Is Energy Psychology for You

Is Energy Psychology for You?

Energy Psychology is a relatively new therapeutic technique that can be used for many things, from relieving emotional upsets to eliminating both chronic and acute physical pain.

The term energy psychology was coined to describe a variety of modalities which operate from the same basic premise - all negative emotions are caused by an imbalance in a person’s energy system. By thinking about the issue to be treated and then stimulating certain pressure points (via tapping, pressure, intention), quite often the issue dissolves.

Dr. Roger Callahan is acknowledged as the pioneer for this work. He developed what is now known as Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in the early 80s. At the time, Dr. Callahan had been practicing traditional psychotherapy for 30 years and was known as one of the best in his field.

During a routine session with a client suffering from a water phobia, the client mentioned that when she thought of water she became nauseated. Dr. Callahan, who had also studied acupuncture, asked her to gently tap on the meridian point used in acupuncture to relieve nausea. In doing so, not only did her nausea diminish, but her anxiety related to water was greatly reduced.

This finding led to a five-year period of intensive research and experimenting. The results - tapping sequences that could be used to eliminate many emotional upsets including depression, traumas, grief, phobias, addictions, and other serious problems. The success rate using Dr. Callahan’s method ranges from 80% to 95%.

One of Dr. Callahan’s students, Gary Craig, developed an extension of this work which he calls Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Craig created one basic tapping “recipe” that works for a variety of issues.

Craig has demonstrated that his “one recipe for everything” method works equally as well, and the basics can be taught to clients for use in their daily lives. Craig’s techniques can be used in one-on-one therapy sessions or can easily be utilized in groups. In group sessions, participants work on their own issues at the same time and the results can be quite amazing.

Another powerful technique developed by an acupuncturist, Tapas Flemming is called the Tapas Acupressure Techniques or (TAT). This eight step process works as the client holds two main acupressure points while focusing on various phrases that the practitioner says at each step. This technique works well to uncover the hidden causes of many emotional upsets. This may be a thought or feeling that the client is not consciously aware of that drives the emotion.

TFT, EFT and TAT are three of the more well-known and practiced techniques in the rapidly growing area of energy psychology. Many practitioners will use more than one method and quite often will develop their own blend of methods to best suit their style and the client’s needs.