Beyond the Basics: 4 Essential Energy Healing Reads Curated by EMPA’s Executive Director

The Books That Stay With You

Some books find you at the right time—and some never really leave you.

As energy practitioners, we're constantly expanding our understanding. The training never really ends—nor should it. Our ability to help clients transcend their limitations depends on our willingness to push past our own. That's why a curated list of books from someone who's walked the path ahead of us can be so valuable.

Katherine Krupka, Executive Director of EMPA, has compiled exactly that—a collection of reads that have profoundly shaped her own practice and perspective. Katherine is a gifted energy healer, coach, and educator with over 20 certifications across various healing modalities and a long history of supporting holistic professionals. Beyond running EMPA, she builds community and brings together respected minds in our field.

When Katherine shared her recommended reading list, one quote particularly stood out: "As a practitioner, we always want to be learning. We always want to be growing. I can't help someone [client] get to some place I haven't been yet. I can't guide my clients to a point of growth if I am not able to stay three steps ahead."

Looking at her selections, Katherine explains: "I believe these resources can push the envelope for anyone who is open to doing so." Each book offers unique insights, from scientific validation to consciousness expansion, providing both practical techniques and profound perspective shifts.

Whether you're just starting your journey or have been practicing for decades, there's something here to inspire you. So find a cozy spot, brew your favorite tea, and let's explore the books that Katherine believes every energy medicine practitioner should have on their shelf!

Book #1: Vibrational Medicine by Richard Gerber, M.D.

A trusted classic that bridges intuition and science

Katherine describes this one as a cornerstone—"not a beach read," she laughs, "but absolutely worth the investment."

Vibrational Medicine dives deep into the scientific underpinnings of energy healing. However, for Katherine, it wasn’t originally the science that brought her into this world of energy medicine—she felt the effects firsthand and trusted them.

Yet when she began working alongside licensed professionals, attorneys, and others who needed more than that intuitive connection, she realized the power of speaking their language.

“This book gave me a vocabulary I didn’t know I needed,” she shares. “It helps bridge the gap between what we feel and what we can explain. It’s well respected in the field, and if you want to confidently back up your work, this is the one to read.”

Dense? Yes. Foundational? Absolutely. For energy practitioners who want to better understand the ‘why’ behind their practice—or communicate it to others—this is one to keep close by.

Book #2: Creating on Purpose by Anodea Judith

A powerful roadmap for manifesting through the chakras

“This is one of my favorite books of all time,” Katherine shares. “I used to teach a course based on it.”

You may know Anodea Judith from her foundational work Eastern Body, Western Mind, which powerfully bridges Western psychology with the chakra system. But in Creating on Purpose, she shifts the focus toward manifestation—how we intentionally bring ideas, desires, and goals into physical form through the energetic centers of the body.

Manifestation has become a bit of a buzzword these days—but what sets this book apart is its direction: Judith guides readers from the crown chakra down to the root, flipping the more familiar model on its head. Katherine fell in love with that reverse flow.

“I was working with female business owners and was struck by the success we saw,” Katherine recalls. “One woman, for example, sold high-end home decor and was navigating an obstacle course of setbacks—when it rains, it pours. But as we moved through Judith’s process over several weeks, her relationship to her business shifted. She saw her role more clearly, realigned her energy, and things began to flow.”

The brilliance of Creating on Purpose is that it takes a concept that many energy practitioners already know—the chakras—and shows us how to actively use them. It’s practical and empowering, filled with clear explanations, helpful charts, guided meditations, and actionable steps.

“You can use this for yourself or with your clients,” Katherine says. “It gives you access to a different kind of power, and it’s beautifully put together.”

Book #3: The Energy Cure by Dr. William Bengston

Science meets skepticism—and the results are undeniable

This book is one of those rare reads that makes you pause and say, Wait… this really happened?

Dr. William “Bill” Bengston didn’t believe in energy medicine—not even a little! He wasn’t a practitioner, wasn’t into alternative healing, and certainly didn’t see himself becoming a voice for the field. But a chance encounter with a teacher changed everything.

When that teacher passed away, Bill was left with a powerful set of techniques and a deeply curious mind. So he did what any scientist would do: he tested it.

In his research lab, Bill began running experiments with a group of students—none of whom identified as energy healers or even believed in the work. He taught them the technique he’d learned and guided them through a series of controlled sessions working with mice in a clinical setting.

Using what Katherine describes as a technology of consciousness, they observed something remarkable: tumors in the mice began to regress consistently and measurably over time.

Katherine shares that The Energy Cure isn’t just compelling—it’s “a compact, story-rich journey that gives practitioners confidence in what they’re doing, and a better way to talk about it, too.”

The best part? Bengston’s method is accessible. He offers a course (separately from the book), but the book alone provides a clear window into healing backed by real-world results.

It’s part memoir, part research log, and part validation for every practitioner who’s ever been told, “That’s not real.”

Book #4: Matrix Energetics by Richard Bartlett

For when you’re ready to blow past your limits

Some books gently guide you forward. Others catapult you into entirely new dimensions. For Katherine, Matrix Energetics was the latter.

“This book changed the way I practice—and maybe even changed my life.”

Up until discovering Bartlett’s work, Katherine had always understood her healing work through the language of energy: energy flowing through her, energy directed to others. It made sense. But something still felt confined. Then came a radical new concept: consciousness technology. Instead of channeling energy, what if we’re tapping into the very substance of creation itself?

Katherine recalls meeting Bartlett in person at a seminar and voicing her frustration about the limits she was sensing. His reply? “Let’s change your astrology.” It sounded absurd. But in the world of infinite possibility—where everything is just energy, shaped by awareness—it made perfect sense. That moment shifted something fundamental.

“I collapsed to the floor. Not because anything was wrong, but because something opened. When I got up, it was like… everything was just slightly different. But it was different.”

This book is what Katherine lovingly calls a belief-buster. It broke through deeply rooted limitations, both in her thinking and in her work. And when those limitations disappeared, her client results transformed as well.

Not everyone will resonate with Matrix Energetics at first glance. It’s bold. It’s unconventional. But if you approach it with curiosity and even a hint of “what if,” you might discover just how much more is possible—within your practice, and yourself.

Bonus Listening: The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens

For expanding your perception of what’s truly possible

While not technically a book, this 10-part podcast series earned its place on Katherine’s list because of the way it stretches the edges of what we think we know.

In The Telepathy Tapes, host and researcher Ky Dickens explores a fascinating—and previously unexplored—phenomenon: telepathic communication among non-verbal individuals with autism.

Through interviews with parents, caregivers, and those who communicate beyond traditional language, the series opens a door into a world of knowing that many of us have never considered. Or perhaps… have always sensed, but couldn’t explain.

The stories are tender, thoughtful, and often astonishing. Listeners are invited not just to observe, but to question their own boundaries of what communication, learning, and even consciousness might truly mean.

Katherine recommends this podcast for energy practitioners because it challenges the edges of what we accept as “normal.” It invites us to consider: if these individuals can access wisdom, insight, and connection from beyond the physical, what might be available to the rest of us—if we’re open?

“It’s about expanding your awareness of what’s possible.”

For practitioners who work in the subtle, sacred spaces of energy and intention, The Telepathy Tapes is a gentle yet profound reminder: we are part of something much bigger than we know.

Final Reflections: Keep Expanding, Keep Evolving

Katherine put it best: “As energy practitioners, we expand our own horizons so we can do even more for others. And that is why these are my top picks for this book review—I believe these resources can expand your horizons for who is open to doing so.”

Whether through books, experiences, or conversations, expanding your own understanding creates space for deeper transformation in others. Each title on this list was chosen not just for its insight, but for its ability to stretch what we believe is possible—and to remind us that growth is part of the job!

So as you explore these resources, ask yourself: Where am I willing to go next? Because the more we evolve, the more capacity we have to support those we serve.

Looking for more resources made just for energy practitioners?

The right book can change how you practice—so can the right support. EMPA offers education, resources, and professional tools created specifically for energy healers like you. From safe practice training to liability coverage and peer support, we’re here to help you grow your work with confidence.

Explore EMPA’s membership options and see how we support your journey—wherever it leads. Visit our site to learn more.

In Memoriam: Since this article was written, Dr. William “Bill” Bengston has passed away. He will be remembered for his groundbreaking research, his courage to ask questions, and his unwavering commitment to exploring the frontiers of healing. We honor his legacy and the inspiration he brought to our field. 
To learn more about his work, visit https://www.bengstonresearch.com. 

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal or medical advice. The examples are general, and coverage may vary by policy. Always refer to your insurance provider or policy language for specific details, as the policy terms take precedence. For legal concerns related to your practice, consult an attorney.