Energy Psychology and the Tao of Qigong

ACEP • October 6, 2021

An interview with Michael DeMolina, PhD(c), MS, LPC, DCEP


As an energy psychology practitioner, have you wanted to delve deeper into the realm of energy and consciousness? You know that energy psychology has its roots in Eastern approaches. What is the relationship between energy psychology and Qi Gong or Taoism?


On the other hand, maybe you practice Qi Gong or acupuncture and you have been hearing about this energy psychology stuff. Are you wondering what it is about? Should you care about energy psychology?


Or perhaps you practice transpersonal humanistic psychology and you want to know how these energy approaches fit in with your cosmology.


You have come to the right blog!


This fascinating five-part video series chronicles a 45 minute conversation between me and Michael DeMolina, Qigong master, ACEP’s EFT lead North American trainer, master addiction counselor and president of Wisdom Traditions Healing Centers in Alaska. The conversation covers a lot of ground: energy, consciousness, Taoism, addictions, trauma, enneagram, Jungian archetypes, neuroscience and more. I had a blast talking with Michael, and I hope you enjoy it.


Why not watch one video (8-10 minutes) each morning with your coffee or tea? What a great way to start the day and get your juices flowing. A warning: each video may raise more questions than it answers. And that is a good thing.


View the video in five short segments here.

Want to learn more about energy psychology and get trained? Check out our trainings here.


Robert Schwarz, PsyD, DCEP


Author, Tools for Transforming Trauma


ACEP Executive Director


www.energypsych.org

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
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