By Daniel J. Benor, MD, ABHM     

WHEE is more than a technical intervention to release pain, stress and distress. Yes, it can release negativity when applied mechanistically as a right and left alternating stimulation of the body that is combined with an affirmation. But it is far more than just a neurophysiological intervention.     


The ease of use and rapidity of the WHEE process facilitates rapid, deep work

While the methodology of WHEE is very simple, it is elegantly simple. Because it is a very quick method, one can achieve in an hour much more than can be completed in the same time with slower methods. As soon as a block or resistance is identified, it can be cleared immediately. Core beliefs can similarly be identified and cleared.

The ease of use of WHEE enables people to apply these techniques on their own. This means that whenever there is a challenging situation, a pain, an anxiety or fear, hurt or anger, a person can immediately use WHEE to alleviate their stress or distress.

People also use WHEE by preference over other methods because there are ways it can be used with complete discretion in a challenging situation so that no one knows a person is de-stressing with WHEE.


The simplicity of the WHEE process invites individualization of the applied techniques

The right and left stimulation of the body can be done in any way that is convenient and comfortable. One person might find that tapping her eyebrows, using one hand, is convenient while talking on the phone or holding a pen in the other hand. Another person might find that the butterfly hug feels more comforting for working on issues of sadness or grief. A third might tap his feet quietly on the floor during a stressful exam.

From a recent email inquiry:

> Subject: Question
>
> Hello,
> I purchased the WHEE work book - yet I seem to be missing some information
> on how to actually do WHEE.  I was wondering if you could tell me where in
> the book the protocol is written out.
> I know EFT so perhaps I am skewed in my approach however, I do not
> understand how or when to tap and stimulate opposite sides of the body.  Do
> I do it when I am speaking the affirmation, how many times do I tap?  Do I
> tap alternatively on opposites of the body the entire affirmation?  When do
> I stop - do I keep going until the SUDs drops?
> I have tried that approach and I do not yet notice any relief... this is why
> I thought to email you and ask. So I thought I might be misunderstanding
> something in the protocol.
>
> Thank you ahead of time,
>
> x

 Hello X,

The answer to most of your questions is "Yes."

WHEE is not a prescription like EFT or many other therapies.

WHEE is a framework that you are invited to adapt - to your needs, personality, preferences.

Tap alternate sides, back and forth as you recite the affirmation. Deep breath at the end before you pause and check your SUDS.

Repeat and watch the SUDS drop.

If there is resistance, follow suggestions in the manual.

Some people find that the 1 hr phone intro is helpful. http://www.wholistichealingresearch.com/wheeteleseminars.html

Please let me hear how you do.

Blessings

Dan

The affirmations are completely individualized. While WHEE is introduced with generic suggestions to say as a positive affirmation:
Even though I feel ___________
When I think about ___________
With a counteracting affirmation:
I still love and accept myself, wholly and completely

However, people are encouraged to take these words as examples rather than as mantras, and to insert whatever feels best to them. If any part of “I love and accept myself, wholly and completely” does not resonate with someone, they are invited to pick whatever positive images, feelings, memories, or other affirmations that feel strongly positive to them. Common choices include:
I know my [mother/ father/ family loves/ other person] loves and accepts me.
I remember when I felt good at__________
I know this will pass, and I will feel better, just as I have with previous [challenges/ hurts/ other issues]


WHEE is wholistic, inviting people to connect and draw healing on all levels of their being.

Wholistic healing addresses every level of one's being: body, emotions, mind, relationships and spirit. WHEE teaches people to connect with all of these levels.

Many therapies focus on the presenting problems. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people dissect the issues that are bothering them and to develop understandings of the component stresses, their cognitive and emotional responses, and their coping strategies. CBT is excellent at problem-solving.

WHEE views symptoms and problems in the present as symptoms of dis-ease in a person’s existence. Current issues are connected to past traumas and our habitual responses to the traumas. Bundling present and past issues and clearing all of them simultaneously facilitates faster, deeper and more thorough clearing of all of them.

The body often speaks to us of issues our unconscious mind wants us to address. If we don't listen or aren't able to understand what our body is telling us, it escalates into demanding our attention through pains or other, more serious symptoms. WHEE invites people to reconnect with their body. Again, there is no one way that works for everyone, so varieties of approaches are recommended: talking to one's body; doing 2-chair dialogues with our symptoms (as in Gestalt therapy); listening to our dreams; using a stress inventory are some of these helpful avenues to communication with our inner selves.

WHEE encourages development of intuitive and spiritual awarenesses. People are invited to add spiritual components to their counteracting affirmations. Here is a generic one:

And God (Spirit/ the Infinite Source/ My higher Self/ INSERT WHAT FEELS RIGHT TO YOU) loves and accepts me, wholly and completely and unconditionally

Again, there is no formula. People are encouraged to use whatever affirmation feels most comfortable to them.

So, with most questions about WHEE procedures, the answer is “Yes.” You are encouraged to explore, develop and innovate whichever ways work best for you.

Blessings

Dan

Your feedback on this article is welcomed.

Dan
DB@paintap.com

You may reproduce all or parts of this article in your journal, magazine, ezine, blog or other web or paper publication on condition that you credit the source as follows: Copyright © 2008 Daniel J. Benor, MD, ABHM   All rights reserved. Original publication at WholisticHealingResearch.com where you will find many more related articles on this and similar subjects of wholistic healing.

Further information about WHEE

Basics of the WHEE process

WHEE Videos

Appreciations for benefits of WHEE

Problems helped by WHEE

Book on WHEE for Pain 

WHEE workbook

WHEE workshops

Articles:
   Introductory WHEE article
 
   WHEE for trauma and re-entry problems 
 
   WHEE for children

   WHEE-kly brief articles

WHEE research