ThetaHealing

ThetaHealing is usually administered in the form of individual sessions in which the practitioner sits directly opposite the person, and initially attends to the person by listening and using probing questions. They may conduct a session long-distance through telephone or over the internet via webcam and voice.^[7]^[8] The ThetaHealing technique is based on the idea that the beliefs in a person's conscious and unconscious mind directly impact their emotional well-being, which may impact their physical health.^[9]^[10]^[11]

Philosophy

ThetaHealing's philosophy is based on what Vianna Stibal, an American naturopath, calls "the seven planes of existence". According to her, these levels of existence build a framework to show the importance of the "Creator of all that is” (whose upper level is also described as the "Place of perfect love"). In addition, practitioners and instructors of the technique are open to everyone, regardless of the person's origin or religion.^[12]^[13]

The Theta Healing technique, according to founder Vianna Stibal, is always taught to be used in conjunction with evidence-based medicine.^[14]

The method has been criticized as "criminal" and "not supported by any kind of evidence" by scientific researcher Edzard Ernst.^[15] The McGill University Office for Science and Society pointed out that ThetaHealing did not increase theta wave activity, but that "It did the exact opposite. Theta activity overall went down".^[1]

ThetaHealing often employs the method of applied kinesiology, after putting patients into a deep meditation. The practice of applied kinesiology itself has been highly criticized and studies have shown that it lacks clinical value.^[16] ThetaHealing also has been widely criticized, notably by Jonathan Jarry at the Office for Science and Society, for being motivated by money rather than efficacy. For example, in order to enroll in a ThetaHealing course that teaches how "money is an illusion", one must pay $750.00. Other ThetaHealing courses include classes which teach how to "activate the 12 strands of DNA within each participant", despite the fact that this claim is not backed up by any scientific evidence.^[17] ThetaHealing has also made false and unsubstantiated claims about cancer.^[1]^[15]

Kara Alexander sued Vianna Stibal for fraud, breach of contract, and punitive damages. A jury awarded Alexander $111,000 on her contract claim, $17,000 on the fraud claim, and $500,000 in punitive damages. Stibal is the owner and operator of Nature Path, Inc. and the ThetaHealing Institute of Knowledge (THInK). In the beginning of 2008, THInK announced that it would offer a newly-created doctoral degree in ThetaHealing. students of ThetaHealing, including Alexander, began to question the validity of her doctoral degrees. In November of 2011, Alexander filed a complaint against Stibal, alleging breach of contract and fraud. During the trial, the district court denied Stibal’s motion for a directed verdict on the fraud and breach of contract claims. Following trial, Stibal moved for a new trial and for judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV). The district court denied these post-trial motions, but reduced the punitive damages award to $384,000. On appeal, Stibal challenges the district court’s rulings on the contract, fraud, and punitive damages issues. After review, the Supreme Court reversed the district court’s order denying Stibal’s motion for JNOV on the contract claim. The Court vacated the district court’s judgment and remanded with directions for the district court to enter a new judgment reflecting our ruling on the contract claim and the reduction in punitive damages to $100,000. The Court affirmed in all other respects.^[18]

Meditation Process

Philosophy

Criticism

See also

References

External links

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