Energy Psychology

Energy psychology is a term that was coined in the last 15 years or so by the psychologist Dr. Fred Gallo Energypsych (see his definition/explanation here: what-is-energy-psychology) . It is currently loosely used to refer to a broad spectrum of approaches and techniques that have a core feature in common that distinguishes them from most other psychological/psychotherapeutic approaches and techniques: psychological issues are seen as involving both our mental and physical energy systems (electromagnetic fields, meridians, chakras, etc.) and are treated at least partly with interventions focused directly on one or another of those energetic systems.

Energy psychology is a very new field. Many clinicians, including psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and physicians as well as body-oriented therapists, have adopted these techniques because they have found them highly effective and efficient within their practices. However, these techniques do not, at this point, have wide support in the field of psychology. There is growing research to support these ideas and the application of these techniques (see Energypsych Research Landing)   however, considerably more is needed to convince the field of Psychology at large.

I have found these types of techniques very effective for anxiety, phobias, trauma (and posttraumatic stress) as well as for changing long-standing patterns of reaction, of thoughts, and of feeling. When thinking about and talking about issues and problems does not lead to successful resolution and change, these techniques are very effective at getting below the surface of conscious, rational, thought to get to the "root of the matter", and to bring effective change.

They are “user-friendly,” emotional self-calming techniques; they are also very effective in "coaching," to dissolve blocks and limitations to desired outcomes. I have also found them exceptionally effective for Trauma Therapy. You may have heard of the most commonly used of these Energy Psychology techniques, called EFT; it is often referred to as "Tapping". Many people like these interventions because they often provide tangible results quickly, and they reduce the need to "go over and over" the issues and/ or to relive difficult emotions. Some people learn to use them on their own, both to help the counselling or therapy process, and beyond, into everyday life.

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