Intro to Energy Psychology Methods

Energy Psychology is a collective term used to refer to a variety of mind-body approaches, energy techniques, processes, methods, and therapies that work with selected aspects of the human energy system. These aspects are called the meridians, acupoints, radiant circuits, energy centers, and the biofield. 

Energy Psychology (EP) methods look at and seek to address imbalances within the client’s energy system, as well as the energetic influence of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions on the body. EP is designed to enhance therapeutic outcomes for clients. The theory of EP is that the flow and balance of the body’s electromagnetic and more subtle energies are important for physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health, and for fostering well-being.  EP methods are designed to facilitate whole-person health and restore balance.

In studies, EP methods have been shown to decrease anxiety and stress, reduce pain and increase feelings of balance, relaxation and calm. EP methods can be used for mental health and wellness, psychological disorders and can also be used as coaching techniques.

EP is all natural, too. It’s a holistic remedy that utilizes that human body’s incredible and natural ability to self-heal and balance. Here’s a quote from ACEP home page about it:

The Benefits

While EP methods are still considered evidenced-informed, studies have shown that they can provide beneficial results in the treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, pain and more. Here’s a quick but not comprehensive list of benefits seen in studies. 

EP may help to:

• Reduce anxiety
• Decrease depressive symptoms
• Reduce pain
• Relieve stress
• Regulate affect
• Promote emotional health
• Promote physical health

EP methods appear to have promising mental, spiritual, and physical health benefits, and there is a growing amount of academic, scientific research in the U.S. and abroad that indicates they are an effective group of methods that is evidence-supported.

This said they have yet to be fully researched by the Western academic, medical, and psychological communities. Therefore, they may be considered experimental.  In addition, because EP methods are relatively new healing approaches, the extent of their effectiveness, as well as their risks and benefits, are not fully known.  Please be advised that EP methods are self-regulated and they are considered alternative or complementary to the healing arts that are licensed in the United States.

The EP program curriculum is through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP).   ACEP offers certification for both licensed professionals and other people interested in incorporating these holistic and natural healing methods into their work and lives.  Continuing education units (CEUs) are available as ACEP is an American Psychological Association (APA) Approved sponsor of continuing professional education for psychologists, counselors and other mental health professionals. Here's the APA's website where ACEP is listed under Pennsylvania on the APA.org approved sponsors page.

Research on Energy Psychology

The methods that comprise EP have been around for more forty years. There have been over 80 articles published. In the world of research, this is a limited amount of evidence. Interestingly, to quote ACEP.org Quick Facts sheet:

There are over 400 identified forms of psychotherapy, most of which have little or no research to validate them.  Energy psychology is both evidence-supported and in the top 10% in terms of research for psychotherapy modalities.

That said, research continues to grow which adds to the evidence. At the present time, NREPP and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the U.K. is reviewing EFT.  Stay tuned for more.

The information on this EP page comes from my direct experience with EP as well as ACEP, a non-profit organization. You can find more information about ACEP and the state of research on EP at http://www.energypsych.org and http://www.energypsych.org/research

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Lucrezia Mangione is a board certified licensed professional counselor, board certified telemental health provider, neurofeedback trainer, sensitive coach, and approved counselor supervisor. View her profile. She is the owner of Mind Body Well Therapy, Pllc.