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Woo-Woo Gets Cred

Susan Newman

Dec 31, 2020

The Science of Energy Psychology

About 23 years ago, I witnessed the most profound healing of a loved one through energy work, similar to my current protocols. This was a crystalizing event for me, and it catapulted me into my energy practice. At some point, I will write about the details of this awe-inspiring experience as well as others. 

When I first learned this work, I couldn’t get over how profoundly impactful it was for myself, my family, and my first clients. But I kept it on the “down-low” because it seemed a little woo-woo and wasn’t the kind of thing in which a suburban homemaker (at least in my neck of the woods) involved herself. But I couldn’t help myself; I was compelled. My clients found me through word of mouth, but few came from my personal circles or even knew of my burgeoning practice. 

One time at a ladies’ party, one of the leaders in the community, a lovely, talented, out-spoken acquaintance, approached me saying, “I’ve heard from the grapevine that you are doing some sort of...um...I don't know...work that I’ve never heard of. Can you explain it to me?” 

I would have expected myself to constrict with panic, stumble over my words, and brush it off or change the subject to avoid the proverbial “stink-eye.” But with unexpected calm candor, words of eloquence and precision flowed from my lips that seemed not to come from me. More and more ladies began to gather round; my inexplicable poise remained undaunted as I continued. When I finished, buoyed by the profundity of the explanation that came through me, I was confident I had established a reasonable baseline of conceptual understanding. I felt at peace. The questioner held her arms out wide and exclaimed that she had a VERY large radar screen...but she was sorry because this just wasn’t on it. Instantly, everyone scattered; I suppose to avoid witnessing my embarrassment. I wasn’t embarrassed, though. My only regret was I was unable to say, “Try moving your radar detector in a different direction.” 

That was a long time ago, and since then, science continues to validate this work. It’s become more commonplace, utilized by the mainstream, and in conjunction with allopathic medicine. Many forms of energy work are available under the umbrella of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). My practice is most aligned with the specific field of Energy Psychology (EP). According to ACEP (Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology), 

Energy psychology (EP) is a family of integrative approaches to psychotherapy, coaching, and healthcare treatment rooted in mind-body healing traditions that are up to 5,000 years old. EP methods blend the bio-energetic insights of these traditions with the best of contemporary psychological practice and have been refined through 35 years of modern clinical experience with millions of clients throughout the world.

Energy psychology gently and swiftly releases traumatic events that are frozen in time in the body-mind system. These events can negatively influence how a person sees the world, experiences and regulates emotion and relates to other people.

Embracing what modern physicists and ancient wisdom traditions know, energy psychology acknowledges the role of bio-energetic systems within and between people as important determinants of health and well-being, illness and pathology.

Energy psychology practitioners combine cognitive interventions (including focused awareness and mindfulness, imaginal exposure to traumatic memories and cognitive reframing) simultaneously with the stimulation of one or more of the human bio-energy systems such as meridians, chakras and biofields.

This powerful combination facilitates rapid positive change and optimal psychotherapeutic outcomes and is aligned with the latest findings from neuroscience and traumatology. With over 50 research studies to date, EP meets the criteria to be designated as evidence-based treatment. 

Quick Facts Regarding the Science Behind Energy Psychology

Over 200 review articles, research studies and meta-analyses have been published in professional, peer-reviewed journals. This includes:
  •  65 randomized controlled trials
  •  50 clinical outcome studies (all except one of the above 115 studies document EP effectiveness)
  •  5 meta-analyses
  •  4 systematic reviews of EP modalities
  •  9 comparative reviews (EP and other therapies) (all reviews document EP effectiveness)

The evidence base for energy psychology continues to grow in quantity and quality (methodological rigor). And multiple research studies document the efficacy of EP methods for:
  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Food cravings
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Peak athletic performance
There are over 400 identified forms of psychotherapy, many of which have little or no research to validate them. Energy psychology is both evidence-based and in the top 10% in terms of published research for psychotherapy modalities. 

Visit energypsych.org/research to view and access a comprehensive list of studies.

This spring I will be embarking on my own research in the field. I will keep you apprised as I firm up my plans, as I may be offering a program or service to be tested in my research. Stay tuned!

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