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Energy Psychology

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Energy Psychology studies the effects of bioenergy systems on emotions and behavior. These systems include, but are not limited to the electrical activity of the nervous system, acupuncture meridians, biofields (i.e., auras), and morphic resonance. Energy Psychology holds that while psychological functioning in general as well as psychological disturbances involve hormonal, neurochemical, cognitive and situational aspects, at a fundamental level bioenergetic substrates significantly account for behavior. Energy psychology appears to be applicable to a wide area of study including psychopathology, psychotherapy, education, vocational guidance, physical health, sports and peak performance.

Energy psychotherapy or therapy includes approaches to treatment that address bioenergy systems in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological problems. In addition to involving standard therapeutic elements such as discussion, these therapies involve procedures that precisely address the underlying energetic aspects of the psychological problem through processes such as having the client touch or tap on specific meridian acupoints, maintaining certain body postures, etc. Many proponents of energetic approaches also attend to the interrelationship of bioenergy and consciousness, thought, intentionality, and spirituality. Energy therapy tends to achieve observable and measurable results rapidly and generally without causing undue emotional distress in the process. Energy therapy has been found to be clinically effective in the areas of anxiety disorders, phobias, addictions, anger, trauma/PTSD, depression, guilt, physical pain, and peak performance enhancement. Energetic techniques are also often integrated with other psychotherapeutic approaches.

For more information see "Energy Psychology: Explorations at the Interface of Energy, Cognition, Behavior and Health" by Fred P. Gallo, Ph.D. (CRC Press/St. Lucie, 1998). Also see Dr. Gallo's web site at www.energypsych.com.