The Emotion Code and psychotherapy: two separate pathways

What is the difference between the Emotion Code and psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a form of health care. It is provided by professionals who are licensed by a state board, bound by a professional code of ethics, and accountable to a regulator. Its methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or emotionally focused couples therapy, have been studied in controlled research, and it is appropriate for diagnosable conditions like depression, anxiety and trauma as well as for relationship and life difficulties.

The Emotion Code is a complementary energy practice created by Dr. Bradley Nelson and taught by his company, Discover Healing. Practitioners are certified by that company, not licensed by any state; Discover Healing's own legal page says no state in the United States licenses Emotion Code practitioners, and that the method is not psychotherapy or any other licensed health care practice. Its central premise, that trapped emotional energy can be found by muscle testing and released with a magnet, is not established by scientific evidence.

• Purpose. Psychotherapy aims to relieve distress and change patterns through conversation, skills and understanding. The Emotion Code aims, in its own terms, to release trapped emotional energy.
• Method. Psychotherapy works with what you think, feel, remember and do. The Emotion Code relies on muscle testing, which has not held up in blinded studies.
• Evidence. Psychotherapy has a large research base. The Emotion Code has one uncontrolled published study; see does the Emotion Code work.
• Oversight. Psychotherapy is regulated by state licensing boards. The Emotion Code is self-regulated by the company that sells certification.
• Scope. Psychotherapy can address mental health conditions. The Emotion Code is not offered as treatment for any condition.

Why does Laura keep them separate?

Laura Bass is a psychotherapist in Charlotte, North Carolina, and a certified Emotion Code practitioner. She treats them as two distinct pathways rather than blending them, and there are good reasons for that.

The first is honesty about what each one is. If an energy technique appeared in the middle of a therapy session, it could borrow the authority of clinical care without the evidence that goes with it. Keeping it separate lets each be described on its own terms.

The second is the client's freedom. Many people come to therapy with no interest in energy work, and some would find it at odds with their faith or their outlook. They should never have to wonder whether it will be introduced. Others value complementary practices and want the option. Separate pathways serve both.

The third is protecting therapy itself. Research on what makes psychotherapy help points again and again to the relationship between client and therapist, built on trust and a shared understanding of the work. Mixing in a method with a different explanation of why people struggle could blur that understanding.

Can I choose one, both or neither?

Yes. The choice belongs to you, and declining one has no bearing on the other.

What should informed consent look like when a clinician offers both?

A licensed clinician who also offers a complementary practice carries extra responsibility, because clients may reasonably assume that anything their therapist offers has clinical backing. Good practice, in any profession, looks something like this:

• a plain explanation, before anything begins, of which service is clinical care and which is complementary, and what the evidence does and does not say about each;
• separate agreement to each service, so saying yes to therapy is never saying yes to energy work;
• no suggestion that the complementary practice treats a diagnosis, and no presenting it as part of a treatment plan;
• complementary sessions not billed to insurance as psychotherapy;
• the client free to decline, stop or ask questions at any point without any effect on their therapy;
• respect for the client's beliefs, whether they are drawn to the practice or skeptical of it.

What if I am already in therapy somewhere else?

Tell your therapist about any complementary practice you are using, as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends for all health approaches. A good therapist will not be offended and can help you notice whether it is supporting you or distracting from the work. Do not stop therapy or medication because an energy session made you feel better for a while.

If you are struggling right now

Neither a complementary practice nor an information page is crisis care. If you are in danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide or are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

If you would like to talk about which pathway fits, contact Laura. You can also read about Emotion Code sessions with Laura, browse the Emotion Code guide, or see how a first session works.

Common questions