My Introduction to Energy Psychology

As a transpersonal psychotherapist I have held what I believe to be a healthy scepticism toward any 'quick fix techniques' in therapy – the process took time in order to effectively integrate changes in attitude and beliefs and resulting behaviour. So when I first came across energy psychology in the form of EFT, I admit I dismissed it – probably not only for its rather outrageous claims of success but also for the way in which it was applied (through tapping points on the body).

Now, I see the incongruence of my attitude given that I accepted the effectiveness of acupuncture and other therapies that were directed to the body's energy system. But it was too far a step for me to consider permanent emotional relief or a change in personal beliefs could be had through stimulating the meridian system.

Some years later EFT was again presented to me, this time by a friend who had used it successfully to overcome a fear of flying, in one session. This time I decided it might be a useful tool for me to learn for clients where a simple phobia was operating and there were no deeper issues that needed confronting. I investigated further and came across a remarkable video of Gary Craig using EFT for a few sessions to permanently resolve the mutiple traumas of a Vietnam veteran who was still suffering PTSD despite seventeen years of therapy. This was powerful work, and I was also struck by how the veteran's mental health workers were not interested in pursuing further knowledge of energy psychology to assist more sufferers of PTSD. It was step too far for them, too.

I went on to study and incorporate EFT into my practice, and have since witnessed many remarkable changes in clients through the power of energy psychology.

What is Energy Psychology?

Simply put, when energy points on the body (often referred to as acupressure or acupuncture points) are stimulated through touch at the same time as a psychological issue is tuned into, energetic shifts happen within the brain's electrochemistry resulting in cognitive, emotional and/or physical change.

We are energetic beings, our bodies a complex of energy highways and byways connecting every cell and organ, influencing not only our physical state but our emotions and thoughts. You are probably aware how you can create a physiological change through your thinking. Imagine you are sucking a slice of lemon ... and you will feel the increase of saliva in your mouth. Or imagine your worst fear ... then feel the increase in muscular tension.

In energy psychology, negative emotions and beliefs are considered residual energies that are not innately natural to our systems and are able to be released, allowing a natural flow of life force and positive attitude.

EEG, PET and MRI technology all serve to materially demonstrate the permanence of the effects of energy psychology, through pre and post-session scans.

EFT is only one of the energy psychologies, but the Western father of them all is considered to be TFT (Thought Field Therapy) developed by Dr. Roger Callahan. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is the simplified, user-friendly version of TFT.

TFT was used to treat over 100 victims of ethnic violence in Kosovo in 2000. Out of the 249 memories causing PTSD in these people (rape, torture and seeing family and friends massacred) 247 were successfully treated over a period of a few months. An outstanding result praised by the Chief Medical Officer of Kosovo, Dr. Skkelzen Syla – "... they are still smiling to this day ..."

This highlights a concern often expressed when people see the results of E.P. 'Haven't they just cut off from the experience?' i.e. Are they in some form of denial?

Most definitely not. The traumatic experience is simply left behind, released to the past where it belongs. It no longer sits in the present to be constantly re-lived for no benefit. The negative or traumatic energy is released. The events are now seen in perspective. So when attention is turned to the present, happiness and contentment are again possible.

The best thing about energy psychologies like EFT, is that with them you can do such an enormous amount for yourself. While it's true that deep emotional trauma often needs the assistance of a trained professional to help focus in a balanced and appropriate way, the majority of life-blocking and undermining beliefs can be released through persistent self-practice.

DAVID FEINSTEIN
Psychologist and director of the Energy Medicine Institute.

EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES SITE
Gary Craig – originator of EFT.