Energy Psychology Has Helped People Cope with Disasters in More Than 30 Countries

What is it about?

Energy psychology combines the stimulation of acupuncture points (by tapping on them) with conventional therapeutic procedures such as cognitive restructuring and psychological exposure. More than 125 clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of the method with a range of conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The approach has been applied in the wake of natural and human-made disasters in more than 30 countries. This paper outlines four tiers of energy psychology interventions, from immediate relief and stabilization to long-term healing and "post traumatic growth." Reports of the use of energy psychology in various disaster sites include mass shootings, genocide, ethnic warfare, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. These accounts and hundreds of others from the field corroborate one another in terms of rapid relief and long-term benefits. Finally, examples of more efficient delivery methods utilizing large groups, lay counselors, digital technology, and cultivating community resilience are presented.

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Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The number of catastrophic events worldwide -- from earthquakes, floods, and wildfires to industrial accidents, mass shootings, and genocides -- is increasing at a heartbreaking pace. The mental health needs of the survivors of these tragedies are often overlooked, though the impact may be devastating. And even where the mental devastation is recognized, the capacity for providing treatment is often no match for the number of people affected. Energy psychology is a rapid and effective intervention that can be efficiently applied using lay counselors, large groups, digital technology.

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