Introduction to Emotional Transformation Therapy

Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), founded by Dr. Steven Vazquez, is a treatment modality designed to provide emotional healing using color and light. Various psychological and neuroscientific principles are combined to address unresolved emotional pain by accessing our subconscious, changing neuropathways/neural impulses, and increasing the movement towards clarity, empowerment, and decreased distress. There are multiple modalities within ETT that can be incorporated into treatment. 

Understanding the Foundations

The Role of Emotions

Emotions are those lovely things that we tend to compartmentalize, minimize, have difficulty navigating, and sometimes create a sense of overwhelm. We are taught different kinds of expectations from a young age about how emotions should/should not be expressed, felt, and managed.  Sometimes we are taught that certain emotions provide us with the opportunity to get our needs met, whether that be positive or not so much. ETT targets emotions, moves towards resolution of emotional blockage, and improves healthy emotional expression through the reparenting of our brain. 

How ETT Works

ETT utilizes specialized tools involving light and color exposure (spectral chart, goggles, wands, light device), to stimulate neural pathways that are connected to our experiences. Combining those tools with guided therapeutic exploration, ETT works to move stuck emotions from the Amygdala into our emotional processing/regulating center, the Hippocampus. This improves one’s window of tolerance and emotional congruence. 

Applications of Emotional Transformation Therapy

ETT has been shown to be effective with various conditions and issues that include, but are not limited to, the following:

*Trauma

*Anxiety

*Depression

*Obsessions

*Compulsions

*Addictions

*Physical aliments

*ADHD/ADD

*Mood fluctuations

*Sleep disturbances

*Phobias

*Relationships

*Decision making

*Etc.

Benefits of Emotional Transformation Therapy

Holistic Healing

ETT addresses the entire person and is not invasive. As our physical, emotional, and mental ailments tend to be intermingled ETT not only targets what is known but also what is unknown. 

Empowerment and Self-Awareness

Emotional transformation allows for a greater sense of Self and Self-awareness.  With knowledge increases empowerment and confidence. 

Accessibility and Adaptability

ETT is not only adaptable to various settings but is also accessible to individuals and couples.  If you experience color blindness, ETT can still be effective. 

Challenges and Considerations

ETT is not without limitations. Some individuals may need additional support to improve navigation and maintenance. Unfortunately, the availability of trained ETT practitioners may be limited in some regions.  Thankfully, PCS has multiple ETT certified practitioners on staff. Although ETT is an amazing tool, personal preference may be a deciding factor to change into another modality.  Unfortunately, there is no magic wand that will “fix” everything, therefore approaching ETT as a layer to your journey is important. 

Resources

If self-education is your jam, below are some resources to further explore the topic of ETT. 

ETT Training – Emotional Transformation Therapy

Emotional Transformation Therapy: An Interactive Ecological Psychotherapy 

by Steven R. Vazquez