Faithful Answers to Criticism

This is a presentation I gave at an Energy Healing Conference in Salt Lake City, UT April 28, 2018. I share a very interesting story about a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was called in to her bishop’s office as a result of taking clients for Energy Healing. I hope that posting this speech will open doors to communication and be a blessing for both facilitators as well as those who do not yet understand them.

(I was asked to present to a non-denominational audience at this conference.) 

Photo by Unknown Author licensed under CC BY-SA

Faithful Answers to Criticism - Be the Bridge

How many of you are facilitators of energy work? Did you know that 95% of facilitators offering Energy work services on their websites have serious ethical problems? Today I will introduce you to 3 keys to act on and feel more secure!  I have some stories to share about facilitators and faithful responses to criticism. People in this field are often naturally ethical with good hearts but we also need educated hearts.  

Months ago, I felt prompted to get a family member an appointment with Sheena Curtis who is a graduate of Investigating Health. On Sheena’s website, I found out there were some pages for her clients to read and sign before their phone session. I looked them over and thought "this is a little over the top, isn’t it??"  I’ve had clients just sign a one paragraph disclaimer since 2006.

So I read on, and it said Sheena could work with clients in CA without any legal issues because she was following legislation CA put in place specifically to protect complementary healing methods! (Senate bill SB577.) Surprisingly, she said: I believe that every client should be afforded the same rights and privileges that California residents are provided, even if they do not reside there. Accordingly, I have personalized the attached “Client Informed Consent and Disclosure Statement” for your review and signature. 

It wasn’t until I got a more educated heart about how vulnerable we are as facilitators “putting ourselves out there” that I realized what a genius move Sheena shows us. When I read the CA senate Bill I got educated and caught the vision that there have been regulations passed that protect unlicensed practitioners!

INFORMED CONSENT

“A legally sound informed consent and disclosure document drafted specifically for you is an essential risk management tool for your practice.” ACEP

“Energy psychology for mental health issues is an alternative clinical approach that is controversial and is not yet widely accepted within the conventional mental health community. It is not considered evidence-based or the “standard of care” at this time for any DSM IV disorder. By no means, however is it unethical to use an experimental approach, provided you have obtained proper informed consent. The public expects and has a right to a range of treatment options. It is certainly appropriate for you to describe your experiences and reasons for offering energy psychology methods and to present the theoretical basis and the growing body of evidence for the efficacy of the approach. The issue is full disclosure so your client can make an informed choice between a conventional approach and a less widely accepted approach.” ACEP

(Pass out HANDOUT with ETHICS LINKS available on www.TamarasBook.blogspot.com   Suggest they read whole California Senate bill SB577 for more information on Disclaimers…)

😊 Speaking of Disclaimers, here is a tongue in cheek one from me today:

"The information provided in this class is for educational purposes only, to give a general understanding, not to provide legal or medical advice. Listening to this class, does not guarantee you’ll avoid criticism, raised eyebrows,  labels of being hippy-ish, woo woo or worse.  This class should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice and ought not cause professional headaches, dizziness, malnutrition, vomiting, …or death!"

FAITHFUL ANSWERS TO CRITICISM: 

#1 Understand it’s a Paradigm Shift…

As a whole new paradigm of health moves toward mainstream acceptance, it helps to understand where we are at.  William Harvey was ridiculed in 1615 when he discovered that the blood circulated round the body. Today, we might be ridiculed for sharing discoveries that life force -light and energy-  circulate “round the body.” (When I didn’t understand this, I studied the subject and found tremendous relief to read apostle’s books mentioning a spiritual light or essence that circulates in the human body. I quote these in my book Healing Arts - A Gift from God.)  

Dr. Lister saved lives in hospitals w/1 word: “Antiseptic,” but it  took more than 20 yearrs to catch on. James Lind saved lives from Scurvy with 2 words: “eat citrus!”  But it took more than 50 years for the Royal Navy to act on his discovery.  Dr. Samuelweiss saved newborns and mothers lives with 3 words: “wash your hands.” It took 30 years to catch on.  Where energy healing is concerned, let’s hope society won’t be as stubborn!

Masses of people’s perceptions about our world of energy- and health - are changing while others still believe a world made of energy is flat—flat wrong!  Not everyone is aware of revolutionary science. They don’t know that William Tiller measures many kinds of light, energy and information flowing through a facilitator and into a client during energy work.

That’s where you come in. You can share truths like that on your STATEMENT because you are TOLD to share the theoretical approach.  Your neighbor might be thinking: if these methods were really any good, doctors would be using them. So let your neighbors know that some doctors are using them! If you want to use the quotes I found and put in my Statement, go right ahead. 

Christine Northrup, MD reminds us:  “Some hospitals routinely give patients an opportunity to have their energy fields balanced prior to and following surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other invasive procedures." (Foreword in Donna Eden, Energy Medicine for Women)  

Realizing these truths and grasping the enormity of the paradigm shift before the rest of the world, means there might be some criticism.World renowned researcher Candace Pert states,

“Truly original, boundary breaking ideas are rarely welcomed at first, no matter who proposes them. Protecting the prevailing paradigm science moves slowly, because it doesn’t want to make mistakes. Consequently, genuinely new and important ideas are often subjected to nitpickingly intense scrutiny, if not outright rejection and revulsion,...  But if the ideas are correct, eventually they will prevail.  Eventually the new view becomes the status quo, and ideas that were rejected as madness will appear in the popular press, often touted by the very critics who did so much to impede their acceptance. Which is what we see today as a new paradigm comes into being.” Candace Pert, Molecules of Emotion

I believe you here today are living the words of Gregg Braden:

“Someone must live a new truth first. Someone must have wisdom to recognize the possibility, the courage to become that possibility and the strength to live that possibility as a reality. The reality must be lived among us, in a world that may not always support that truth. That someone becomes the living bridge.”  Gregg Braden, Walking Between the Worlds, 80

You’ve probably heard that "All truth passes through 3 stages: 1st, it is ridiculed, 2nd, it is violently opposed, and third, it is accepted as self-evident." These stages have been studied by 2 authors who say truth moves from being on the fringe, to on the edge, to the realm of the cool (where you move from ‘freak to chic'), to the next big thing, then to mainstream.

I like what someone said online, responding to criticism about energy work. Robyn W. Iverson gave me permission to share her words: “Opposition is not always an indication that something is wrong or bad, as it is sometimes believed. Sometimes, only through opposition do issues come to the surface to be dealt with and resolved. So, our current[church] friends who [ seem to be] in opposition to us, no matter where they are..., might actually be helping energy work come to the surface to be dealt with.” (FB post on "Investigating Health" by Robyn W. Iverson) 

What a great perception to point out! At times I have taken comfort in what a religious leader, Glenn Pace said at a University, “Sometimes we cry out, ‘What have I done to deserve this?’ Often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into our lives because of what we are doing right…. A certain amount of sacrifice makes our spirits pliable in the hands of the Lord.” (“Crying with the Saints” BYU Devotional, Dec. 13, 1987, 2)

We’ve been called all kinds of things for being on the cutting edge. Historically, the ‘name calling’ has transitioned from unconventional and nonconventional, to alternative, to complementary, to CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) and now we have the term INTEGRATIVE HEALTH because Congress determined the word alternative doesn’t fit anymore. Congress even changed the name of the NIH’s department!

Clear back in 1982, Prince Charles told a meeting of the British Medical Association (BMA) that ‘today’s unorthodoxy is probably tomorrow’s convention.’ The next year, the British Medical Association set up a scientific committee to assess the value of alternative therapies, whether used alone or as a complement to other treatments’. “The report identified the reasons for their popularity: alternative practitioners are able to offer patients more time, practitioners are more compassionate and concerned, caring for whole person, [there was the] use of touch, and the sense of benefiting from a powerful healing force.”

LICENCES - 

It is important to distinguish 2 kinds of licenses. Every year I pay for a business license from my city, but I am not licensed by the State of Utah because licensing for complementary methods does not exist here. People in two different states could be doing the same work, one being licensed and the other, not.  I posted on the handout online what I could find about modalities and Utah law.  STATE licenses are reviewed and approved by your state. (For example, In Utah you need a massage therapist license to touch someone while doing hands-on Reiki.)  Being CERTIFIED through a particular training program does not mean you are licensed, which brings us to a true story.

FAITHFUL ANSWERS TO CRITICISM

# 2.  DO NOT JUDGE W/OUT MORE INFO.

STORY OF BEING ACCUSED, FEAR OF PRIESTCRAFT, SO NOT CHARGING, …

The author of this experience has given me permission to share her story but asked me not to use her name. (So if you know it, please keep that to yourself.)

“Over the 17 or 18 years I have been involved in these complimentary healing methods (at the insistence of the Spirit, I might add), I have bumped –up against the fears and misinformation of members of [my] church many times – including church leaders.  Each time, with some time and communication, those fears have eventually been laid to rest. . . .

[Once] I went through some very difficult months while [my] Stake Presidency launched a full investigation of what I was doing (at the request of the Area Presidency) because of some outrageous and slanderous accusations . . .. [Someone] went to my Bishop and Stake President saying I was involved with satanic things.  [The Savior himself was judged wrongfully by some people for casting out evil spirits and was accused of working through the devil.]

Both my Bishop and the Stake President know and love me – I’ve been a faithful ward and stake leader all these years and they have great faith in me, but the seriousness of the accusations brought the Area Presidency into the picture and THEY are the ones who instructed them to proceed with a full investigation.

Every man and woman I have ever served as a facilitator (and their companion) was called in and interviewed by our Stake President: every friend, walking partner, neighbor, etc. This went on for a few months and you can only imagine how horribly painful it was for me.  There were days when I could not get out of bed. It was as if everyone who has ever trusted me was ALSO in the hot seat.  Satan was reigning with … horror for those months. I ceased working with people, of course, awaiting the decision of my church leaders. When I attended my church meetings, I hardly dared sit by anyone in case they would be contaminated and called in next.  It was a nightmare. 

The interesting part is, I had never charged anyone a penny for my services. I worked many days, 8-13 hours a day, but never considered charging because I felt I was using spiritual gifts and it would be priestcraft [evil] to charge for using sacred gifts – especially since the most effective processes I used had been taught to me by Heavenly Father, the Holy Ghost and angels.

In the end the Stake President called me in. It was a Sunday. He was so humble, he was so tender and gentle. He told me on Saturday night he was watching the Women’s [Worldwide] Broadcast – listening to Sister Bonnie Parkin [THE GENERAL WOMEN’S OFFICER of her church] and the Spirit spoke clearly to him and said, “THAT could be [this sister’s name]. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? Then he sobbed and begged me to forgive him for what he had put me and my family through. He said after talking to all those people he had come to know that “[I] had helped so many people in such wonderful ways.” 

He said, “How can I make it right for you?” I asked if he had plans to call each of those people back into his office and let them know his finding.  He promised to do so, to clear my name and my reputation of any blight that may have come about because of the investigation.   

“My Stake President also instructed me that I was to get a license and start charging people for my services. This was very difficult for me, at first. I told him I didn’t feel it was right to charge people for help when I was using spiritual gifts of healing. He looked at me and said, “You are not charging for your spiritual gifts!  You are being compensated for your time!”  When he said the words ‘compensated for your time,’ it resonated with me.” (TL phone conversation, 4/25/18) 

Then he said, “What else can I do – I want to make this up to you somehow.”  I asked if he would give me a blessing which he promptly did.  He sobbed through the blessing and hugged me goodbye. 

The following Fast Sunday I felt prompted to bear my testimony in Sacrament meeting.  I was terrified to do it, but the Spirit would not let me rest, so I did.  My testimony was all about the Savior.  Following my testimony, our Bishop stepped to the pulpit and said (with tears running down his face), “Brothers and Sisters, I love [so and so- saying her name]. I felt the power of her goodness and her spirit as she approached the pulpit today and I want to thank her for her example and her service to all of us in this ward.”  It was a spellbinding moment, and I felt vindicated before my [church] members and have never felt sheepish since about what I do. 

Shortly after these events, I took the [rest of the] Rapid Eye [Technology] Course. I already had certifications to use other modalities. I became certified and licensed – my business license hangs on the wall of my office. I openly have clients coming and going [not anymore since she is retired], and I accept payment for my services. I can never again be accused of practicing without a license (that was one of the concerns mentioned during the investigation, so I decided to remedy it.  I guess doing things out of the goodness of one’s heart has its drawbacks – at least in this …telestial sphere.) Since those painful events, I’ve added some other modalities to my “tool box.” 

I've paid a dear price (in terms of money, sacrifice and obedience) to do the [energy] work I do. I feel the blessings of heaven every day as I serve my brothers and sisters in need… That's why I love the words to the song, "I would be my brother's keeper, I would learn the healer's art. To the wounded and the weary, I would show a gentle heart." 

Now that I've shared all that, perhaps you can understand why I get a bit defensive when I hear people toss out accusations against people who do this type of work. I'll admit that perhaps the individual involved is out of line, but my first impression will always be to give them a chance -- NOT JUDGE WITHOUT MORE INFORMATION.      

I'm the first to acknowledge my weaknesses, but I also know that my motives are pure. So if we find that a person is misled or misinformed -- can we kindly deal with them, constructively showing them another way rather than lashing out -- especially if it is without "just cause". The Golden Rule applies here nicely. We all need kindness and patience as we learn…. define and carry out our life's missions.

FAITHFUL ANSWERS TO CRITICISM

# 3 Stay Spiritually Centered

When there was a firestorm of criticism attacking the founder of this [Energy Healing] conference - and others - years ago, I was driving with my husband up the coast of CA through the Redwoods to see our only granddaughter in WA state.  I chose to enjoy my family (that I only see twice a year) as much as possible and pretty much leave social media alone. I had already worked through all my questions about energy healing - and written a book about it!

Now it’s much later, and only 1 or 2 Facebook posts stand out in memory. 1 is Amy Walker’s. TALK ABOUT HAVING FAITHFUL ANSWERS TO CRITICISM!  SHE GAVE SEVERAL! Amy gave me permission to share what she posted to Faith Centered Messengers September 26, 2016) ·   Listen for the 4 things she does.

Just want to send you all some love and encouragement tonight. You are doing good things. When opposition and storms wage against me, here's what I do. 1. I get on my knees and ask [God] what he wants me to learn. 2. I actively forgive those that have offended. 3. I actively ask for forgiveness for my human weaknesses. 4. I move forward and continue to follow what I've been inspired to do. 

The statement issued by the church [spokesman] said, "“We urge Church members to be cautious about participating in any group that promises-in exchange for money-miraculous healings or that claims to have special methods for accessing healing power outside of properly ordained priesthood holders,”  end quote 

I've been to many energy healers and none of you have promised me miraculous healings in exchange for money. And you know what? I'm always careful to consider who to work with when it comes to energy healing. 

I've had times when others casted doubt on what I was doing and it made me question myself. There is also a statement from the Church that cautions church members about attending seminars. I simply went and talked with my Bishop with a humble heart that was willing to learn and make changes if I needed it. 

I know not everyone in this group is a member of my church. But for those of you that are, remember that the church is not against you. Don't feel like you have to hide. If you have concerns, just ask. The Lord will guide and direct you.   And honestly, this firestorm will pass. Stay strong!

FAITHFUL ANSWERS TO CRITICISM 

#4 Take concerns to God/ local leaders

My Story: I have done this. One of my best friends was accused by a client’s spouse of doing wrong in her work. After some nudges from the spirit, I made an appointment with my bishop to ask him some questions about this. I told him that a peer of mine was accused of doing priestcraft and I wondered if he felt I was doing anything like that.

My bishop said asking him this question was the best sign, showing I WAS concerned about doing things properly.  He asked if people considered my work as being strictly spiritual in nature.  I said no, people feel physical differences during RET and that it also addressed Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual levels of the body.

He asked if I felt what I had learned fit with the gospel! Ha! I told him I had files and files on that! We read what priestcraft was in the scriptures and discussed what it meant. My bishop explained that priestcraft would look like: setting oneself up as a light, wanting paid for healing, and telling people you could heal them.  I said that did not sound like myself or my friend whose new client’s husband had accused her.  I told my bishop that my intention was that any healing that occurs is freely given, but that I do charge clients for my time, tools and technology to facilitate that.  I asked if that was okay. My bishop didn’t feel that was priestcraft!  We had a good discussion and both felt I was working in harmony with gospel principles.  

If you don’t understand something in energy work, ask!

SHARE MOSES’ STORY about NOT having faith to do distance work.

“When the children of Israel needed water in the wilderness, God told Moses to speak to a rock, and it would give its water to him.  It was recorded: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the rod…. And speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water.” (Numbers 20:7-8).  However, Moses smote the rock with his rod twice instead of speaking to the rock as God had instructed him.  He also said that he and Aaron would get the water and not God, so Moses was punished by not being able to go into the promised land. (Numbers 20: 9-12)” Vicki Alder, Mysteries in the Scripture, 149

“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring the congregation into the land which I have given them.”  (Numbers 20:12) To me, this story is saying because Moses did not believe God’s instruction to use faith to speak to the rock (or in other words, move up to doing hands off distance work – what I call vibrational medicine) but rather continued the ‘kindergarten’ method of commanding the elements as he had done before (with a rod), “he rebelled against my word at the water of Meribah.”    

One Incident- I took my son to Constitutional Homeopathy appointments and the gentleman doing them was concerned that I was such an open- minded member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  “Aren’t you going to get called in to talk to your church leaders?” he asked, wonderingly.  I smiled and told him I wasn’t concerned at all because I had researched our beliefs and felt all the evidence I needed was in the book I wrote. It taught so many principles of energy work through scriptures and authoritative quotes!

Others have told me my book, Healing Arts - A Gift from God, mends relationships wounded by family members who don’t see eye to eye. Carol Nash, another presenter here at this conference told me my book solidified her decision to join my faith! She didn’t know if she could join my faith until she read the LDS church quotes inside my book.  I’m aware of another baptism back East, and of other people who have chosen to no longer believe they are atheists after introductions to this work.

One obstacle I have seen in my faith community is when someone jumps to conclusions about this field of work without first getting information to understand its principles AND also to realize there are distinctions between HOW those practicing the same modality are actually applying it!  All of this could be placed in your Informed Consent statement! THIS IS WHERE YOU can delineate yourself from others!

PENDULUM USE

Perhaps misunderstandings could be prevented if we put forth a bit of effort.  For example, I’ve heard some people say that the use of a pendulum is evil.  With a little bit of effort one could find out about Glenda Christiaens - an advanced holistic nurse – who taught about the use of energy testing tools and hands on methods of holistic healing pendulums as a Professor at BYU’s school of nursing! The fact that Glenda Christiaens told me pendulums were being used at BYU holistic nursing classes spoke volumes to me.  This was so validating for me, personally. A person could also read/study about casting lots in the Bible or the use of dowsing rods. Whatever one’s question, it may prevent trouble by writing your Disclosure and Informed Consent Statement.

(Glenda Christiaens, was a nursing professor at BYU and past president of the American Holistic Nursing Association https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/education/college/byu-nursing-professor-elected-president-of-holistic-association/article_48ffe445-c27b-50d2-8aab-7b6d39338b05.html  She had a group of nursing students focus on various complementary and alternative healing methods with clinical experiences in chiropractic offices, integrative medical clinics, …and will visit alternative health practitioners. …students will also attend labs where they will learn “hands on” healing modalities from experts in alternative medicine. “March/Apr. 2005 Stethascoop. p 4

https://nursing.byu.edu/Documents/students/newsletter/newsletter_apr05.pdf  BYU Student Nurses Assoc.Sarah Jackson summed-up the learning experience well by saying, “I learned that evidence-based practice is so useful and will be a big part of the future of nursing.” ~Holly Willardson p 1 I also read how she led students in a guided imagery. https://nursing.byu.edu/Documents/students/newsletter/Dec2006.pdf  Stethoscope p 2 of Vol 26 issue 2)

FAITHFUL ANSWERS TO CRITICISM  

Answer #5 Find Gratitude

STORY   I would like to continue the story of the woman that was slandered.  

“Regarding the experience I shared -- may I just say that when it was all said and done, I was driving down the freeway one day and suddenly some truth distilled upon my mind.  My reaction was so severe, I almost swerved off the road.”* (She had SHOCK at this realization.) She explains: 

For over 17 years I have done energy work and for all those years I felt a little sheepish about it – knowing it was out of the ordinary and [wondering if it would] meet the approval of my [religious] leaders, but also knowing I was directed by Heavenly Father.  Throughout those years I had yearned for the sanction and validation of my [church] leaders.  

Whenever I expressed that heartfelt desire to [my husband] , he shook his head and said, “What do you mean… you HAVE their validation – they keep calling you to positions of leadership, … they invite you to speak at their meetings and give you rave reviews; they place their hands on your head and pronounce beautiful encouraging blessings; they approve all the… calls they get from out of town invit[ing] you to speak in [various] congregations; in interviews and across the pulpit they constantly express their love and confidence in you; …what do you want?” 

Well, in my heart of hearts, the reasons those “logical” reasons did not fill me with ‘validation and sanction’ from my leaders is because they didn’t fully know what I was doing. Some of them have had some idea of what I do, and others have been totally oblivious that I had a ‘side job’ and had people coming to my door year in and year out for help with difficult and complex problems. 

Meanwhile, after that full-fledged investigation by ALL my local priesthood leaders [including the Area Presidency who now know my name], they DO know what I do.  They also know why I do it and how it is affecting the people I serve.  So, you see, what the Spirit distilled upon my mind was this: “NOW your prayer has been fully answered – you have the complete validation of your priesthood leaders.” What a shock!! * It was true. That which I had longed for had come to pass. 

Even though it required ‘walking through a fire’ to bring it about, it was worth it!! No more [was what I do a] secret, no more hedging, no more worries that I’m going to be ‘found out’ and thrown out…. Those thoughts and feelings had plagued me all those years, and now they are gone. 

Do you see why I am much more confident to speak up, (as I did in class)…  I did it for the sake of [those] who may be walking a similar path of contradiction of fear: having been beckoned by the spirit to look into these healing arts, but yet wrestling feelings of fear that they may be ‘on the edge’ and get criticized or punished by their church leaders. I don’t have fear any more – because I’ve already walked that path and survived.  …That’s the ‘rest’ of the story.” (Email to Tamara Laing, Feb. 27, 2004 “RE: Notes to Diane forwarded to me”)

This person’s story is an excellent example of a faithful answer to criticism.  We can actually learn to be thankful for the experience of being criticized! This person said, “it was worth it!”

Several times in my life when I thought the worst thing had happened, I found new ways to look at a trial. Rather than get angry, we are encouraged in the Bible to thank the Lord in ALL things. I challenge you to aim to find a silver lining to be grateful for if you ever feel opposed.  If you’d like help, read the chapters on forgiving, gratitude and praise in my 2nd book, An LDS Approach to Energy Healing.

I have a trivial example to share here. Just a few weeks ago I got my first accusation at my vendor booth at a large Expo. Someone left me a note on a sign-up list for my new hands-on class which read: “Chakras are Hindu and we are warned to stay away. ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me!” I knew that it was not true about being warned to stay away since I had diligently studied the topic of Truth.  The very first thought I had was not gratitude, but after I breathed through the bit of shock, I asked myself: what can I be grateful for in this? It only took a minute or two to realize I was grateful this person taught me how to improve the wording on my booth’s business banner. I didn’t fret for hours! "I’m improving," I thought to myself. Romans 5:3 says, “... we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope…”

A world religious leader reminds us “To retaliate and fight back is human, but to accept indignities as did the Lord is divine. . . . (Matt. 5:43-44) “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. (Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, 113)  How many of us think of fasting for those who criticize us?

There is a scripture story of a father rejoicing when his son was brought lifeless to him. That’s an example of staying spiritually centered! Such a perception comes from faith in Christ and not from ‘everything going right’ with everything in life right now!  Additionally, the prophet ISAIAH teaches that ‘descent’ is necessary before ascent - ascending to the next level on Jacob’s Ladder.  We can find reasons to be grateful.

I’ve learned that I can thank and even PRAISE God for the trials I’ve had.  I’m working on being able to praise God for what appears to be the worst things happening right as they unfold. This has been such a blessing!

FAITHFUL ANSWER TO CRITICISM ANSWER

 #6 Learn and Live Ethics

Donna Eden and David Feinstein’s book on ETHICS opens with a great quote: “To truly serve our clients we need not have just good hearts but educated hearts.” (David Feinstein with Donna Eden, Ethics Handbook for Energy Healing Practitioners)

There are LINKS TO ETHICS CODES. Donna Eden and David Feinstein offer their Ethics Code online at Innersource.net under practitioners and then under ethics.  

http://www.innersource.net/em/practitioners/ethics-code.html  has free Ethics Codes 2 pages long or the longer 15 pages version below.   This can be downloaded and edited for your organization!  

http://www.innersource.net/em/images/stories/downloads/EEM_Ethics_Code.pdf 

Donna Eden wrote that we can use their Disclosure Statement and Agreement on p 160 of their book, Ethics Handbook for Energy Healing Practitioners.

Jack Angelo’s book Your Healing Power was an early book given to me which encourages readers to join an organization which is a safeguard for the public because it ensures clients that you abide by a professional code of conduct.  Registered healers in some countries such as Britain must abide a strict Code of Conduct drawn up by both medical and healing organizations. My point today is that facilitators anywhere can choose in to this. Angelo wrote,

“Spirit helpers work at all levels and will help the patient at these levels if required to do so. But this will depend on the quality of your energy field. At the highest levels, they will appear as angelic forms…  It should be appreciated by [facilitators], who are aware of what their spirit helpers are saying and doing, that to convey any of this to the [client] may not be either helpful or appropriate.  Further, it is against the Code of Conduct (mentioned earlier) to give this kind of information to a [client] in the form of a ‘reading’ during the actual session. This is to prevent what may be false information being given to a trusting patient under the guise of ‘higher teachings.’ Use your common sense with all inner guidance and use your discretion as to how you convey this to others, if at all.” (Jack Angelo, Your Healing Power, 199)

(If this is a spiritual gift that you have, you will have to find out what God wants you to do with that gift.)

STORY - Another facilitator of energy work told me she was called in to her bishop’s office because of criticism from a 3rd party.  

In a session she had shared with her client that she sensed the presence of a deceased loved one.  The client also felt their presence, knew who it was and counted it a sacred moment. Problems surfaced when the client mentioned how wonderful this was to a few women in her congregation and one of them became very upset at the news.  She did not receive it with the understanding and feelings that were present when it happened.  Unfortunately, she chose to run around in fear spreading gossip instead of running to the scriptures for understanding or to prayer to ask questions first. 

I told this facilitator what Jack Angelo said was in the Code of Ethics overseas about this and she said, “oh dear. I guess I’m just not very ethical. Good thing I’m not British!” I chuckled at this initial reaction but felt she would find blessings by following established guidelines set up to keep peers in other countries working within ethical boundaries. These regulations are meant to keep all of us safe – both clients and facilitators.

I learned a lot from joining ACEP, the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. Their stated function is to raise the field’s professional standards!  I learned from one expert, Midge Murphy, that 

“Many energy healing practitioners think they are safe because their websites are similar to all the others. This is unwise because over 95% of websites, featuring the services of energy healing practitioners, carry significant legal risks. Remember licensing boards, regulatory agencies, and the courts have a negative perception of energy healing methods and consider them to be unsubstantiated and suspect.”  MidgeMurphy.com  

Check out Midge’s articles which are very educational. http://www.midgemurphy.com/_blog/blog/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-using-client-testimonials-on-your-website/

ACEP’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice

ACEP taught me there is a CODE OF ETHICS for presenters! 

• Whenever trainers and presenters do live or media demonstrations, they must remind the audience to maintain confidentiality concerning the identity of the volunteer and any personal information that may arise.

• Obtain from demonstration volunteers a signed waiver and consent prior to work begun and which describes the potential risk of volunteering as a demonstration-volunteer, including loss of confidentiality and the possibility of issues and emotions arising unexpectedly.

Provide care for any volunteers who may not have completed processing initiated by a live demonstration unless a waiver was signed indicating the release of this responsibility.

TERMS WE USE- Midge Murphy wrote:

“Energy [work] is becoming better known which also means the authorities are beginning to take notice. Along with this success comes the responsibility to make sure we are conducting ourselves in an ethical manner….

From a legal standpoint what you say about you and your services on your website is like a binding contract with each visitor to your website. Many practitioners do not understand the legal vulnerabilities they face because of the language they use to describe their credentials, their services or the effectiveness of the therapies they offer to clients.” 

There are certain words that can get you into trouble with the law. 3 things you need to check:  Your job Title, how you describe your services, and the words used in Testimonials. Reframe in legally appropriate words. Energy Health Practitioner is the best term for unlicensed CAM facilitators. (EHP) ACEP offers a certificate to become a CEHP or certified energy health practitioner.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

MidgeMurphy.com teaches that non-licensed practitioners CANNOT use words like “treatment” or “pain” on their websites. PAIN is considered a medical condition.  If you are unlicensed it’s better to use the words “physical discomfort” instead.    Do not use the word “cure,” or any diagnosis, either. Non-licensed health care professionals  must avoid all mention of diagnostic labels. Jane Doe cannot advertise treating DSMIV diagnostic categories.

“In addition, practitioners mistakenly believe client testimonials published on their websites are protected by the First Amendment. This is not necessarily the case. For example, if a client claims in a testimonial that an energy healing method cured his/her diabetes, Federal Trade Commision laws and regulation governing advertising would supersede the client’s First Amendment free speech rights and your right, as an energy healing practitioner, to publish it on your website.”

“To give you a practical idea about what I am talking about, here is an example of a legally problematic client testimonial if it were to be published on a non-licensed energy healing practitioner’s website.

SEE IF YOU CAN FIND THE 2 PROBLEMS:

I have been obese for many years but after getting energy healing treatments from Suzie I’m no longer [dealing with] obesity. "Jane Doe 

This testimonial has 2 major problems. First, because obesity is considered a medical condition, the testimonial would be considered to be a claim that the practitioner has cured a medical condition. The FTC would require scientific evidence that Suzie’s energy healing method successfully treats obesity. Second, because obesity is considered a medical condition and the testimonial uses the word “treatment”, the practitioner faces of the risk of being charged with practicing medicine without a license.

Here is a better way to phrase the above testimonial in order to reduce the potential legal risks:

"I’ve dealt with weight issues for many years, but after working with Suzie, my eating habits have improved and I’m better able to choose foods that support my goals. I feel great and people compliment me on my appearance." Jane Doe  The Use of the Words “Psychology” and “Energy Psychology” May Be Misleading and can lead to potential claims of misrepresentation, practicing without a license, and fraud.   

DISCLAIMER

“Many of the potential legal issues that can arise from the misuse of language on a practitioner’s website can be ameliorated [changed for the better] by a legal disclaimer. To be effective a legal disclaimer must be drafted specifically for that practitioner and must be placed appropriately on the website. A disclaimer is useless if it is borrowed from another website, is a generic form, or is not placed properly.” __________

State that all information is of a general nature only and must not be taken as advice; and

Instruct visitors to make their own independent inquiries before acting on any information; and

State there is no existence of a professional relationship; and

Provide that testimonials do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction; and

Provide assumption of risk and release of claims language; and

Provide protection of intellectual property (i.e. copyright) and trademarks, if applicable.

This agreement should include that the visitor assumes any and all risks associated with viewing and/or using any of the information contained on your website. 

ACEP’s Code of Ethics states what should be obvious: that Energy Psychology Trainees are expected to  thoroughly learn and practice a particular intervention before using it with clients/ patients. https://c.ymcdn.com/sites/energypsych.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/ethics/acep_code_of_ethics_and_stan.pdf

“LEGAL REFRAMES for RET Technicians"

The following examples of languaging changes (reframe) …  is intended to support clients and avoid legal problems.

Rather than having disorders, clients have challenges, problems or issues.  [We] help clients promote wellness in their lives.

Rather than treating a disorder or problem, [we] hold sessions in which they help clients discharge hurtful emotional energy so they can easily accept positive change into their lives.

Rather than being depressed or anxious, clients seek to regain a positive mental attitude or to manage situational stress.

Rather than seeking to change their mood, clients eek to become more optimistic.

Rather than having PTSD, clients seek to feel at peace within.

Rather than having addictions, clients seek to regain self-control.

Rather than having eating disorders, clients seek weight management or to improve appearance.

Rather than having insomnia or sleep disorders, clients seek sleep improvement.

Rather than having phobias, clients have apprehensions or fears and seek self-confidence.

Rather than curing a condition, a technician helps clients regain their spiritual light or regain their self-control.

 (Joseph Bennette, “LEGAL REFRAMES for RET Technicians” Published in the RET Newsletter, June 2006)           

FAITHFUL ANSWER TO CRITICISM

 #7- Know and Keep the Law

The bad news is [facilitators] potentially face being charged with the crime of practicing medicine without a license. However, the good news is that a few states have passed legislation that creates exemptions and exceptions for non-licensed practitioners of the healing arts. The National Health Freedom Action organization has been instrumental in getting laws passed in New Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Idaho, and California that protects energy healers from being charged with practicing medicine without a license provided healers comply with the requirements set forth in the law. www.nationalhealthfreedom.org

From a legal standpoint what you say about you and your services on your website is like a binding contract with each visitor to your website. Many practitioners do not understand the legal vulnerabilities they face because of the language they use of their websites to describe their credentials, their services or the effectiveness of the therapies they offer to clients.

Know the laws in your state! For example, in Minnesota you must post in your office as well as give to clients before any service is rendered a copy of the “Client Bill of Rights.” https://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/rpt/2013-R-0337.htm

I went online to the Dept. of Professional Licensing for Utah: it mentioned Massage Therapy, Reiki, Foot Zoning. This website, https://dopl.utah.gov/licensing/forms/massage_Reiki.pdf , has the UT law on Reiki.   The use of “hands” is prohibited unless you are a massage therapist it says here:

“Reiki is defined as a “spiritual healing art” that is performed on an individual by a Reiki Practitioner by “transmitting healing life force energy” through the hands. It is the position of the Division that to the extent that Reiki is used as a “spiritual healing art” and does not involve the methods outlined in the scope of practice of Massage Therapy, then Reiki is not a modality of massage. However, should a Reiki Practitioner while performing the “spiritual healing art” involve the use of any of the methods outlined in the scope of practice of Massage Therapy, then the Reiki Practitioner must be licensed as a Massage Therapist.”

Michael Cohen points out, “In Utah, maintaining an office or place of business for the purpose of attempting to "diagnose, treat, correct, advise . . . for any human . . . condition . . . real or imaginary" constitutes practicing medicine.[151]” Michael Cohen “Laws Governing Holistic Healing – Some  Basics”  http://www.camlawblog.com/articles/faqs/laws-governing-holistic-healing-some-basics/  

In 2017, Donna Eden spoke at this conference and mentioned that UT has some of the strictest rules in the nation. You cannot touch people unless you have the appropriate license in your state. 

IN CONCLUSION:  I taught you 3 keys to safety

1. Review the language on your website, ads and testimonials to make sure they are not at risk for a legal claim. (I am still working to clean up my website, so please forgive me or not being 100% done there. I am continuing to work on it.)

2. Write a legal disclaimer specifically for your situation on your website.

3. Personalize an Informed Consent Statement for clients- which we are TOLD must include our beliefs and theory.

Aligning ourselves with new regulations protects unlicensed facilitators and at the same time, clarifies perceptions about the paradigm shift and why we do what we do! Informed consent opens doors to sharing individual messages and being a bridge. If criticized, we can aspire to be better instead of bitter by staying spiritually centered and finding gratitude. Through the grace of Jesus Christ, we have the power to transform criticism into a source of spiritual growth!  Be the Bridge!

Additional notes

California Senate Bill SB577 

The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:

(a)  . . . .It is evident that millions of Californians, perhaps more than five million, are presently receiving a substantial volume of health care services from complementary and alternative health care practitioners. . . . 

(b) Notwithstanding the widespread utilization of complementary and alternative medical services by Californians, the provision of many of these services may be in technical violation of the Medical Practice Act. Complementary and alternative health care practitioners could therefore be subject to fines, penalties, and the restriction of their practice... even though there is no demonstration that their practices are harmful to the public.

(c) The Legislature intends... to allow access... to complementary and alternative health care practitioners who are not providing services that require medical training and credentials. The Legislature further finds that these nonmedical complementary and alternative services do not pose a known risk to the health and safety of California residents, and that restricting access to those services due to technical violations of the Medical Practice Act is not warranted.

SECTION 2.

. . . . A person who complies with the requirements of Section 2053.6 shall not be in violation ... unless that person does any of the following:

(1) Conducts surgery or any other procedure on another person that punctures the skin or harmfully invades the body.

(2) Administers or prescribes x-ray radiation to another person.

(3) Prescribes or administers legend drugs or controlled substances to another person.

(4) Recommends the discontinuance of legend drugs or controlled substances prescribed by an appropriately licensed practitioner.

(5) Willfully diagnoses and treats a physical or mental condition of any person under circumstances or conditions that cause or create risk of great bodily harm, serious physical or mental illness, or death.

(6) Sets fractures.

(7) Treats lacerations or abrasions through electrotherapy.

(8) Holds out, states, indicates, advertises, or implies to a client or prospective client that he or she is a physician, a surgeon, or a physician and surgeon.

(b) A person who advertises any services that are not unlawful. . . . shall disclose in the advertisement that he or she is not licensed by the state as a healing arts practitioner.

SECTION 3.

A person who provides services. . . .  shall, prior to providing those services, do the following:

(1) Disclose to the client in a written statement using plain language the following information:

(A) That he or she is not a licensed physician.

(B) That the treatment is alternative or complementary to healing arts services licensed by the state.

(C) That the services to be provided are not licensed by the state.

(D) The nature of the services to be provided.

(E) The theory of treatment upon which the services are based.

(F) His or her educational, training, experience, and other qualifications regarding the services to be provided.

(2) Obtain a written acknowledgement from the client stating that he or she has been provided with the information described in paragraph (1). The client shall be provided with a copy of the written acknowledgement, which shall be maintained by the person providing the service for 3 years.