Posted On April 10, 2023.

Color, Light, Emotions, and the Brain

In 2021, I attended the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists conference held in Ft. Worth, TX. During this conference, I signed up for a seminar in the last time slot on the last day with Dr. Steven Vazquez because the title of the seminar was very intriguing and focused on couples counseling. What I didn't know was that hour and half was going to set me on a course that changed many significant things in my life, my personal therapy, and would eventually give me a very powerful therapeutic tool.

The last day of a conference meanse people are tired, they are trying to process all the information provided, and also have life stuff still happening for them. I was no different. I walked into this seminar with a raging headache, had received news of the death of a mentor, the significant imposter syndrome happening from the conference and discussion in the previous seminar, and was dealing with some tough emotions from a personal conversation. Let's just say, I was probably not at my best - and I just wanted to get on the train home so I could take a nap!

Dr. Vazquez began telling us about a type of therapy he developed/discovered and researched. It was about transforming emotions rapidly using color and light. Being the skeptic that I am, some of the things he was saying seemed outrageous. Yet, being the good student, I took notes and listened despite what I was carrying on the inside. There were whispers of disbelief around me - and from me - that this modality could do the things that he was saying he was doing. So, when he asked for a volunteer, those therapists sitting around me encouraged me to volunteer having seen my skepticism. Raising my hand that day not only challenged my fear of getting in front of a group where I still trying to figure out if I belonged, being in front of a room of about 70 people, and some things I had been taught in my education; but, would be the next step in changing me!

Dr. Vazquez asked me a few questions about emotions that I gave with very limited information. Then he had me sit in front an incredibly vibrant color chart and began giving instruction. That day I put my negative emotions at an 8. As he took me through the chart, things began to change in me.

I don't know that anyone timed it that day but in less than 10 minutes, I identified those same emotions as being at level 1. When I stood up, I looked at Dr. Vazquez and said, "I don't know what you just did to my brain, but I know I need more of it." My headache was gone - completely. Just as if it was never there. I felt lighter and significantly less disturbed than I had been just minutes before. It felt weird but I didn't have words for it. My whole person changed - and the only was I could describe me was "giddy".

Others saw it in my body, my expression, how I took up space in the room. I answered their questions about the experience as best I could. They asked after we left "was it real?" or commented, "I'm glad you said you were skeptical before - or I wouldn't believe it." All I knew is that I was relieved, elated, giddy, and desperately wanted to know what had happened to my brain. Since then, I have had Dr. Vazquez help me with numerous things using the same techniques.

Fast forward to January 2023. I finally got my wish as I attended the Level 1 training and it was an amazing experience of learning theory and beginning to practice techniques and observe healing with my cohort. And I am incredibly excited to say that I will be bringing ETT® to Marble Falls.

Learn more about ETT® therapy and how it can help you!