Yefim Shubentsov


Yefim G. Shubentsov is an "eraser" of addictions, depression, anxiety and phobias. He works with smokers, drug addicts, alcoholics and overeaters. Celebrities who say they have had success with his treatment include Billy Joel, Drew Barrymore, David Arquette, Courteney Cox Arquette, Lenny Clarke, and Amy Tan. According to Shubentsov less than 1% of his over 150,000 clients have needed to return for further help.

Methodology

Shubentsov says the basis for his methodology common-sense behavior modification advice, together with a technique he calls the manipulation of "bio-energy." Shubentsov further asserts anyone can learn this technique, detailing the instructions in his 1999 book "." He claims that he is not using any mystic, New Age, religious or 'magical' special powers or hypnosis. Scientists at the Harvard University Health Services under Dr. Douglas Powell conducted a six-month observation of his techniques and the results, and concluded that they work although they don't know how. The power of positive suggestion and reinforcement is suspected as having something to do with it.

Early life

Shubentsov was born in Russia in 1940. He worked as a commercial artist there, as well as serving in the military. He says that he was invited to take part in a government-conducted scientific experiment with "bioenergetics," when his natural abilities with it were discovered and used to help treat medical patients. Unhappy under the Communist government of the Soviet Union, in 1979 he defected to the U.S. with his wife and son. In 1980 he started his practice in Brookline, Massachusetts, originally for physical pain and then gradually shifting his focus to cravings and mental health.