Psychotherapy and Energy Medicine
The Next Dimension in Healing
by Steven R. Vazquez, Ph.D.
The next great advancement for healing the mind and body is upon us! Within the last decade a new generationof "power therapies" has developed in the field of psychotherapy that facilitate deep and rapid changes. There has been an explosion in the art of using the emission of "energy" to foster healing. Energy medicine is a term that refers to a broad range of approaches for healing that involves an emission of an unseen energy from one person to another. Since 1984, I have developed an approach that uses the best of the new power therapies and the advanced use of energy medicine. This approach is called confluent somatic therapy and is the state-of-the-art treatment used for psychological, physical, and spiritual problems. "Confluent" refers to the flowing together of two or more things. In this case, confluent refers to the flowing together of thoughts, emotions, behavior, sensory experiences and transpersonal events. Outcomes of this approach extend beyond what most people think is even possible!
Who is Dr. Steven Vazquez?
I developed the combination of bioenergy and psychotherapy into the new synthesis called confluent somatic therapy in 1984. As an innovator on the leading edge of the new mind-body medicine, I have taught this approach to hundreds of healthcare professionals all over the United States and in five different countries. I have been in private practice, as a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist, since 1978 in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas. I hold a doctorate in counseling psychology and I am a certified medical psychotherapist.
My work has been featured in several different professional journals and in the Time Life book, Repair and Renewal: Journey Through the Mind and Body. The book, Light Years Ahead, edited by Brian Breiling, Psy.D., features a chapter that I wrote on the therapeutic use of light and color. Within in the last ten years, I have made over 100 presentations at conferences, workshops and medical schools.
Is this a New Age method?
A broad range of approaches are often referred to as "New Age." Depending upon your definition, it may or may not be new age. It is an approach that is founded upon scientifically verified principles but which are still considered unconventional by many people. The approach draws upon some concepts that are ancient and some that are very recent. This unique approach actually defies a simple stereotype because it is simply new and different.
Is this energy medicine like the healing done by television evangelists?
Confluent somatic therapy does not look at all like television evangelists work in terms of style, nor does it demand that you profess a particular religion. However, a healthy spiritual outlook can be very helpful. I have never experienced the work of a television evangelist personally, so I cannot testify about the validity of this approach. It is possible that some genuine healing experiences occur by evangelists and some fraudulent activities take place.
Does bioenergy really exist?
Whether something exists is partly due to your viewpoint and partly based upon which means you accept as verification. For example, if you had an experience of energy work, that may be all you need to accept its existence. However, if the next person has the same experience, they may need scientific evidence in order to make it seem real. We can provide a list of the scientific studies about bioenergy for those who need this. The existence issue usually occurs because this energy cannot be seen by most people. Concrete thinkers have a hard time accepting things that cannot be seen. Other evidence that supports the existence of bioenergy is historical and cross-cultural in nature. It has been known in almost every culture in the world and recorded descriptions of it exist from ancient texts. The question of the existence of energy in modern society arises when it is not conventionally accepted and thus not recognized. However, I view this unseen energy as a universal event in human nature. The evidence for the existence of bioenergy is available if you are willing to "see" it.
What kinds of energy medicine exist?
The field of energy medicine has blossomed within the last decade. Among some physicians and physical therapists, cranio sacral therapy and myofacial release are popular. These methods are described in terms of affecting the rhythm of the cerebro spinal fluid and the connecting facia tissue of the body. Therapeutic touch is used primarily among nurses and includes thousands of practitioners worldwide. The ancient art of Qui Quong comes from traditional Chinese medicine and has experienced a resurgence in the United States. Reiki offers a spiritual identity and the ability to heal with hands for anyone willing to pay for the brief training. There are dozens of other approaches like Barbara Brennens method, jin shin juitsu, polarity, etc. Each of these approaches offers something unique for people with particular interests. Some of these approaches involve the use of spiritual entities like angels, spiritual guides, devas, etc. while others strictly adhere to physiological language in their descriptions. Some approaches are highly commercial and others are not. I suspect each approach has a particular contribution to the art of healing but all are incomplete.
How is confluent somatic therapy different from the others?
Confluent somatic therapy is a work in progress that continues to evolve as an art form. Therefore, it is different today than it was ten years ago, but most of the basic principles remain the same. This evolving flexible characteristic allows for updates, refinements, and inclusion of new insights and breakthroughs. Among the major features that make it different from other approaches are the following:
- This approach emphasizes psychological theory and dynamics in its usage and is more highly developed in this realm than most approaches.
- It is an integration of energy work and psychotherapy to the extent that both methods are used simultaneously as a unified approach.
- It is "participatory" instead of "hierarchical" which means it is not something that is primarily done to the client but instead is done with the client.
- It is a non-touch approach.
- It works by the use of the facilitators presence and example as much as it does by certain techniques used.
- A "healthy" spiritual awareness is encouraged.
- This approach may include a "healing crisis" as part of the sequence of healing. Sometimes, it is necessary to "stir up" emotions or physical discomfort in the process leading to an in-depth healing.
- It does not rely solely upon the use of hands to emit energy, although this is one technique. It may use the eyes, hands, neck, etc. to emit energy but the real key is the state of consciousness of the facilitator that allows energy to flow. The body is simply a vehicle for the heart and mind to use for this emission.
In what ways is confluent somatic therapy the same or different than conventional medicine in philosophy?
Confluent somatic therapy (referred to as CST) is about healing the whole person not just pursuing a germ to be destroyed. CST uses the active participation of both the facilitator and the person being healed. This is in contrast to conventional medicine which sees the doctor as expert. The CST approach sees healing as an equal partnership in which the client is seen as possessing tremendous inner resources to be activated for healing rather than a body that is broken and in need of a foreign substance to fix it. The client is active and creative as opposed to passive and compliant as in most conventional medicine. This results in the client becoming empowered rather than rescued.
Is confluent somatic therapy an attempt to replace conventional medicine?
No. There is a place for many types of healing. However, inhumane, unethical or incompetent practice can occur in any of the healing arts and must be recognized and avoided. There are certain conventional medical practices that must be adhered to by law such as immunizations, life-saving surgeries and emergency medicine techniques. CST is not in competition with conventional medicine and should be seen as a means to compliment or add to conventional medicine. CST is not the recognized standard of care in medicine or psychology. CST adds both hope and personalized care in an environment that is so often dominated by machines, drugs and expensive specialists. Conventional medicine or psychology is not generally bad, it is just incomplete and limited.
Does confluent somatic therapy really work?
There is no intervention in psychology or medicine that works every time. There would be no reason to advocate CST if it did not offer a substantial advancement for healing. In about 2,000 cases in which I have used this method, it worked roughly 95% of the time. In another 10 to 15% of cases, it worked minimally, partially, or only temporarily. This means it worked 80 to 85% of the time in a highly substantial manner. Approximately 60% of the time in which it worked, it required repeated sessions. All of these estimates are rough recollections not scientific findings. Of the hundreds of people who have been taught this approach, my observations are that less than 50% have really developed the skill well. To further complicate these estimates, the work has evolved to become far more proficient in the last few years than in its early years of usage.There is a variation of what it means when we say it "works." Sometimes, the symptoms of complaint are improved, but the deeper problem remains unresolved. Other times, the original symptoms remain but a far more important healing has taken place. For example, a skin rash may be the targeted symptom which remains, but the client discovered a profound inner peace as a result of the procedure. At other times, the process may appear to fail only to succeed in a delayed reaction.
How long does it last?
Another basic philosophical difference from most conventional approaches to healing is about the objectives of the healing. Most conventional approaches are "symptom management" in nature. This means medicine is designed to stop, block, control or otherwise reduce the symptom of complaint without regard to the following:
- The effect its change would have upon the rest of the mind-body system
- Long-term change
- The potential for the symptom to be used as a learning experience
- Prevention of relapse
The symptom management approach is best used during emergency medicine but usually fails most when attempting to really resolve a problem. There are certainly times and places when CST is used for symptom management, but it is primarily designed to alter the factors that are at the core of causing the problem. This might mean that making a change in emotional states or errors in thinking may be the deeper answer for resolving chronic pain for example. Its intention is to be long lasting, but this may vary with each individuals case.
How fast does it work?
The range of response, in terms of speed, can be anywhere from instantaneous to many months. Several factors contribute to determining how fast the change will take place. The first factor is readiness of the client. Readiness includes awareness of their problem, preparation for change, openness and willingness to fully participate and, of course, the nature of the condition to be healed. The more these factors are developed, the quicker the response will likely occur. Generally significant improvement happens within 30-minutes.Attributes of the facilitator of healing can also be critical in the speed and depth of the healing. The facilitator should ideally be experienced, aware, skilled and deeply compassionate. Even the best facilitators will vary from day to day and minute to minute in their awareness and capability. Some people say that a facilitator can only take a client as far as they themselves have developed. Intuition and the ability to alter ones own state of consciousness at will are important skills of a good facilitator.
Is touching me necessary?
No. However, under certain conditions, touch, in the form of a handshake, a hug, or other constructive ways of appropriate touch, may occur. This approach is primarily about using energy and psychotherapy, not about physical manipulation of the clients body.
Is CST done at a distance?
Yes. However, it is primarily an interpersonal process that involves participation so it is usually done best in person. Time and space, themselves, are not limitations to the energy aspect of the treatment unless the facilitators belief system creates this boundary.
Does it work with emotional distress?
Yes. It can be used to either bring forth awareness of emotions that have been buried or relieve those that are fully present. Unresolved emotions themselves are viewed as blocked energy. However, emotions are valued as human attributes and it may not always be best to change them too quickly.
Does it work with chronic physical pain?
Yes. However, the factors about the attributes of the clients readiness are important. There are times when other factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, family stress, etc., must be addressed in conjunction with CST in order to enhance success. The term "chronic" refers to a long-term pattern. Patterns generally change slower than acute conditions, but anything is possible!
Does it work with life-threatening illness?
Yes. However, the clients willingness to make major changes in their lifestyle, relationships and unresolved emotions are critical factors. The degree to which the condition has deteriorated is a factor related to the possibility of healing an illness.
Does it work to help injury recovery?
Yes. It may speed up the rate of recovery substantially or improve rehabilitation beyond conventional expectations. Generally speaking, the earlier in the recovery that the client is treated, the more helpful the healing appears to take place. This approach is used to compliment other methods.
Is confluent somatic therapy a cure all?
No. However, some people think it may be the closest thing to a panacea because of its deep impact and broad range of applications. Just like in any approach, there are occasions when it does not work and sometimes the reasons are unknown. At other times, CST is not the best remedy for the problem. For example, if you went without food and water for two days, this approach could help but would be severely limited until you acquired food and water.
Events appear to be miracles when occurrences take place beyond the limits of what people think is possible. Another explanation could be that our beliefs about what is possible are too limited. Although dramatic physical or emotional healing is certainly a wonderful achievement, I believe it is the love and intention behind the acts that are the real miracles.
What happens when healing works but the person being healed does not understand what happened or how it happened?
A confusion is brought forth when we observe or experience an event that defies our understanding. This is most likely to occur when healing happens quickly, deeply, or in a manner that is totally different from any of our previous experiences. People react to their confusion about healing in some of the following ways:
- Become upset and continue to be distressed
- Explain it within the framework of their understanding--hypnosis, placebo effect, fluke accident, etc.
- Become frightened and see it as evil
- Avoid explaining it, but just accept the results
- Pretend it never happened, forget it
- Place the healer on a pedestal and worship him/her
- Confusion leads to a new quest for understanding through a search that expands ones philosophy beyond the old ideas
- Either believe they changed themselves or a gifted healer did it all
Many people have never actually seen or experienced successful energetic healing take place. Therefore, it may be shocking or strange to them. Because we live in a society that still generally does not recognize its existence, it is expected that many people will undergo confusion. It may disturb their religious beliefs if their religion does not account for this type of experience. Each person needs to find a constructive way to make sense of events beyond their previous understanding. People can be helped to make sense of it for themselves.
What is the spiritual nature of this approach?
Since this approach is used by facilitators from many different faiths, it is not contingent upon belief in a particular religion, just as doctors who practice medicine vary in their religion. However, a keen spiritual awareness is a distinct ally in the approach. Generally speaking, a loving sense of peace is experienced by the facilitator when a flow of energy occurs that feels like an energy beyond ones own resources. I view this approach as a cooperative venture between myself, the client, and universal (God) activity.
What role does belief play in exceptional healing?
Research has repeatedly shown that there is little or no consistent relationship between peoples beliefs and their behaviors. Examples abound about this such as the following:
- Over 80% of the population believe extramarital affairs are always wrong, yet over 50% of the married adult population participate in affairs
- Most people believe they should exercise regularly, but the vast majority do not do it.
Therefore, for a belief to have any real value, it must be confluent, meaning it must be demonstrated in ones thoughts, emotions, behavior, sensory experiences and transpersonal events. Far too often beliefs are intellectual positions that are detached or non-confluent with the rest of our being. When beliefs are confluent, people experience wholeness.
Healthy spiritual beliefs can enhance healing. "Healthy" refers to the beliefs that are love-based rather than fear-based. It also helps if spiritual beliefs are in harmony with what is constructive for the physical body. Another aspect of belief systems that enhances healing is a perspective that includes a recognition of the interaction and unity of the mind, body and spirit.
How much does it cost?
The fee varies from one practitioner to another and my fee changes according to the "going rate" in my field. The overall cost depends upon how many sessions are necessary to resolve your particular issue. Since it is a form of psychotherapy, it can be billed to insurance as psychotherapy.
Why should I seek this approach?
If you want an approach that is rapid yet seeks a lasting improvement, you should consider it. It also has the following features:
- It is natural
- It has been used successfully with thousands of people.
- It involves the mind, body and spirit, not just one or the other.
- It generally costs less by the time the treatment is completed.
- It empowers you by helping you to discover strengths within you that you may not be aware that you possess.
- It is the state-of-the-art in healing.
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.I Corinthians 13:1
"Steven Vazquez is a master therapist who invites the body to inform the therapeutic transformation in a unique, effective, and respectful way. I believe his work is on the cutting edge of Mind-Body Healing."
Martin Rossman, M.D., Author, Healing Yourself (Mill Valley, CA)
"...a powerful pain-relieving technology by a master healer. My patients and I are grateful to Dr. Steven Vazquez for his pioneering work in the relief of human suffering."
Edmund R. Tyska, Physician
For more information on Bioenergy and Psychotherapy, contact Steven R. Vazquez, Ph.D
