Psychoanalytic Energy Psychotherapy (PEP)'PEP is about listening, energetically as well as psychologically, intervening (again energetically as well as psychologically), then listening, observing and enquiring for the response.' (Mollon 2009)
From the school of Energy Psychology Phil Mollon (clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and psychotherapist) has developed 'Psychoanalytic Energy Psychotherapy'. In my work (and my daily life) I integrate a range of PEP techniques, including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which are simple non-invasive forms of 'tapping', on particular points of the body. Specific tapping patterns can prove very helpful in a number of situations, e.g. reduction of anxiety or stress and lessening of physical pain. Energy techniques can also be very useful in helping individuals reduce cravings e.g. chocolate, cigarettes etc.
In a session we might go through the process of tapping together while addressing a particular issue you are bringing. For example if you were very anxious about a forthcoming meeting, or presentation then we might 'tap' on that specific anxiety, with the aim of reducing the feelings you were experiencing.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)Francine Shapiro developed Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Initially it was used specifically to relieve the distressing effects of trauma and traumatic memories. It has been used successfully with Vietnam Veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently named it as a treatment of choice for people suffering from PTSD.
EMDR involves asking the person to focus on the disturbing experience or memory and at the same time follow therapist-directed eye movements. Although eye movements are most frequently used to process memories and experiences, EMDR can be used with bilateral sounds, or hand tapping.
By asking the person to undertake this experience it is believed that the brain is stimulated to assimilate the disturbing event. As a result the effects of the trauma can be significantly reduced.
In my practice I work with clients using a range of PEP techniques alongside EMDR, within an integrative approach.
