A Brief Description of Power Therapies

Compiled By Philip Friedman, Ph.D

Editor's Note: These are the the official descriptions of the: Energy Field and Power Therapy (tm) electronic study group list i.e EFPT (tm). EFPT (tm) is founded and moderated by Philip H. Friedman, Ph.D (shown in left column).

Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) is highly systematic, non-judgmental, focused method for reducing or eliminating the effects of trauma and related negative emotions or unwanted attitudes. In TIR, the client repeatedly reviews a traumatic incident, first going through it silently from beginning to end, then reporting what happened, until a point of resolution or "end point" for that incident is achieved. As needed, the client may is guided in addressing one or more earlier, similar incidents to achieve an end point.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a systematic method of treating psychological distress using the energy meridians of the body. The client is asked to think about (or get in touch with) the problem (e.g, anxiety, anger, guilt, phobia, trauma, depression, panic, etc.) and then tap several times in a precise sequence on specific acupuncture points at various places on the body. Usually the client is also asked to hum a tune, count out loud, move their eyes in various directions and repeat certain affirmations while tapping and thinking about the distressing emotion.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a comprehensive method for treating trauma and anxiety related disorders. EMDR combines imaginal exposure, cognitive restructuring and self-control techniques into specific structured protocols that are modified to meet the unique needs of each client. EMDR treatment also involves having the client focus on an external stimulus such as a) frequent back and forth finger movements b) alternating sound or c) handtapping, while the client is focused on the source of some emotional distress.

Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) is a systematic technique for reducing traumatic/emotional distress and allergies. In TAT the client puts their attention on the emotional distress/trauma. Then using 3 fingers with one hand the client applies very gentle pressure to 3 acupressure points near the eyes and the forehead while placing the other hand on the back of the head (acupressure "pose") Subsequent steps include making a positive statement about the problem, asking about the origins of the problem and asking about where the problem is stored in one's body or life.

(I want to thank Fred Gallo, Loretta Sparks, Andrew Leeds, Frank Gerbode and Tapas Fleming for their input into these versions of the definitions. The current definitions, however, are my own. They have been developed to be understandable by a layperson and to be as free of all theoretical statements, claims and benefits as possible i.e. they are designed as much as possible to briefly describe the technique as a camera would see it. Phil)

Philip Friedman, Ph.D
Exec. Director: Foundation for Well-Being
P.O. Box 627
Plymouth Meeting, Pa. 19462
610-828-4674