Emotional Transformation Therapy
Traditionally the treatment for internal struggles (expressed as a variety of mental health and addiction issues) was long term talk therapy. While this approach can be helpful in some ways, it can be ineffective for some of the more troubling aspects of an individual's presenting problem. One of the reasons for this is that early and/or traumatic memory is often stored ineffectively in the more primitive areas of the brain. Talk therapy is engaging the more advanced parts of the brain which work in logic and abstract thinking. This advanced part cannot communicate with the primitive part. This is what we see with someone who describes feeling this way: "I know in my mind what you are saying is true, but I cannot seem to believe it."
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What is ETT? What can ETT do for me?
Emotional Transformation Therapy refers to the use of a light and color tools to more directly access areas of the brain related to specific unresolved memories and emotional struggles. One of these tools is a light device that projects rhythmic colored light into the person’s eyes while he or she is seated in front of the machine. During the light stimulation process, the facilitator helps the person explore emotional conflicts, stresses, old emotional wounds, and emotional blocks which may be interfering with the person’s progress in the areas of mind, body or spirit. The facilitator then assists the person with neutralizing or releasing those difficulties. ETT is also very helpful with neutralizing self-limiting emotions, such as anger, fear, guilt, shame and unresolved loss. For a complete discussion of the uses of ETT, please refer to the following sections which consist of excerpts from a longer report written by Steven Vazquez, Ph.D., the originator of ETT.
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ETT: The Power of Light and Color
There have been many new discoveries in medicine and psychology in the last decade, but there may be none more exciting than the use of brain-based therapies. While mainstream talk therapy and medications have been mainstays in treatment, over time, more and more people are seeking natural remedies, alternative approaches, and ways to solve suffering that have lasting effects. For those who are looking for an answer that goes deep and works quickly to see results, ETT may be the preferred method of healing.
Imagine an approach to healing the mind, body, and spirit that has the following characteristics:
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- Natural
- Quick
- Effective
- Cost-efficient
- Can change negative emotional states
- Can resolve emotional blocks
- Can bring forth insights and creativity
- Can facilitate personal transformation by accelerating mental, emotional, physical and spiritual change
Dr. Steven Vazquez originated ETT in 1991. After observing hundreds of people who were exposed to rhythmic colored light, he developed a comprehensive system to maximize the effects of light and color. This system has undergone several major advances in the last twelve years.
What can ETT be used for?
ETT can be used in conjunction with so many personal transformation methods that the limitations are not yet known. Some of the best known uses of ETT are:
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- Resolving emotional blocks and conflicts
- Transforming self-limiting emotions, such as anger, guilt, shame and unresolved grief
- Relieving anxiety disorders, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Healing from emotional trauma and abuse
- Accelerating recovery from physical injuries
- Resolving weight problems and eating disorders
- Mood enhancement
- Stress reduction
- Forgiveness
- Sleep enhancement
- Development of extraordinary capabilities: work, arts, sports, etc.
- Spiritual awakening and resolution of spiritual conflicts
Components of (ETT):
PSYCHOTHERAPY – substantial research exists both about specific forms of psychotherapy and counseling, in general, that clearly shows its effectiveness, superiority to psychopharmacology and outcomes over time.
LIGHT THERAPY – There are over 1,000 research articles published on the general subject of S.A.D. and much of it focuses on the effectiveness of light therapy and the mechanisms by which it works (serotonin activation, circadian rhythms). The relevant research to ETT is that it is now scientifically established that light therapy is effective for a variety of non-seasonal psychological conditions. The light therapy studied combines various wavelengths (color) for its effect. Therefore, it is established that it affects mood change.
EYE MOVEMENT – a form of eye movement that is conducted in conjunction with light stimulation. As you may already know, research has been done on EMDR and various types of eye movement that result in emotional change. While this is a significant part of the approach, these techniques are simply components of an overall approach. Focus is much more on peripheral eye stimulation.
BRAINWAVE ENTRAINMENT/DISENTRAINMENT – There is substantial research documenting how rhythmic light stimulation elicits specific brainwave patterns. Through this means, this approach allows us to elicit brainwaves optimal for specific counseling purposes. ETT is often seen as an advancement from EEG biofeedback (sometimes known as Neuro-therapy).
The Current State of ETT
As of February 2004, there have been at least 600 people trained in ETT. While most of these people are in the United States, there are people trained to use it in at least six other countries. Although thousands of people have received this approach, it is still considered experimental because scientific evidence continues to be accumulated to verify its effectiveness. There is clearly an excitement spreading the more that people see its effects! Its use may be particularly valuable when other methods have failed, and it provides an alternative for hope.
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