Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy [Hardcover]

Fred P. Gallo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Norton energy psychology series | Publication Date: September 2002

This is the first book to provide a complete overview of the burgeoning field of energy psychology.

Fred Gallo, the originator of energy diagnostic and treatment methods (EDxTM), has gathered here a stellar group of major participants in the energy field, and the wide-ranging chapters cover enormous ground.

Gallo's introduction discusses a paradigm shift, rooted in physics, that views psychological function and dysfunction from the standpoint of bioenergy factors. This new view challenges prevalent psychological theories that focus on behavioral, cognitive, neurological, systemic, or chemical parameters to the exclusion of the underlying energetic component. This graceful introduction lays the ground for all the chapters that follow.

Part One provides an overview of the major approaches to energy psychology and covers thought field therapy; energy diagnostic and treatment methods; the Tapas acupressure technique and its roots in energy healing in traditional Chinese medicine and yoga; Judith Swack's holistic system that simultaneously addresses the somatic, psychological, and spiritual aspects of an issue; and Larry Nims's BE SET FREE FAST, which has transitioned from meridian tapping to a method that simply uses a cue word or phrase to promote healing. Also discussed are Seemorg matrix work, which synthesizes energy psychology, trauma work, analytical psychology, self psychology, and spiritual principles; and dynamic energetic healing, which combines meridian therapies, manual muscle testing, and regression to the energetic origins of a client's issue. Part Two covers integrative approaches that combine modalities into a unified plan. These include the integration of biofield and chakra concepts, the use of hypnotic language and techniques, and the use of EMDR.

Part Three takes the reader into the session, as clinicians present theories in the context of specific cases and presenting problems. Here, contributors discuss issues such as eating disorders, phobias, traumas, and various other psychological maladies. In the final part of the book, contributors propose highly speculative and creative ideas about the relationship of psychological issues and the possibilities of energy healing. Here, contributors write about behavioral kinesiology and neuropsychological research; galvanic skin response for the exploration and observation of feelings; and the reorganization of energy patterns via psychotherapeutic interventions.

This book is a bold effort to bridge gaps between mind and body, between matter and energy, and between theoretical solutions and the findings of established science. Whether you are a clinician well-versed in energy psychology and want to learn more about a new system, or whether you are new to the whole field, you are certain to find valuable information and insights here.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Fred P. Gallo, Ph.D., clinical psychologist, is a pioneer in energy psychology and has been training professionals since 1980. He is the founder of energy diagnostic and treatment methods (EDxTM) and is also the author of Energy Psychology and Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Methods (Norton, 2000), coauthor of Energy Tapping and The Neurophysics of Human Behavior, and the editor of the Norton Energy Psychology Series.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393703460
• ISBN-13: 978-0393703467
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,318,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Since 1974, I've been a practicing clinical psychologist, although I became passionate about the mind, psychology and hypnosis during my teenage years. In 1968, I graduated from Duquesne University with undergraduate study in philosophy and psychology. The day after graduation, I suffered a severe automobile accident and had a near-death experience. (For many years after the accident I experienced frequent panic attacks, which I eventually overcame without formal therapy.) After recovering from injuries and a spleenectomy, I took a job teaching English, French, theater and civics to 8th graders at a parocial school in Pittsburgh. During that time, I discovered the therapeutic value of acting for several of my students. In 1969, I also attended graduate school in philosophy. After traveling the United States and working as a counselor for several years, I completed graduate training in clinical psychology and child development, receiving an MA from the University of Dayton and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. I also completed postgraduate study at Kent State University and Youngstown State University. My clinical psychology internship was at Dayton Mental Health Center. Before entering private practice, I worked in the fields of juvenile corrections, mental retardation, learning disabilities, child welfare, vocational rehabilitation, chemical dependency, and I also taught briefly at Penn State University. I have been on staff at hospitals since 1980, consulting with physicians about the care of patients. I have been a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA) since the mid 1970s. Since its inception, I have been an advisory board member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) and have been a frequent presenter at ACEP Conferences.

Since 1993, I have written and presented extensively on Energy Psychology. Besides numerous manuals, journal articles and book chapters, I've published 8 books. I named and introduced the field in my 1998 book, Energy Psychology. Next followed Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Methods in 2000; The Neurophysics of Human Behavior (Furman & Gallo 2000); Energy Tapping (Gallo & Vincenzi, 2000); and an edited volume, Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy in 2002. My sixth book is the 2005 second edition of Energy Psychology, a revision with expanded chapters and extensive information on energy psychology research, treatment approaches, and resources. The seventh book is Energy Tapping for Trauma (2007). And the eighth is the second expanded edition of Energy Tapping in 2008. I've also published numerous manuals on energy psychology, Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Methods (EDxTM(tm)), and Energy Consciousness Therapy (ECT(tm)) in English, German, Finnish, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, and Swedish. So far several of my books have been translated into German and Spanish. I also published an audiotape and CD on the Healing Energy Light Process (HELP(tm)) and a DVD covering several techniques from Energy Tapping for Trauma. You can read about these books, manuals, and the audiotape at my website www.energypsych.com/. I'm also pleased that many of my students in the USA and Europe have published successful books on Energy Psychology.

I have been studying and practicing various approaches to psychological treatment since the early 1960's. In the early 1980's, I began offering and since 1993 I have been offering training internationally in Energy Psychology. Since that time I have trained thousands of professionals in my methods.

I've established two free email lists: the EnerGym Forum, which focuses on a variety of energy-based and therapeutic topics available to anyone interested in such topics; and the EDxTM Forum, which offers ongoing support for Energy Psychology and EDxTM professionals. Information on participation in these lists can be obtained by going contacting [e-mail]. You can directly subscribe to EnerGym at [e-mail]/.

In addition to writing and training professionals, I maintain a clinical practice in Hermitage, PA--Gallo & Associates--which offers services to adults, adolescents, and children. I am also on staff at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) at Horizon and the Children's Aid Society of Mercer County.

Carolyn and I live in beautiful New Wilmington, PA--Amish country. Our home is situated on 11 acres with horse barn, run-in, pasture, pond, and guest house. We enjoy the company of horses (Styles et al.), four cats (Q, Sam, Casey & Mel), several fish in an aquarium (not formally christened), and who knows how many fish and turtles in the pond (not sure of their names), plenty of "visiting" Canada geese, mallards, cranes, turkeys, barn swallows, deer, ground hogs, squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks (don't know their names either). Most importantly, we have the privilege of three wonderful and cherished daughters (Aimee, Amy, and Pamela), their loving husbands, our 14-year-old granddaughter (Hanna), two 6-year old grandsons (Aidan and Michael) and a 4-year old grandson (Ryan). Although we have our share of trials and tribulations (don't we all), life has been very good--actually quite remarkable!

Warmly wishing you the best of health and happiness,

Fred

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic Forever, November 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy (Hardcover)

This book brings the field of Energy Psychology all together, with chapters by major contributors to the field. If you want to know what these approches to therapy are about, this is the book to read and enjoy: one-stop shopping. The editor's (Gallo) introduction places the field in context and nicely sets the tone for the rest of the book. Then an amazing assortment of chapters follows on the major approaches, integrating Energy Psychology with EMDR and hypnosis, biofeedback, etc.

11 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pseudoscience and delusions, September 7, 2005

By 

DrLee "DrLee" (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy (Hardcover)

After close examination of this text, I conclude that from a Chinese/western medical perspective that this book is an attempt to make pseudoscience look convincing in order to support the marketing campaign of the authors. From a position of Chinese medicine and medical physiology expertise, they have failed.

Energy therapy is based largely on false assumptions about the brain. It uses a "thought field" approach as the main background theory. However, thought fields do not exist. The book explains energy as in positive or negative terms. However there are no physical similarities or correlates between normal energy and thought energy. Any physics scholar will know that energy does not work that way. There are know known physical correlates with new age notions of thought energy. The book makes feeble attempts to argue for the existence of these spurious and non recordable energy fields.

It steers clear of paranormal claims that are usually associated with energy medicine, but it is still pseudoscience

Qi is more accurately conceptualized as a philosophy, not a science, and its physical existence is not empirically supported. The book is completely unconvincing in arguing otherwise. In addition, they note that while acupuncture, a procedure used to correct the flow of chi, has been shown to provide some minor analgesic effects, its utility has not been demonstrated for treating illnesses or diseases. Chinese medicine uses a combination of treatments that work together.

The authors' proposed mechanisms of action are all spurious pseudoscience. There are simpler far more plausible reasons that may explain the few cases of success with the energy therapies techniques. These include placebo effects resulting from the mere expectation for improvement, demand characteristics, therapist enthusiasm and support, therapist-client alliance, and effort justification (i.e., the tendency to report positive changes in order to justify the effort exerted), and psychological manipulations such as distraction, suggestion, acceptance, and dissociation. These reasons are dismissed by the author, in preference for erroneous notions about meridians, thought energy, and the flow of Qi. The authors even claim that when the techniques fail it is because a negative person has "undone" them.

Considering that these techniques may potentially distract the patient's attention away from a serious illness such as cancer, and that the energy therapists in general do not cater for this eventuality, sensible consumers need to think more than twice before embarking on this pseudoscientific treatment. The book may convince you to open your mind for a while. However, please do not be so open minded that your brain falls out.

Regards
Dr Lee

1 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars There's a sucker born every minute., November 18, 2008

By 

Roger Carlson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Energy Psychology in Psychotherapy (Hardcover)

The authors provide no evidence or support of any kind for their speculations, which could be very harmful if people follow their suggestions. It is sad that there are so many disreputable people who write books on fantasy topics like "energy healing" just to make money. Have they no sense of morality? Do they believe their own hype? Can they not find any more useful and ethical way to earn a living?