The Brush Technique

August 17, 2011 @ 6:14 pm by Dr. Tim

I used the brush technique when I was a therapist in private practice. At one point, I specialized in aggressive men (many of whom were forced to therapy through the threat of divorce). Some of them would spew negativity on me for a majority of their session and I had the tendency to internalize this and go home in a bad mood. A silly, but effective technique for me was the “brush technique”. After the negative person left I would simply brush off my body with my hands. This was a symbolic act of refusing to let their negative energy cling to me. Yes, it is silly and may be a little too “touchy-feely” for some of you, but managers and advisors we coach know that it is also very effective. We don’t fully understand the science of energy, but if 30 seconds of brushing helps you go home a happier person then it might be worth trying!

Dr. Tim Ursiny