Power therapies

Power Therapy (also known as alphabet therapies) is a term applied to a set of therapies, usually for treating anxiety and trauma, that proponents say are at the cutting edge of psychiatry and psychology because of a stated efficacy and efficiency in being superior to traditional treatments ^[1]. Examples of such treatments are: Thought Field Therapy (TFT; Callahan, 1995; Gallo, 1995), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT; Craig, 1997), Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR; Gerbode, 1985, 1995), and VKD (Visual–Kinesthetic Dissociation), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR; Shapiro, 2001).

The term power therapies has fallen into disuse, although the specific therapies have continued. EMDR is the most highly researched, and has been accepted by the U.S. Veterns Administration and used in mainstream psychotherapy. The student of these therapies will find it interesting to note what these therapies have in common, and whether they are commonalities because they constitute what professor Charles Figley has referred to as "active ingredients." (Gallo, 1995; Yourell, 2005) VKD which was derived from Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) has not been presented for peer reviewed research^[1] but continues to be taught in workshops and used in psychotherapy.

As the early skepticism regarding EMDR has waned in the face of research, interest has moved to gaining more knowledge of what conditions can be treated and under what conditions rapid results are most likely to occur. Generally, those involved in the therapies addressed in this topic believe that rapid results are most likely for single incidents of trauma where problems such as developmental issues (problems affecting development during childhood), personality disorders, serious mental illnesses, and drug addiction are not highly involved. However, some of these approaches have worked to address issues other than basic trauma.

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History

Power therapies were developed through the early 1970s, became more popular in the 1980s and have diverged and merged into a set of therapies run by various, usually commercial, bodies. Each of these therapies has slightly different approaches. They generally incorporate some kind of exposure to a negative emotional state or memories, and involve a procedure that elicits a more positive or relaxed state. Some use eye movements, and some use the tapping of energy meridians.

Specific approaches

Power therapies follow an eclectic approach, drawing from a wide variety of sources. The meridian based power therapies tend to be used in combination with traditional eastern philosophies or approaches, though their use of the term "energy" is often mixed with modern notions of quantum physics. Thus often vitalistic in nature, the theories proposed to support and guide power therapies tend to have a New age following.

Scientific testing

To date there is little evidence for the efficacy several of these power therapies. The EMDR Institute maintains a thorough list of research studies on EMDR (EMDR Institute, 2007). The empirical or controlled studies on some power therapies that have been conducted have tended to indicate non-specific effects such as placebo (Herbert et al 2000). However, the issues concerning research involve some controversies not addressed in this article.

Criticism

According to Singer and Lalich (1997:167) the methods are spread using several techniques. “One is to start a certification program soon after conjuring up a new procedure” and “another is to seduce customers with rash promises and endorsements from acolytes and sycophants.” Singer and Lalich (1997:195) advise that if your therapist is saying “I don’t understand it but it sure does work” your possibly in for trouble. Or if he’s answering your questions with a lot of jargon you don’t understand, insist on straightforward explanations. Or is she’s telling you that its tried and true, do some independent research and find out what the critics are saying”. “In many cases such fad therapies are promoted by people who are (1) imposing an agenda that may not fit your needs and (2) abandoning testing and science. Well meaning as they may be, remember, its your emotions and your pocketbook that are being played with”.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Grant J. Devilly (2005) Power Therapies and possible threats to the science of psychology and psychiatry Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol.39 p.437

• Callahan, R. (1995, August). A thought field therapy (TFT) algorithm for trauma: A reproducible experiment in psychotherapy. Paper presented at the 105th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, New York, NY.
• Craig, G. (Producer, 1997). Six days at the VA: Using emotional freedom therapy [videotape]. (Available from Gary Craig, 1102 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94947)
• Devilly, G, D. (2005) Power Therapies and possible threats to the science of psychology and psychiatry Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Vol.39 p.437
• EMDR Institute (2007) References. http://www.emdr.com/refs.htm
• Figley, C. R. (1995, July). T & r: Thought field therapy [Electronic mail posting]. traumatic-stress@netcom.com
• Figley, C. R. (1997, December). The active ingredients of the Power Therapies. Paper presented at the Conference for the Integrative and Innovative Use of EMDR, TFT, EFT, Advanced NLP, and TIR, Lakewood, CO.
• Gallo, F. P. (1996) Reflections on Active Ingredients in Efficient Treatments of PTSD. Electronic Journal of Traumatology, Part I: http://www.fsu.edu/~trauma/art2v2i1.html , Part II: http://www.fsu.edu/~trauma/art2v2i2.html
• Gerbode, F. (1985). Beyond psychology: An introduction to meta-psychology. Palo Alto, CA: IRM press.
• Gerbode, F. (1995, May). Presentation on traumatic incident reduction. Paper presented at the Active Ingredients in Efficient Treatments of PTSD Conference, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
• Herbert, J.D. Lilienfeld, S.O. (2000) Science and pseudoscience in the development of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: implications for clinical psychology Clinical Psychology Review, Vol. 20, No. 8, pp. 945–971, 2000
• Rosen, G. M., Lohr, J. M., McNally, R. J., & Herbert, J. D. (1998). Power therapies, miraculous claims, and cures that fail. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 26, 97–99.
• Shapiro, F. (2001) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Second Edition: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. The Guilford Press; 2 edition.
• Singer, Margaret & Janja Lalich (1997). Crazy Therapies: What Are They? Do They Work?. Jossey Bass, p167-195. ISBN 0787902780.
• Yourell, R. A. (2005) Charles Figley, Ph.D. on History and Active Ingredients of the Power Therapies, Streaming audio of a moving and informative talk by Dr. Charles Figley on EMDR and other approaches to trauma therapy. http://www.psychinnovations.com/figley_pttalk.htm