Therapy (TFT). After using many traditional techniques on a patient with a severe water phobia he had her tap on an energy meridian point and the phobia miraculously disappeared. He developed this into a system of tapping on sequences of points on the body’s energy meridian system similar to acupuncture points. Variations on Callahan’s technique include Gary Craig’s Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Larry Nim’s Be Set Free Fast Technique (BSFF), Tapas Flemming’s Acupressure Technique (TAT), and others.
“…Energy Psychology studies the effects of bioenergy systems on emotions and behavior. These systems include, but are not limited to the electrical activity of the nervous system, acupuncture meridians and morphic resonance”…”while psychological functioning in general as well as psychological disturbances entail hormonal, neurochemical, cognitive and situational aspects, at a fundamental level bioenergetic substrates significantly account for behavior. Energy psychology appears to be applicable to a wide area of study including psychopathology, therapy, learning, sports and peak performance.”