Energy Psychology
What Is Energy Psychology?
Energy psychology (EP) is a collection
of mind-body approaches for understanding and improving human
functioning. EP focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions,
sensations, and behaviors, and known bioenergy systems (such as
meridians and the biofield). These systems and processes exist, and
interact, within individuals and between people. They are also
influenced by cultural and environmental factors.
Within an EP
framework, emotional and physical issues are seen, and treated, as
bio-energetic patterns within a mind-body-energy system. The mind and
body are thought to be interwoven and interactive within this
mind-body-energy system, which involves complex communication involving
neurobiological processes, innate electrophysiology,
psychoneuroimmunology (PNI), consciousness, and
cognitive-behavioral-emotional patterns.
The use of EP has
resulted in the development of associated methods and models to treat
psychological and emotional problems, facilitate health and wellbeing,
and improve human performance. These models and methods are usually used
within an integrative or holistic approach to practices such as
psychotherapy, counseling, coaching, integrative medicine, and other
healing modalities.
Applications of Energy Psychology
EP
applications incorporate natural energetic components into the treatment
process that include, but are not limited to, meridians, chakras,
biofields, and bio-electrical and electromagnetic activity of the body,
the nervous system and the heart. EP practitioners often combine
cognitive and physical interventions with activation of one or more of
the human bio-energy systems. Some practitioners focus on the way in
which thought and intention are expressed in the bioenergy system, and
explore the therapeutic value of precise use of language and congruent
intention. EP approaches adapt and integrate easily into most
psychotherapy models, healthcare orientations, and models of performance
enhancement. EP approaches are often exceedingly rapid, have little to
no adverse effects, are usually experienced as self-empowering by
clients and patients, and are easily amenable to self-help protocols.
In
the clinical world, EP models have been beneficially applied to
assessment and treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, pain, stress,
psychophysiological issues, and self-sabotaging behaviors by a broad
range of healthcare providers, to regulate affect and promote emotional
and physical health. Treatment results have been shown to be enduring
and relatively rapid. There are currently over 100 research studies,
including 50 randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in
professional and refereed journals, confirming the treatment value of
EP. Taken as a body of knowledge, these findings suggest that EP meets
the criteria for evidenced-based treatment. In fact, in 2016, TFT
(Thought Field Therapy) was validated by NREPP (the National Repertory
of Evidence Based Practices and Procedures, a division of SAMHSA in the
U.S.) as an evidence-based treatment.
In the coaching and
performance world, EP models have been beneficially applied in many
areas of performance enhancement including sports, education, business,
and lifestyle issues related to weight management, relationships, and
finance.
The Growth of EP: Integrating EP into Multiple Areas of Application
