Can Mr. Rogers help you in these days of stress?

Robert Schwarz, PsyD, DCEP • May 22, 2020

(by Robert Schwarz, PsyD, DCEP) I don’t really know the answer to this, but if you want to find out, I recommend watching the movie “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers.


This movie was completely different than I expected. Mr. Rogers is actually not the main character. The main character, played by Mathew Rhys, is Lloyd Vogel, a jaded, cynical writer for Esquire magazine. Lloyd is a deeply unhappy man who is forced to do a piece about Mr. Rogers. Lloyd is determined to write a piece that will expose Mr. Rogers’ friendly persona as fake.


So we are taken on a journey of Lloyd’s healing through his contact with Mr. Rogers. We witness how Mr. Rogers embodies being present with Lloyd and many other people. If you ever wanted to see a perfect example of what it means to be present, you will see it again and again in this film.


“It’s a Beautiful day in the Neighborhood” is a perfect antidote to all of the anxiety and stress going on in the world at the moment. Your heart will fill and your faith in humanity will be restored. 


Author


Robert Schwarz, PsyD, DCEP
has been a licensed psychologist for 30 years. Bob has trained therapists internationally on trauma treatment, panic and anxiety, energy psychology. For the last 12 years Bob has served as executive director for the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. He has organized over 25 conferences on energy psychology trauma treatment, Ericksonian hypnosis, brief therapy, that trained over 18,000 therapists. Bob also designed ACEP’s online program The Science of Energy Healing. He has authored 3 books: Tools for Transforming TraumaPTSD: A Clinician’s Guide and We’re No fun Anymore as well as numerous articles and papers.


energypsych.org


Photo by jameswheeler–5314099

By Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd April 9, 2025
After retiring from the military, I conducted individual and group therapy with combat veterans as a clinical social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the VET Center in Warwick, RI. In my work, I've had many experiences showing the power of energy psychology to help heal trauma . One of these amazing stories occurred during my tenure at the VA. Veteran suffers from PTSD A 70-year old Vietnam Veteran suffered for 45 years from chronic PTSD as a result of life-threatening events he endured and injuries he sustained during combat. Let's call him Joe (not his real name). His symptoms included nightmares and waking up profusely sweating every night since he returned from the war 45 years ago. Joe also had insomnia and anger issues. Conventional therapies and medication were not able to alleviate the adverse impact of his trauma. Unfortunately, Joe's experience is common among a vast number of Veterans receiving treatment for PTSD at the VA. Energy psychology resolves trauma-related symptoms In the first energy psychology session, I introduced Joe to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and explained the process and its efficacy. During the next 6 sessions, he tapped on the EFT meridian points for 2-3 rounds on each combat trauma we addressed. While he tapped, I guided him to verbally release related negative emotions. We did this until he no longer experienced any disturbance associated with these challenging events, as determined by muscle testing. The results were inspiring. At the end of six 50-minute sessions, Joe reported that his nightmares and night sweats completely stopped, and he felt more rested, peaceful, and significantly less anxious. Joe was even able to stop taking most of his anxiety and depression medication. His wife said she noticed a huge positive shift in his demeanor. Lasting results Over the next 3 years, Joe used EFT on his own to clear other developmental traumas and negative core beliefs. During this time, he only had four nightmares during one two-week period, which were triggered by watching a war movie. Afterwards, he did not have any recurrence of PTSD symptoms. Joe felt joy that he did not experience previously, and he was more emotionally open and affectionate with his wife. This heart-warming story shows the power of EFT to heal rapidly and effectively, with results that last. It's why I love using it. Going forward What a difference could be made with Veterans and their families if the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) used energy psychology techniques like these! They would be free of the devastating impact of PTSD, have better relationships and an improved quality of life. Many ACEP members have stories of hope and healing. Let’s share them! When we tell our stories, we can help inspire practitioners to adopt energy psychology methods that are powerfully grounded in effective healingwith long-lasting outcomes. Get trained and make a difference Are you a teacher or school employee? If so, get trained to bring powerful energy psychology techniques to your school by enrolling in ACEP’s free Mind Body Tools for Children training. If you are a clinician or stakeholder wanting to offer energy psychology to your community, enroll in ACEP’s free Emotional First Aid training . If you would like to get trained in using Emotional Freedom Techniques with clients, sign up for ACEP’s online training that begins with EFT Professional Skills 1 . Author Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd, is an ACEP member and recipient of ACEP's 2021 Special Recognition Award. He is a retired Marine, combat veteran, former VA VET Center counselor, VA whistleblower, and author of Broken Promises: Marine Combat Veteran Turns Whistleblower Exposing Compromised Mental Health Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Photo by RDNE Stock Project
By Maria Limardo, PhD, CEPH April 3, 2025
In our quest for optimal health, longevity, and deeper connection, we often overlook the microscopic powerhouses driving every function within our bodies: the mitochondria. These remarkable cellular structures don't just produce energy—they may hold the key to extended lifespan, enhanced consciousness, and perhaps even our spiritual experiences.
By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP March 26, 2025
Energy healing method is linked to recoveries from cancer in mice. Visualization directed at water or cotton is retrieved later for healing. Silent recordings of energy healing sessions are linked to genetic changes. 
More Posts