The Promise of Energy Psychology
I recently participated in an online writing course and one of the participants was asking me questions about the field of Energy Psychology. Even though this discipline has been in existence for over 20 years it seems that still little is known about it. I was drawn to the field primarily because it seemed to be a bridge between the worlds of science and spirituality, offering practical tools that facilitated healing.
In 2005 David Feinstein, Donna Eden and Gary Craig wrote a book called “The Promise of Energy Psychology”. This a great book for anyone wanting to learn more about Energy Psychology and new ways to facilitate emotional wellness. In one of the chapters, the authors describe how despite the rapid results that many are experiencing, there seems to be slow acceptance in the medical field to learn more about or implement energy healing techniques in medical or professional practices. This is despite the fact that there are now sound scientific studies supporting energy healing tools such as Emotional Freedom Technique, EMDR and other energy modalities.
So, what’s the problem? One of the most fundamental differences between traditional psychotherapy and medical practices and the field of energy psychology stems from a difference in beliefs. One of the main tenets of energy psychology lies in the understanding that “everything is energy”. Consider this quote found in the book:
“The cell is a machine driven by energy. It can thus be approached by studying matter, or by studying energy. In every culture and in every medical tradition before ours, healing was accomplished by moving energy”
– Albert Szent-Gyorgi, Nobel Laureate in Medicine.
Therefore, if we believe that our “problem” be it medical or psychological is something that is fixed or nearly impossible to change then we approach the solution already with this kind of mind set. If you visit a doctor, a psychiatrist or psychologist who holds this view, then they may not be open to tools or understanding of healing that might conflict with their world views. Fortunately, though the field of medicine and psychology is changing. Only a few short years ago, meditation was considered part of the new age movement. Now mindfulness programs can be found in leading training hospitals and universities around the world. Maybe energy medicine is next.
It is important to consider that there is not a one size fits all to healing and there are, of course, some conditions for which energy psychology practices may not be the best. There is always much to learn and understand about the ways that facilitate physical and emotional wellness. The path to healing can also be different for everyone. Moreover, what I am considering is as new advances and scientific discoveries are made then it is up to all of us to be open and educate ourselves before closing our minds and hearts to new possibilities. An integrative approach to our health can only benefit all.
It seems that inherent in our human nature is a part of us that may be slow and reluctant to accept new perspectives that may conflict with what we have always believed, as if we feel that our core identity might be at stake by changing our beliefs. You know that voice that says “who am I if I challenge this belief”? Rather than realising that, in truth, it is in the relinquishing of our old and outdated beliefs that it is possible to create ourselves anew. This is as much true for us as individuals as it is for humanity as a whole.
