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Obtaining "informed
consent" is one of the most fundamental procedures for protecting a client’s
rights. Informed consent means that prior to establishing a therapeutic relationship, the
potential client has been provided with enough information to make a reasonable
determination about whether to accept the recommended treatment. This information includes
the procedures and goals of the psychotherapy; the qualifications of and approach used by
the therapist; warnings about possible side effects; information about fees, length and
frequency of sessions, and likely duration of treatment; alternative therapeutic
approaches; and potential sources of help besides psychotherapy. Essential for informed
consent are that the client be able to understand this information and be able to freely
choose whether to proceed with the treatment. Having the client sign a statement early in
(or prior to) the treatment is one of the ways that informed consent can be obtained.
Some practitioners of energy psychology take the position that since
details about specific procedures are not usually included in the written informed consent
statements used by most clinicians, they are not necessary or appropriate within energy
psychology. Because the treatment techniques are often complex and unfamiliar, they do not
always lend themselves well to a brief written statement. These practitioners obtain
informed consent verbally, often while providing hands-on demonstrations of the methods.
Other practitioners do incorporate descriptions of their approach to energy psychology
into their written statements. Following is a sample informed consent statement you might
consider as a model: |
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Sample
Informed Consent Form
For Energy Psychology Practitioners |
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INTRODUCTION |
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The following is an
Informed Consent Form developed by psychologist Douglas J. Moore, Ph.D. Dr. Moore, who
practices with Mosaics Integrated Health in Cleveland, Ohio, can be contacted at DougJMoore@aol.com or 216-524-7772.
While you are advised to have an attorney
who knows the specific laws in your state and for your profession review any consent form
you might utilize, the following was reviewed for Dr. Moore by attorneys Eric Harris of
the American Psychological Association Insurance Trust in Chicago, Illinois, and Glenn
Karr of Columbus, Ohio, who specializes in defending psychologists against charges from
the Ohio Psychology Licensing Board. Both attorneys judged this to be a strong
statement that should stand up to any scrutiny. Mr. Harris advised that the APA
Insurance Trust would defend Dr. Moore with such a document. A third attorney who reviewed
the document, Jan Willard, was concerned that it contains so much information that it
might be overwhelming to some clients and suggested that a briefer form be created,
followed by supplementary pages that include non-essential discussion of the theoretical
material. In addition, Dr. Moore integrates methods from Energy Medicine as well as from
Energy Psychology into his practice as a psychologist and a life-coach. Therefore, the
following includes sections you might not find necessary, such as the discussion of subtle
energies and the mention of muscle testing. You are free to change the form to meet your
particular needs. You will need to find your own balance between truly informing clients
and protecting yourself, while not overwhelming them in the process.
Gratitude is extended to David Feinstein,
Ph.D., for reviewing and offering suggestions for the final draft. Appreciation goes to
several Associates of Mosaics Integrated Health who reviewed earlier drafts: Nancy Rubel,
Ph.D., Janel Volk Hubbard, OTR/L, LPCC, Sue Stewart-Palmisano, LPCC, LICDC, and Kathleen
Corcoran, Ph.D. Comments by Larry Stoler, Ph.D., President of ACEP, were also appreciated. |
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LETTERHEAD
Informed Consent for Energy
Psychology
(Revised 3/22/06)
[[Therapist’s
Name]]
As part of my psychotherapy
practice, I incorporate methodologies that appear to have promising mental health benefits
but have yet to be fully researched by the academic community. This informed consent will
provide you with some basic information about one of those methods called Energy
Psychology, and how it is an option in our work together. We can discuss any aspect of
this consent, and you are under no obligation to agree to these methods. The prevailing
premise of Energy Psychology is that the flow and balance of the body’s
electromagnetic and more subtle energies are important for physical and emotional health,
and there are energy-based methods that help in fostering that well-being.
There appears to be an interactive effect among the following:
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- Electromagnetic & Subtle Energies
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These influence each other and each may promote health and
well-being. The relationship you have to others, your community, the environment, and
spirituality may also impact your health and well-being. Your therapy may focus on any
combination of these in order to most effectively help you obtain your goals.
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| What
is Subtle Energy? |
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| The relevance and interactive effect among all these aspects has been
researched from the Western scientific perspective, except for the role of subtle energy.
You may have heard of subtle energy through such terms as life force, chi, meridians,
chakras, biofields, or auras. These energies are called "subtle" because they
are not easily detectable and scientists have not been able to develop instruments to
reliably measure them. However, many people for centuries and across cultures have
described seeing or feeling subtle energies to varying degrees.
Measurable energies are the fabric of our existence.
Electrical, chemical, and nuclear energies are some of the more common forms of measurable
energy with which we are familiar. For example, doctors measure electromagnetic fields or
energies of the body through EKGs, EEGs, and MRIs. These measurable energies are clearly
an important part of our everyday health and well-being.
Physicists have been dramatically changing our
understanding of energy. For example, Einstein proposed that all mass is comprised of
energy. That is, all "solid" objects, including our bodies, are comprised of
molecules in constant motion that can be influenced by outside forces. Despite the
advancement of physics, we still don’t understand certain ever- present fields of
energy, such as gravity. Much remains to be learned about the energetic functioning of our
world and universe.
Subtle energy is one of those forms of energy still
being explored. It can be considered part of the ever-present energy from which all matter
is derived, in the sense of Einstein’s E=mc2, i.e., matter is a form of
energy. Some scientists believe our physical bodies emerge from a field of subtle
energies. In many healing traditions, the "life force" that distinguishes life
from death is understood as involving the presences of subtle energies. Energy Psychology
suggests that by promoting balance and flow in these fields of subtle energy, the health
of the body is enhanced.
Despite not fully understanding the nature of subtle
energy, there are numerous methods designed to influence these energy systems such as
acupuncture, yoga, acupressure, Reiki, and tai chi, to name just a few. Many Asian
cultures have studied these energies and methods for centuries and have successfully
applied them to both physical and emotional health (e.g., Deadman et.al., 1998).
Subtle energy is being taken more seriously in this
country. Many hospitals in the United States now include methods (e.g., Reiki and
acupuncture) to help with the healing of a variety of conditions. Further investigation is
being conducted by the U.S. National Institute of Health through a center of research
called The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Their report on
Energy Medicine indicated that western science has not validated the 2,000 years of subtle
energy practice, but they have cited some promising studies that warrant further
investigation. Another example of the increased professional interest in subtle energy is
the formation of an organization for psychotherapists, the Association for Comprehensive
Energy Psychology (ACEP), whose annual conference brings in hundreds of therapists from
around the world. Their web site (www.energypsych.org)
has up-to- date research articles on the role of such energies in psychotherapy. |
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| Role
of Subtle Energies in Psychotherapy |
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| Energy Psychology is based on the premise that by affecting electromagnetic
and more subtle energies there can be a shift in emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. There
are a variety of methods that appear to have an impact on subtle energies. The most common
method is based on the ancient principles of acupuncture. It is a simple procedure that
gently balances the energies without the discomfort of needles. Clients recall a
troublesome thought or feeling and are taught which traditional acupuncture points on
their body to stimulate through tapping, rubbing, or holding (rather than using needles).
The stimulation of such points, sometimes referred to as acupressure, has been observed to
reduce psychological symptoms. This is the method we would most commonly use. (See
references below for EFT, EDxTM, & TFT).
Another method targets the energy centers of your
body called chakras, which are considered to hold emotional memories. To affect these
energies, I might move my hand near your body while you lie on a table. The theory behind
chakra clearing is that the electromagnetic charge of my hand is interacting with and
balancing the electromagnetic fields of your body. Most people experience a pleasant
feeling, while others may recall the old distress we are targeting.
There are numerous other methods all designed to
balance the flow of energies. For a review of these energy systems and the methods used to
enhance them, see Eden’s book, Energy Medicine (1998), Gerber’s book, Vibrational
Medicine (2001), and the web site for the Association for Comprehensive Energy
Psychology (www.energypsych.org). |
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| Assessing
Your Subtle Energies |
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There is a method to
assess where your Subtle energies are out of balance. It is a simple procedure where I
apply light pressure to an outstretched arm. The degree of firmness you experience
indicates whether there is a disruption in the energies. This method has a variety of
names such as Energy Testing, Muscle Testing, and Applied Kinesiology. It has been used
extensively by osteopathic and chiropractic physicians as well as physical therapists.
Psychotherapists started using this assessment tool about 15 years ago. I have received
professional training in the use of these techniques which I will be happy to discuss with
you upon request. |
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| Psychotherapeutic Touch |
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There are times when it is
beneficial for me to hold certain points on your body. The theory behind such methods is
that touching or holding these points can assist me and you in identifying and shifting
imbalances in your energies. If there are such times, you would remain fully clothed, with
perhaps the exception of your shoes. I would always explain ahead of time where I would
touch, and you can let me know if you are comfortable with it or not. I will always honor
any requests not to touch. Ninety percent of the time, the touch will last only a few
seconds, although there may be occasions where it is best for me to hold several points on
your body for a longer period, usually about 3-5 minutes.
Physical contact within psychotherapy has sometimes been frowned upon
because touch can be easily misinterpreted and feel too intimate, uncomfortable, or sexual
in nature. Touching in a sexual manner is unethical within psychotherapy, illegal, and
will never be a part of your treatment. In order to maintain the boundaries that are
necessary for a successful therapeutic relationship, we will also be unable to have a
friendship or any other type of "dual" relationship outside the office.
Touch can also be a potential problem in a therapeutic relationship if
you have had a history of paranoia, been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder,
sexually or physically abused, if you have suffered from other types of trauma, or may
dissociate or detach from your sense of self. Please let me know if you fall into any of
these categories prior to our starting our work together. We can discuss any emotional
risks associated with touch that may be of concern to you. Furthermore, if you have any
misgivings, doubts or any negative reactions to any physical contact, it is very important
that you let me know as soon as possible so that we can discuss your concerns. If you are
uncomfortable talking to me, I encourage you to talk through such concerns with another
professional. If you wish, I can make a referral for you.
Although physical contact in psychotherapy has not been scientifically
established as beneficial, Hunter and Struve (1998) have proposed that touch can be an
important part of psychotherapy, and there may be negative effects from the lack of it.
Energy Psychotherapists have found that some procedures require touch to assess and
balance the energies. The controversy around the use of physical contact in psychotherapy
highlights the need for you to be properly informed of the risks and benefits of touch
used in therapeutic ways. |
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| Informed Consent |
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In summary, you understand
there are promising reports from psychotherapists about the effectiveness of Energy
Psychology, but that it is considered an experimental procedure with limited published
research. Therefore, it has not been proven effective from a Western scientific
standpoint. You understand that as a licensed psychologist I will be using the methods
from conventional psychotherapy in our work, and you also have the option of using those
methods exclusively. If you feel we are not a good match, you are free to discontinue
therapy at any time, and I am very willing to provide you with names of other therapists.
You also understand that Energy Psychology methods may involve some
psychotherapeutic touch. You will be informed prior to such touch and can always decline
if you are uncomfortable for any reason whatsoever.
As with all forms of psychotherapy, it is possible to experience some
emotional distress and physical sensations related to prior life experiences. The clinical
reports from Energy Psychology show no additional side-effects when used appropriately. As
with any form of psychotherapy, emotions may continue to arise after a therapy session,
and you are encouraged to discuss such emotions with me.
If you agree to proceed with applying Energy Psychology methods towards
reaching your goals, please sign and date below. Your consent is given freely, without any
obligation and with complete understanding of the above information. This consent may be
revoked verbally at any time. Please follow-up any verbal request to revoke consent in
writing, so we are both very clear. We can discuss any aspect of this consent before
signing. |
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___________________________________________
Signature |
____________
Date |
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| Note: Legal consultation
on this form was provided by attorneys Eric Harris from the American Psychological
Association Insurance Trust in Chicago, Illinois, and Glenn Karr of Columbus, Ohio. Energy
Psychology consent formulations and ethical guidelines proposed by David Feinstein, Ph.D.,
and the Association for Comprehensive Psychology have been incorporated into this
statement. |
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| References |
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| Below are a few selected sources for
additional information. For a more complete list, visit the Association for Comprehensive
Psychology’s web site (www.energypsych.org). Deadman, P., Baker, K., & Al-Khafaji, M. (1998). A Manual of Acupucture. Hove, East Sussex, England: Journal of Chinese Medicine.
Eden, D. & Feinstein, D. (1998) Energy Medicine. New York, NY: Penguin
Putnam.
Feinstein, D., Eden, D. & Craig, G (2005) The Promise of Energy Psychology.
New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Gerber, R. (2001) Vibrational Medicine. Rochester, VT: Bear & Company
Gallo,
F. P. (2004). Energy psychology: Explorations at the interface of energy,
cognition, behavior, and health. (2nd ed.). New York: CRC Press.
Hunter, M & Struve, J (1998). The Ethical Use of Touch in Psychotherapy.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Krebs, C. (1998) A Revolutionary Way of Thinking, Melbourne, Australia: Hill of
Content
Wells,
S., Polglase, K., Andrews, H.B., Carrington, P. and Baker, A. H. (2003). Evaluation of
a meridian-based intervention, emotional freedom techniques (EFT), for reducing specific
phobias of small animals. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59, 943-966.
Overview
of Energy Psychology Research
The current state of scientific evidence is summarized at www.EnergyPsychologyResearch.com.
Current understanding of the neurological mechanisms involved in energy psychology
procedures is summarized at www.energypsych.org/article-ruden.php.
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology has many articles: www.energypsych.org
Organizations
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology: www.energypsych.org
Innersource: www.innersource.net
The International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine: www.issseem.org
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: www.nccam.nih.gov
Developers
of Energy Psychology Methods
Roger Callahan developed Thought Field Therapy (TFT): www.tftrx.com
Asha Clinton developed Energy Psychology methods working with the chakras: www.seemorgmatrix.org/
Gary Craig developed Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): www.emofree.com
Donna Eden’s Energy Medicine has direct application for Psychology: www.innersource.net
Fred Gallo, PhD. has developed Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Methods (EDxTM): www.energypsych.com |
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