Gestalt Acu-balancing

My holistic approach to using Energy Psychology

This combines body-based stress management methods as an optional part of counselling. What's in the name?

Gestalt

I love being a Gestalt counsellor. You can read about the principles and other key factors that guide and inform this holistic and creative approach to therapy on the counselling page. So, if you're interested in the 'Acu-balancing' elements, please remember that exactly how and when we'll use these ingredients will depend on what emerges while we're 'doing some therapeutic cooking' using a Gestalt counselling recipe book.

Acu

This pays homage to you mindfully touching or tapping various acupressure points on your face, arms and torso while tuning into an important issue. Extensive research shows that modern acupoint-based methods (formal terms include Energy Psychology and Cognitive Somatic practices) can effectively treat PTSD (trauma), anxiety, depression and much more. Switching on just one acupoint can help to balance many vital parts of the brain that create our emotional experiences. This is a great example of how brain and body are profoundly woven together.

Balancing

This celebrates the Five Elements model from Traditional Chinese Medicine which I've been fascinated with and intrigued by since training in Touch for Health in the 1990s. Both the Five Elements and the Gestalt approach view life as energy systems forever moving in and out of balance. We can use metaphors linked to these approaches to help clarify what's causing stuckness and emotional pain and open up balancing possibilities to help things flow in more life-affirming directions.

What's involved

This is offered as an optional stress management method which can include:

• Additional holistic assessments of what's causing any painful stuckness and what you need to do to help you move in a more meaningful and positive direction.

• Using soothing acu-tap and acu-touch practices to promote balance and support mindful exploration of key issues during counselling and/or between sessions.

• Mixing energy psychology interventions with other talk and/or creative counselling and/or mindful moments to help further integrate any valuable learning.

Try some Acu-based stress management techniques

This video by acupressure trainer Michael Gach shows how holding two acupressure points (the first is below your wrist and the second is in the centre of your breastbone) while breathing slowly and deeply may help you feel calmer and more balanced. You can also explore other stress management self-acupressure points on his site.

The Tap with Brad video below applies Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to finding healthier ways to manage your feelings. Here's a core technique summary. If you like this tap and talk video, you could also explore some Tapping Solution meditations.

If you're really struggling

Check out the suggestions in the Appointment FAQ with the same heading. This mentions Trauma Tapping Technique which is a wonderful practice anyone can use as a self-help resource. Using Energy Psychology (EP) methods with another person usually adds a 'special something' to the process, but you may benefit, in one way or another, from giving yourself some EP-TLC.

For therapists

Peer support + energy psychology

Find out more about a new group (August 2024) for counsellors and related professionals who love using self-acupressure and tapping practices. If the idea of this floats your boat, please:

• Note that initial expressions of interest need to be received by 7 September.

• Feel free to get in touch after that date as well.