The Amazing Stephan Family Story Continues
My name is Tony
Stephan, and this is the story of how my family overcame mental
illness, after devastating loss. In 1994 I had been married to my beloved wife
Debbie for 23 years. During that time, we lost her father to suicide. He had struggled with severe depression, and
in 1978, fatally overdosed on medications to escape his suffering. Then,
sixteen years later, my beloved wife Debbie succumbed to the same fate . .
. suicide.
Debbie had been diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder 1 with Rapid Cycling.
One day she simply ended it. The pain was unbearable. It was
like somebody took a chalkboard eraser and wiped out the most precious part of
my life.
It got worse. My son Joseph, fifteen years old, and his older sister,
Autumn, were diagnosed
with the same illness. Joseph was getting more
violent and dangerous. He was on 750 to 900 milligrams of Lithium or
Carbolith per day, and he was just a lost soul.
There was
one bright spot in this period, as I was blessed with a wonderful and
supportive new wife, Barbara. Barbara sought assistance for Joseph from a
noted psychiatrist. We went and met, praying for answers and hope.
Instead the Doctor became upset with me and asked Barbara to take Joseph
out in the waiting room. When the door closed it was like a shotgun going
off in my face. This noted psychiatrist said, "Mr. Stephan you need
a reality check. Don't you see it? What you see is what you've got.
He's not going to get better."
My daughter, Autumn, was in and out of the psychiatric ward constantly.
Drugs didn't work. Autumn was on five psychiatric med: Haldol,
Rivotril, Epival, Ativan and Cogentin; and she was out of control: suicidal one
minute, explosive the next - unable to care for herself... or her family.
WAS THERE
REALLY AN ANSWER OUT THERE?
I started to pray. I started to fast.
I started to search. I started to ask everyone, "Do you know
anything about bipolar?" There
just had to be an answer... somewhere!
One day it came. I was talking to
a friend I was working with, and telling him about how bad it was in our family
with Joseph's and Autumn's illnesses. He said that he didn't understand
mental conditions, but he explained to me that he had spent twenty years in the
agricultural industry. He said, "You know, I looked after hundreds
of thousands of animals, and we used to see this in the hog pens... these
animals would have this disorder, sometimes, called Ear-and Tail-Biting
Syndrome. These animals would often become aggressive and
hyper-irritable." My thoughts turned to Joseph and his violent
rages.
As my friend
told me how the animals become extremely irritable and enraged, and about the
explosive behavior, he said, "You know, we learned very quickly from the
agricultural literature, the scientific literature, that you could nutrate away the disorder with good
nutrition." In that instant I had an epiphany. A burden was
lifted and a sense of peace and light enveloped by mind. I knew that God
has just given me the answer: Nutrition!
On January 17, 1996, almost two years to the day that my wife had committed
suicide, we moved forward and starting loading micronutrients into Joseph.
Within thirty days, my son no longer exhibited any symptoms whatsoever
of bipolar disorder. It was gone! I remember sitting on the couch
with him after six weeks and him saying to me, "Dad! Dad! ... Where was I?
What happened to me? Why was I so angry? Why was I so
violent?" And I said, "Joe, it doesn't matter. That was another
day. It wasn't you. It was the disorder." There wasn't
anything that we could do alone to correct the disorder; but the
answer came, and I've never looked back -- and neither has Joseph.
My daughter
Autumn was next. Her husband had to work a graveyard shift so he dropped
Autumn off at our home for a week as she could not be left alone. It was
then that I placed her on the same nutrient program as Joseph. Within
a few days she became calm... with dramatically fewer mood swings.
She was able to care for herself and her young son.
Within 45
days she was clear of all of her five medications. Both Autumn and Joseph
have been well (as of 2013) for over eighteen years. Autumn has written a best
seller titled, A Promise of Hope, published
in 2007 by Harper Collins and available on Amazon.com.
When Autumn
and Joseph were made well, many people in the community started to come for
help with their loved ones. After they tried the program and experienced
the same results as my children, we started working with university researchers
like world-renowned behavioral research scientist from the University of
Calgary, Dr. Bonnie J. Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan's research was published in the
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2001, which is the largest psychiatric
journal in the world. Soon there were other research studies and
publications. The University of Calgary, Harvard University, Ohio State
University - Department of Psychiatry, The University of Canterbury, New
Zealand, and many others. There are now researchers [from 4 countries], 16
Universities and 34 medical Journal publications who have studied its
effects on disorders like:
It's about
restoration. It's about hope...healing...and health. Millions of bottles have
been shared and over 100,000 souls have said, "Thank you" for this
product. . . . I don't know if it
will work for you or your loved ones, but it might… that is my true hope.
Try it now.
Tony’s new
technology delivers the same
ratio faster and more efficiently! EMP Lightning bypasses the gut & goes directly into the
bloodstream! A real GAME CHANGER!
Trial packs or bags sold by Tamara at: https://Hope.Renovaworldwide.com
Call Micronutrient Support Services at 1-866-397-3116 for dosage or if already taking Rx meds.
Their Amazing Story Continues...
It has gone
through 5 additional steps to become EMP Lightning which doesn't have to
go through the gut! Just sprinkle
it on your tongue and it's absorbed into the bloodstream!
Feel a difference quick as lightning.
Order yours here: https://Hope.Renovaworldwide.com
Hear Autumn's story of finding ANSWERS for bipolar that have helped 100,000+ people
My name is Tony
Stephan, and this is the story of how my family overcame mental
illness, after devastating loss. In 1994 I had been married to my beloved wife
Debbie for 23 years. During that time, we lost her father to suicide. He had struggled with severe depression, and
in 1978, fatally overdosed on medications to escape his suffering. Then,
sixteen years later, my beloved wife Debbie succumbed to the same fate . .
. suicide.
Debbie had been diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder 1 with Rapid Cycling. One day she simply ended it. The pain was unbearable. It was like somebody took a chalkboard eraser and wiped out the most precious part of my life.
It got worse. My son Joseph, fifteen years old, and his older sister, Autumn, were diagnosed
with the same illness. Joseph was getting more violent and dangerous. He was on 750 to 900 milligrams of Lithium or Carbolith per day, and he was just a lost soul.
There was
one bright spot in this period, as I was blessed with a wonderful and
supportive new wife, Barbara. Barbara sought assistance for Joseph from a
noted psychiatrist. We went and met, praying for answers and hope.
Instead the Doctor became upset with me and asked Barbara to take Joseph
out in the waiting room. When the door closed it was like a shotgun going
off in my face. This noted psychiatrist said, "Mr. Stephan you need
a reality check. Don't you see it? What you see is what you've got.
He's not going to get better."
My daughter, Autumn, was in and out of the psychiatric ward constantly. Drugs didn't work. Autumn was on five psychiatric med: Haldol, Rivotril, Epival, Ativan and Cogentin; and she was out of control: suicidal one minute, explosive the next - unable to care for herself... or her family.
WAS THERE
REALLY AN ANSWER OUT THERE?
I started to pray. I started to fast.
I started to search. I started to ask everyone, "Do you know
anything about bipolar?" There
just had to be an answer... somewhere!
One day it came. I was talking to
a friend I was working with, and telling him about how bad it was in our family
with Joseph's and Autumn's illnesses. He said that he didn't understand
mental conditions, but he explained to me that he had spent twenty years in the
agricultural industry. He said, "You know, I looked after hundreds
of thousands of animals, and we used to see this in the hog pens... these
animals would have this disorder, sometimes, called Ear-and Tail-Biting
Syndrome. These animals would often become aggressive and
hyper-irritable." My thoughts turned to Joseph and his violent
rages.
As my friend
told me how the animals become extremely irritable and enraged, and about the
explosive behavior, he said, "You know, we learned very quickly from the
agricultural literature, the scientific literature, that you could nutrate away the disorder with good
nutrition." In that instant I had an epiphany. A burden was
lifted and a sense of peace and light enveloped by mind. I knew that God
has just given me the answer: Nutrition!
On January 17, 1996, almost two years to the day that my wife had committed suicide, we moved forward and starting loading micronutrients into Joseph. Within thirty days, my son no longer exhibited any symptoms whatsoever of bipolar disorder. It was gone! I remember sitting on the couch with him after six weeks and him saying to me, "Dad! Dad! ... Where was I? What happened to me? Why was I so angry? Why was I so violent?" And I said, "Joe, it doesn't matter. That was another day. It wasn't you. It was the disorder." There wasn't anything that we could do alone to correct the disorder; but the answer came, and I've never looked back -- and neither has Joseph.
My daughter
Autumn was next. Her husband had to work a graveyard shift so he dropped
Autumn off at our home for a week as she could not be left alone. It was
then that I placed her on the same nutrient program as Joseph. Within
a few days she became calm... with dramatically fewer mood swings.
She was able to care for herself and her young son.
Within 45
days she was clear of all of her five medications. Both Autumn and Joseph
have been well (as of 2013) for over eighteen years. Autumn has written a best
seller titled, A Promise of Hope, published
in 2007 by Harper Collins and available on Amazon.com.
When Autumn
and Joseph were made well, many people in the community started to come for
help with their loved ones. After they tried the program and experienced
the same results as my children, we started working with university researchers
like world-renowned behavioral research scientist from the University of
Calgary, Dr. Bonnie J. Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan's research was published in the
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 2001, which is the largest psychiatric
journal in the world. Soon there were other research studies and
publications. The University of Calgary, Harvard University, Ohio State
University - Department of Psychiatry, The University of Canterbury, New
Zealand, and many others. There are now researchers [from 4 countries], 16
Universities and 34 medical Journal publications who have studied its
effects on disorders like:
ADHD Autism
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder Bipolar affective
disorder
PTSD Addiction
Anxiety Stress
Depression early
Alzheimers & Dementia
It's about
restoration. It's about hope...healing...and health. Millions of bottles have
been shared and over 100,000 souls have said, "Thank you" for this
product. . . . I don't know if it
will work for you or your loved ones, but it might… that is my true hope.
Try it now.
Tony Stephan
|
Tony’s new
technology delivers the same
ratio faster and more efficiently! EMP Lightning bypasses the gut & goes directly into the
bloodstream! A real GAME CHANGER!
It’s a powder
in a stik, in 3 flavors kids love!
Just pour it on the tongue for calm, coping and clarity!
Trial packs or bags sold by Tamara at: https://Hope.Renovaworldwide.com
|
In April 2019 Tony Stephan offers the Empowerplus
formula advanced by technology for increased absorption!
It has gone through 5 additional steps to become EMP Lightning which doesn't have to go through the gut! Just sprinkle it on your tongue and it's absorbed into the bloodstream!
Feel a difference quick as lightning.
Order yours here: https://Hope.Renovaworldwide.com
Hear Autumn's story of finding ANSWERS for bipolar that have helped 100,000+ people
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.)
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!
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!
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.
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.
Ethics Links
"Faithful Answers to Criticism"
Online "handout" for the ethics portion of Tamara Laing's class
April 28, 2018 at The Salt Palace in SLC, UT
Hope Haven Event's "Energy Healing Conference"
ACEP Pres. Phil Mollon
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology
Ethics Fact Sheet: http://www.energypsych.org/?page=Ethicsfastfacts
Phil Mollon said we can share his "elevator speech" if criticized regarding a lack of scientific research https://acepblog.org/2017/01/06/
I like what he explains here for beginners:
MICHAEL COHEN, JD, MBA, MFA
Attorney Michael Cohen has a lengthy paper titled “Laws Governing Holistic Healing – Some Basics” on his blog. The conclusion is written in legal jargon so here is my feeble attempt to simplify it.
California Senate Bill SB577
SECTION 1. The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the following:
(Tip: Sheena Curtis uses Hello Sign to obtain client signatures online.)
Donna Eden and David Feinstein,
Ethics Handbook for Energy Healing Practitioners
11 states have laws that protect patient access to alternative therapies from licensed physicians: Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
This board also drafted a statement of model guidelines that boards in all states can use. Here is just a portion:
“The (name of board) recognizes that the practice of medicine consists of the ethical application of a body of knowledge, principles and methods known as medical science and that these objective standards are the basis of medical licensure for physicians of the state of (name of state). These standards allow a wide degree of latitude in physicians’ exercise of their professional judgment and do not preclude the use of any methods that are reasonably likely to benefit patients without undue risk.
Online "handout" for the ethics portion of Tamara Laing's class
April 28, 2018 at The Salt Palace in SLC, UT
Hope Haven Event's "Energy Healing Conference"
ACEP Pres. Phil Mollon
Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology
Ethics Fact Sheet: http://www.energypsych.org/?page=Ethicsfastfacts
Phil Mollon said we can share his "elevator speech" if criticized regarding a lack of scientific research https://acepblog.org/2017/01/06/
I like what he explains here for beginners:
Many phenomena familiar to energy psychologists violate the conventional scientific paradigm of reality. They include healing through intention, mental effects on the physical realm, healing at a distance, proxy healing, and all manner of other non-local effects. As William Tiller observes, the human energy system appears to function as a gateway to a realm of reality that is responsive to human intention in a way that ordinary physical reality, as studied by conventional science, is not.
Sometimes phenomena and procedures are presented at energy psychology workshops that profoundly violate conventional paradigms without this being acknowledged explicitly. This can be confusing to participants and unhelpful when they subsequently try to convey what has been learned to others in the wider world. . . . . Some observations are not congruent with conventional principles of physics, biology, psychology, or other sciences.
(Phil Mollon, PhD; "Ethics - the Heart and Shadow of Energy Psychology," Part 2) https://acepblog.org/2017/01/12/ethics-the-heart-and-shadow-of-energy-psychology-part-2-of-2/
MICHAEL COHEN, JD, MBA, MFA
Attorney Michael Cohen has a lengthy paper titled “Laws Governing Holistic Healing – Some Basics” on his blog. The conclusion is written in legal jargon so here is my feeble attempt to simplify it.
The emergence of holistic healing indicates a movement from [traditional] medicine toward a broader concept of illness and health. The shift in part, reflects a recognition that the patient, as a person, matters, that mind and emotions do affect health, and that orthodox medicine has limits, or at least can be complemented by alternative healing methods. [8] . To safeguard patient choices and recognize the growing body of literature regarding alternatives, policymakers should reexamine [reducing the definition] of healing to medicine, and equat[ing] nonmedical alternatives with fraud. Current state regulat[ions] reflect an outmoded view of health care, in which a physician is the sole guardian of health. Essentially, the law defines and licenses the "practice of medicine" in terms that entrench the medical profession and that exclude all other forms of healing as the "unauthorized" practice of medicine, a crime.Common law [of] informed consent and assumption of risk provides some support for giving patient preferences greater [respect]. These should be expanded to recognize patient interest in complementary healing modalities. Patients are claiming alternative methods for themselves. Since common law [against] fraud protects patients against "quacks," lawmakers should acknowledge and encourage a more integrated system of healing professionals...
To shift from an exclusively medical paradigm to a framework that includes touch and other forms of holistic healing does not mean that the insights, discoveries, and therapeutic devices of modern medicine will be discarded or diminished. Nor does the movement from medicine to healing mean returning to the Dark Ages or succumbing to quackery. Rethinking the paradigm means freeing the law from historical and conceptual limitations, and embracing broader possibilities for the journey into health.
Michael Cohen, JD, MBA, MFA http://www.camlawblog.com/articles/faqs/laws-governing-holistic-healing-some-basics/Read a hypothetical story about Quicksilver seeking the help of someone named Sagebrush near the beginning. Near the end, (under IV) a case by case example is given on how to avoid being accused of FRAUD or practicing without a license. There are many other interesting quotes in this paper such as, “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]”
2 Kinds of Medical Freedom Acts
“…. One of the most important developments was the advent of medical freedom acts. There are 2 kinds.
One is the statute that says that physicians cannot be disciplined by their medical board solely because they have included complementary and alternative medical therapies in their practice. This kind of concept is included in model guidelines on complementary and alternative medicine promulgated by the Federation of State Medical Boards. *
The other kind of medical freedom act says that practitioners of the healing arts who are not licensed can offer services, provided that they make certain disclosures, provide informed consent, and do not engage in medical diagnosis or provide medical treatments. These statutes enhance medical pluralism and remove much of the regulatory sting that used to accompany deviations from a strictly orthodox medical model.”
Michael Cohen, JD, MBA, MFA *more on this below
See also https://michaelhcohen.com/2017/01/fon-consulting-evolution-integrative-medicine-law-future-portends/
“Kudos to integrative medicine
consultant Glenn Sabin for his bold post on integrative medicine standard of
care - suggesting that integrative health should be the standard
against which healthcare practices are judged." Michael Cohen
California Senate Bill SB577
(a) Based upon a comprehensive report by the National Institute of Medicine and other studies, including a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, 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. Those studies further indicate that individuals utilizing complementary and alternative health care services cut across a wide variety of age, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other demographic categories.
(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 (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code). Complementary and alternative health care practitioners could therefore be subject to fines, penalties, and the restriction of their practice under the Medical Practice Act even though there is no demonstration that their practices are harmful to the public.
(c) The Legislature intends, by enactment of this act, to allow access by California residents 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.
Section 2053.5 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
SECTION 2.
Section 2053.5 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
2053.5. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who complies with the requirements of Section 2053.6 shall not be in violation of Section 2051, 2052, or 2053 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 under Section 2051, 2052, or 2053 pursuant to subdivision (a) shall disclose in the advertisement that he or she is not licensed by the state as a healing arts practitioner.
SECTION 3.
Section 2053.6 is added to the Business and Professions Code, to read:
2053.6. (a) A person who provides services pursuant to Section 2053.5 that are not unlawful under Section 2051, 2052, or 2053 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 three years.(b) The information required by subdivision (a) shall be provided in a language that the client understands.(c) Nothing in this section or in Section 2053.5 shall be construed to do the following:
(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 three years.(b) The information required by subdivision (a) shall be provided in a language that the client understands.(c) Nothing in this section or in Section 2053.5 shall be construed to do the following:
(1) Affect the scope of practice of licensed physicians and surgeons.
(2) Limit the right of any person to seek relief for negligence or any other civil remedy against a person providing services subject to the requirements of this section.
Donna Eden and David Feinstein,
Ethics Handbook for Energy Healing Practitioners
Ethics Code
Theirs is free online and they say it can be downloaded and edited for your organization
Disclosure Statement and Agreement
Permission is granted on page 160 of their above book for practitioners to personalize their Disclosure Statement and Agreement.
Tamara's Disclaimer is on a separate page (see tab at top of main page and scroll down below Paypal buttons). Her Disclosure Statement is also on a separate page (tab).
Tip: She included Facebook and LinkedIN in the definition of her website, from seeing Midge Murphy's example.
Tamara's Disclaimer is on a separate page (see tab at top of main page and scroll down below Paypal buttons). Her Disclosure Statement is also on a separate page (tab).
Tip: She included Facebook and LinkedIN in the definition of her website, from seeing Midge Murphy's example.
About the word 'healer'
“No one can really heal anyone else. The person in need of healing is the healer. The practitioner simply holds a resonance to allow the body to heal itself. . . . Since the true healer is the person receiving the energy, the practitioner is merely acting as the catalyst to allow the healer to heal him or herself, and to access and utilize a higher vibrational field of energy.” Richard Gordon, Quantum Touch, 26,31 )
Midge Murphy, JD, PhD
Doctorate in Energy Medicine from Holos University
Resources on ethics, wording, professionalism, laws...
Past member of ACEP's ethics committee
She is in the business of inspecting websites to prevent legal issues.
Doctorate in Energy Medicine from Holos University
Resources on ethics, wording, professionalism, laws...
Past member of ACEP's ethics committee
She is in the business of inspecting websites to prevent legal issues.
A disclaimer has many elements depending on what your website contains.
DISCLAIMER – SOME KEY POINTS
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.
Joseph Bennette's
"Legal Reframes for RET Technicians"
"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 seek 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, RET Newsletter, June 2006) www.RapidEyeTechnology.com
Utah Dept. of Professional Licensing
Utah Dept. of Professional Licensing
I only saw a few modalities mentioned: Massage Therapists and Reiki, with Foot Zoning in the comments.
“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.”
“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.”
10 states protect consumer access to un-licensed health care practitioners: Oklahoma, Idaho, Minnesota, Rhode Island, California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona (limited exemption for homeopaths passed in Arizona), Colorado, and Nevada. (I wonder if there are more since this list is dated Jul 7, 2016?)
http://www.cancure.org/2-uncategorised/7-health-freedom-states
* The State Federation of Medical Boards said:
* The State Federation of Medical Boards said:
“Because of the increasing interest in and use of complementary and alternative therapies in medical practices (CAM), state medical boards have a responsibility to assure that licensees utilize CAM in a manner consistent with safe and responsible medicine.”. . . .
This board also drafted a statement of model guidelines that boards in all states can use. Here is just a portion:
“The (name of board) recognizes that the practice of medicine consists of the ethical application of a body of knowledge, principles and methods known as medical science and that these objective standards are the basis of medical licensure for physicians of the state of (name of state). These standards allow a wide degree of latitude in physicians’ exercise of their professional judgment and do not preclude the use of any methods that are reasonably likely to benefit patients without undue risk.
. . . .Patients have a right to seek any kind of care for their health problems. The Board also recognizes that a full and frank discussion of the risks and benefits of all medical practices is in the patient’s best interest.”
1st book Healing Arts
From the foreword:
"With her new book, Healing Arts, Tamara Laing has introduced major groundbreaking insights into the whole field of energy medicine. . . . Tamara Laing has been able to bring together the philosophies of religion and the philosophies of science, recognizing that the reality is often simply a difference in terminology and not concept. . . . Healing Arts is an extremely well-referenced treatise. Tamara Laing draws from a great number of separate sources to create a fluid, enlightening, and fascinating read. I love it. I challenge you to expand your perspective, open your heart and mind, and enjoy the inspiration in these pages. This is a treasure trove of healing." Stan Gardner, M.D., CNS
Here is what people are saying about my book.
"Healing Arts -- A Gift From God is the best collection known to me of quotations supporting energy healing from both a scientific and LDS viewpoint. Tamara's painstaking research is both broad and deep, covering a surprisingly wide spectrum of sources. This book is easy reading and truly enlightening." John P. Pratt
“This book has so much light in it!” - Lynette in Cody, WY
“I praise God for guiding me to your website . . . to know if I can righteously use ‘The Healing Arts’ with my family. Reading your book gave me such a huge spiritual ‘upgrade.’” - Rachel in Los Angeles, CA
“Your mission may be to save the energy workers from the challenges of the uninformed. I am very grateful for your diligence.” - Anonymous
"There is a tremendous amount of information gathered into this book!" - Dr. Kenneth West
"This book sealed the beliefs I have to align me with the church." Carol Nash, recent convert
"Even though I felt drawn to use "new" therapies for my growth and healing, I was always a little unsure of their origin and "acceptability" within the LDS Church. After years of many unanswered questions, I have found solid answers in Tamara Laing's book Healing Arts - A Gift From God. I have never seen anyone ever address the topic of "energy healing" from an LDS perspective that gives
so much solid scientific information.
"This is groundbreaking! Especially for those who are more prone to skepticism. . . .
"This is groundbreaking! Especially for those who are more prone to skepticism. . . .
"As believers in the power of the Atonement and that Christ is the source of all healing, I had asked questions like: What is the "Light of Christ" as spoken of in the Book of Mormon in comparison to Oriental "Chi" that flows through everything? What about prana? What is an aura? Where are my emotions really stored? How do I change my feelings about a negative situation when I feel powerless to make a difference? This book will answer all such questions.
"The information in Tamara's book will help overcome prejudice, ignorance, and fear about healing therapies. Not only will you gain greater respect and hope in promises of healing the Lord gives through scriptures and prophets but also a foundational understanding of scientific "discoveries" that substantiate what we already know from scripture. I believe that Tamara is a pioneer for laying the foundation for a new era of healing among all who have faith to be healed. This is a must read for anyone looking for further light and knowledge in the area of healing illness: emotional or physical. 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.' Here are two witnesses on healing (prophets and science); you can be the third."
- Shauna in Taylorsville, UT
"I love what Tamara has offered our world, specifically, in creating a bridge from something that is new and unfamiliar to something that is familiar and fits with my understanding of Truth and light. I am grateful for her study and preparation to share the truths God wants her to share. Addie in Kaysville, UT
"I love what Tamara has offered our world, specifically, in creating a bridge from something that is new and unfamiliar to something that is familiar and fits with my understanding of Truth and light. I am grateful for her study and preparation to share the truths God wants her to share. Addie in Kaysville, UT
“How blessed we are by your hands, heart, and the work you have given us through your book.” -Marne in Brigham City, UT
"I ordererd the book [and] could not put it down. WOW! You have really done quite a bit of research and this must have taken you A TON of time to put together. It is totally inspired. I have used some of the things from the book and seen instant results. Thank you so much. I am grateful for your inspired obedience in compiling and writing this book. I will never be the same. Thank you!" Tammy in Garland, UT
“Tamara put years of research into this book (as the eight pages of references attest.) I was deeply inspired and uplifted at the first reading. I'm looking forward to re-reading it, and will keep it handy! I believe it will enlighten minds and open hearts. Thank you Tamara!” - Holli in Kaysville, UT
“Thank you so much for writing, publishing and sharing your book! I received it last week and have already read it twice! I love it! So inspiring! The ideas flow so beautifully. Thank you.” - Lori in Rexburg, ID
“Thank you for bringing all of this wonderful info together! Amazing!” - Marnae in Grantsville, UT
“Thank you for all your research! Bless you for your endeavors in helping bring energy medicine out of the shadows!” Loretta in Huntington Beach, CA
"Thank you for your example. Your work and book is paving the way, and creating courage to go forward for all of us." Jill in South Ogden, UT
"It was validating to the extreme to what I had been feeling and couldn't find anywhere else."
Linda in Lakeside, AZ
"Thank you very much for the book. You have opened up other avenues of learning for me. Knowledge is awesome when used wisely."
Cary in Nibley, UT
"Thank you so much for writing this book. I feel so much clarity after studying from it!"
Erica in Utah
Healing Arts is for anyone who wonders how life force energy and integrative forms of healing fit with LDS and Christian belief. My book covers integrative healing principles that have helped my family and clients. I hope they help you and yours. My book contains nearly 500 full color slides full of validating quotes on the premises of energy healing. This includes all of the power point slides customers loved in my DVD (that sold out) plus nearly 300 new slides along with personal stories from my family. Beautiful illustrations showcase quotes from the world compared to quotes from scripture and LDS leaders talking about the same things using different vocabulary. 34 pages of personal stories from my family are followed by the following illustrated chapters.
Introduction to Energy Medicine
Chapter 1 The Sea of Light Energy
The universal energy that physicists have discovered is what Latter-day Saints refer to as intelligence in the light of Christ.
Chapter 2 Light Energy Heals
Apostles and prophets on the subjects of a subtle, invisible essence that heals and can be shared, on women healing, long distance healing . . .
Chapter 3 Wheels of Light Intelligence
Energy centers called "chakras" appear to be in the Bible! The light of truth shines.
Chapter 4 The Light of Consciousness
Prophets say "Thoughts are things" that actually affect our physical being and health. The Light of Christ manifests as consciousness.
Chapter 5 Mapped Light of Emotion
Scriptural examples of emotion affecting people physically. Forgiveness, gratitude, and praise in ALL things raises ones level of consciousness, which benefits health.
Chapter 6 Chase Darkness with Light
"You may chase darkness from among you." Put on the armor of light. Scriptural warnings.
Chapter 7 Light in the Healing Arts
Principles on light, energy, information, frequency. Techniques and self help tools including essential oils, crystals, generational issues. . .
(My author page on my first 2 books at Amazon is: amazon.com/author/tamaralaing)