Determining Highly Desirable Traits of an Effective Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner: A Delphi Study

Abstract

Due to the distinct lack of definition surrounding the desirable attributes of an effective Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioner, this study utilized a modified Delphi technique to explore this. This method is designed to achieve a consensus amongst skilled panelists when an accepted body of literature is lacking. A three-round modified Delphi approach was used and participants were skilled in delivering EFT as a practitioner (N = 22). The first round was an open-ended series of questions derived from the literature, and responses to these initial questions were analyzed using content analysis (nVivo), with common themes identified and grouped together. These themes were then utilized to develop more specific quantitative questions (Likert format) to be used in the subsequent rounds. Consensus was set at 75% agreement on an item and was reached for 11 out of the 15 traits of an effective EFT practitioner identified in round 1. Consensus was also reached for seven out of the eight traits of an ineffective EFT practitioner, but was not reached for many core elements in training. These included adequate training, knowledge of other energy techniques, and the use of structured interviews, among other issues. Consensus was also not reached for the use of screening processes prior to training. These results are discussed in terms of standardization in EFT