Accelerated Empathic Therapy (AET)
Accelerated Empathic Therapy (AET) continues to be an evolving psychotherapy. It views the avoidance of body sensations, which are the physical experience of emotions, as the cause of many psychological problems, e.g., fears of these sensations lead to anxiety disorders and defenses errected aginst them cause dysfunction and disphoria. AET utilizes “empathic interaction” to both explore the sensations and diminish patient fears.
The stance of the AET psychotherapist is that of a knowledgeable, caring helper who shares his experience in the moment to facilitate the experience of new or feared sensations. These sensations are often somatic or visceral and frequently are linked to pain, anxiety, anger, and love.
In practice, AET is a nine-step process consisting of:
- Inquiry regarding present symptoms and complaints, past symptoms and treatment, and family history.
- Observation of interactive style and defenses as well as response to interventions.
- Education on body sensations and the importance of emotions.
- Evaluation of the capacity to recognize sensations and emotions.
- Enhancement of the experience of sensations and emotions as needed.
- Education on the use of “empathic interaction� and the experience of closeness.
- The experience of “empathic interaction�, sharing, and closeness.
- Education on the experience of sensations associated with the dyads of pleasure/pain, calm/anxiety-fear, happiness/sadness, fullness/emptiness, love/hate, yearning/repulsion, caring/attacking-raging, and joy/suffering.
- Exploration of the experience of the sensory dyads as they relate to self and others.
As the capacity to experience sensations (and associated emotions) increases, defenses (and hence symptoms) decrease.
Once patients learn the value of sensations, they treasure rather than fear them. The benefit that accrues from experiencing them in the moment extends beyond symptom removal. The ensuing sense of compassion and peace leads to joy.