Connecting Mind and Spirit

Energy-Informed Resources

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ENERGY-INFORMED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Auras | Chakras | Meridians

Energy psychology is a mind-body therapy that combines traditional psychotherapy with energy-based practices. The guiding principle is that mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing are restored when the body’s energy systems (auras, chakras, and meridians) are in balance.

Auras, meridians, and chakras have practical applications in psychotherapy. Using an energy-informed framework increases understanding of the multiple dimensions of human experience. Our work together will be guided by premise that balance is restored by identifying and releasing psychological and emotional blocks associated with energy centers. Depending on your personal preferences, restoring balance may include any of the following:

  • personalized psychotherapy (any combination of talk therapy, EMDR, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, parts work, attachment-focused therapy, brainspotting, and more)

  • explorative activities and exercises to enhance insight

  • meditation

  • coping strategies (grounding, visualizations, somatic techniques, mindfulness, etc.)

  • journaling

  • dream exploration

  • your personal self-care practices (aromatherapy, massage, yoga, sound healing, crystals, etc.)

Biofields | Auras

Auras

Human beings radiate electricity at a low level. This is commonly known as an electromagnetic field. But what is it exactly? Both science and spirituality offer some interesting insight.

Aura Workbook

Chakras

Chakras

Our bodies are a living matrix of energy. And the chakra system can help us identify blockages and opportunities for growth.

Many ancient models of wellbeing include the concept of a vital force or energy. Examples include: qi (chi) in Chinese medicine, ki in Japanese medicine, and prana in Ayurveda. There are also similar terms and concepts within indigenous communities. More recently, Sigmund Freud used the word libido to describe his concept of a life energy force. And, psychologist, Wilhelm Reich, called it orgone energy and saw it as a healing force that can become trapped by behavior patterns, under the body’s armor.

Chakras (Sanskrit for wheels) were originally associated with gods, symbols, and mantras. When we look at ancient text, we see as few as four chakras and as many as 49 chakras. The concept of chakra system was introduced to American culture by the Theosophical Society in the 1870s. What was a complex meditation aid for advanced yogis was reimagined to include metaphysical considerations regarding the nature of consciousness and its interaction with mental, emotional, and physical systems (Jain et al, 2015). Over time, the chakra system evolved to represent the fusion of multiple schools of thought - including the work of psychologists Carl Jung and Abraham Maslow, mythologist Joseph Campbell, Western scholars of Indology, the Esalen Institute, energy healers, and a group of esotericists associated with the Theosophical Society. Over the last century, the seven charka system, with its rainbow of colors, has become much more accessible for regular folks; however, it is less connected to its roots.

The seven chakras are positioned throughout the our bodies - from the base of our spine to the crown of our head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, color, and governs specific functions.

Crown | Sahasrara - spiritual connection, wisdom, bliss

Third Eye | Ajna - intuition, purpose, vision

Throat | Vishuddha - authentic communication, truth, self-expression

Heart | Anahata - connection, love, empath, compassion

Solar Plexus | Manipura - confidence, self-esteem, personal power

Sacral | Swadhisthana - emotions, sexuality, creativity, joy, pleasure

Root | Muladhara - safety, security, trust, stability

Root Chakra

Our Survival Center.

  • Color: Red

  • Element: Earth

  • Location: Base of Spine

Governing Aspects: survival, security, safety, basic needs

Root Chakra Workbook

Helpful Meditations / Visualizations

Additional Resources

Sacral Chakra

Flexibility and Flow

  • Color: Orange

  • Element: Water

  • Location: Lower abdomen, below the navel

Governing Aspects: emotional expression, creativity, pleasure, sexuality, and relationships

Sacral Chakra Workbook

Meridians

Videos

  • Neuroscience of Spirituality

    The Neuroscience of Spirituality

    Dr. Lisa Miller is a professor with Clinical Psychology Program and Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia. In this video she talks about the neuroscience of spirituality.

    Watch video

  • How God Changes Your Brain

    Neuroscience examines how spiritual practices, such as prayer and meditation impact change your brain. And the results are fascinating.

    Watch video

  • Why psychospiritual therapy?

    The advantages of addressing spirituality during the process of psychotherapy are discussed.

    Watch video

  • Is psychospiritual therapy religious?

    Not necessarily. Many spiritual people are not religious.

    This video explores the role of religion in psychospiritual therapy.

    Watch video

  • Psychospiritual Therapy: East Meets West

    There is an increasing interest in combining ancient wisdom with the science of psychology. This video speaks to this new development.

    Watch video

for book lovers

  • Owning Your Own Shadow

  • No Nonsense Spirituality

  • Intuitive Healing

  • The Chakras in Grief & Trauma

  • Journey to Awakening

  • Peace Is Every Step: Mindfulness

  • How God Changes Your Brain

  • The Awakened Brain

  • Out of the Embers

  • Deconstructing Your Faith

  • The Three Beliefs of the Ego

  • Inner Work

Disclaimer: As with most philosophical | spiritual frameworks, the scientific community offers little or inconsistent supporting evidence. However, interventions (within these philosophical | spiritual frameworks) are supported by consistent, measurable mental health outcomes in the scientific literature (see references). Psychospiritual resources are complementary. You will NEVER be asked to participate in any topic or activity that is not directly aligned with your personal beliefs AND supports your goals for therapy.

The Research