Emotional Freedom Techniques Research Articles

Epigenetic Effects of PTSD Remediation in Veterans Using Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

To assess the feasibility of measuring changes in gene expression associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment using emotional freedom techniques (EFT). Participants were randomized into an EFT group receiving EFT and treatment as usual (TAU) throughout a 10-week intervention period and a group receiving only TAU during the intervention period and then receiving EFT. A community clinic and a research institute in California. Sixteen veterans with clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. Ten hour-long sessions of EFT. Messenger RNA levels for a focused panel of 93 genes related to PTSD. The Symptom Assessment 45 questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Insomnia Severity Scale, SF-12v2 for physical impairments, and Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire. Pre-, posttreatment, and follow-up mean scores on questionnaires were assessed using repeated measures 1-way analysis of variance. A Student t test and post hoc analyses were performed on gene expression data. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms declined significantly in the EFT group (-53%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains on follow-up. Significant differential expression of 6 genes was found ( P < .05) when comparing the expression levels before and after the intervention period in participants receiving EFT. Study results identify candidate gene expression correlates of successful PTSD treatment, providing guidelines for the design of further studies aimed at exploring the epigenetic effects of EFT.

The Wellness Theorem: A Test of the Hypothesis

Prior research indicates elevated but subclinical posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a risk factor for a later diagnosis of PTSD. This study examined the progression of symptoms in 21 subclinical veterans. Participants were randomized into a treatment as usual (TAU) wait-list group and an experimental group, which received TAU plus six sessions of clinical emotional freedom techniques (EFT). Symptoms were assessed using the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Checklist—Military) on which a score of 35 or higher indicates increased risk for PTSD. The mean pretreatment score of participants was 39 ± 8.7, with no significant difference between groups. No change was found in the TAU group during the wait period. Afterward, the TAU group received an identical clinical EFT protocol. Posttreatment groups were combined for analysis. Scores declined to a mean of 25 (−64%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains, with mean three-month and six-month follow-up PCL-M scores of 27 (P < .0001). Similar reductions were noted in the depth and breadth of psychological conditions such as anxiety. A Cohenʼs d = 1.99 indicates a large treatment effect. Reductions in traumatic brain injury symptoms (P = .045) and insomnia (P = .004) were also noted. Symptom improvements were similar to those assessed in studies of PTSD-positive veterans. EFT may thus be protective against an increase in symptoms and a later PTSD diagnosis. As a simple and quickly learned self-help method, EFT may be a clinically useful element of a resiliency program for veterans and active-duty warriors.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and Resiliency in Veterans at Risk for PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Prior research indicates elevated but subclinical posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a risk factor for a later diagnosis of PTSD. This study examined the progression of symptoms in 21 subclinical veterans. Participants were randomized into a treatment as usual (TAU) wait-list group and an experimental group, which received TAU plus six sessions of clinical emotional freedom techniques (EFT). Symptoms were assessed using the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Checklist-Military) on which a score of 35 or higher indicates increased risk for PTSD. The mean pretreatment score of participants was 39 ± 8.7, with no significant difference between groups. No change was found in the TAU group during the wait period. Afterward, the TAU group received an identical clinical EFT protocol. Posttreatment groups were combined for analysis. Scores declined to a mean of 25 (-64%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains, with mean three-month and six-month follow-up PCL-M scores of 27 (P < .0001). Similar reductions were noted in the depth and breadth of psychological conditions such as anxiety. A Cohen's d = 1.99 indicates a large treatment effect. Reductions in traumatic brain injury symptoms (P = .045) and insomnia (P = .004) were also noted. Symptom improvements were similar to those assessed in studies of PTSD-positive veterans. EFT may thus be protective against an increase in symptoms and a later PTSD diagnosis. As a simple and quickly learned self-help method, EFT may be a clinically useful element of a resiliency program for veterans and active-duty warriors.

How Strong is your “R Factor”?

Prior research indicates elevated but subclinical posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a risk factor for a later diagnosis of PTSD. This study examined the progression of symptoms in 21 subclinical veterans. Participants were randomized into a treatment as usual (TAU) wait-list group and an experimental group, which received TAU plus six sessions of clinical emotional freedom techniques (EFT). Symptoms were assessed using the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Checklist—Military) on which a score of 35 or higher indicates increased risk for PTSD. The mean pretreatment score of participants was 39 ± 8.7, with no significant difference between groups. No change was found in the TAU group during the wait period. Afterward, the TAU group received an identical clinical EFT protocol. Posttreatment groups were combined for analysis. Scores declined to a mean of 25 (−64%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains, with mean three-month and six-month follow-up PCL-M scores of 27 (P < .0001). Similar reductions were noted in the depth and breadth of psychological conditions such as anxiety. A Cohenʼs d = 1.99 indicates a large treatment effect. Reductions in traumatic brain injury symptoms (P = .045) and insomnia (P = .004) were also noted. Symptom improvements were similar to those assessed in studies of PTSD-positive veterans. EFT may thus be protective against an increase in symptoms and a later PTSD diagnosis. As a simple and quickly learned self-help method, EFT may be a clinically useful element of a resiliency program for veterans and active-duty warriors.

Food for Thought: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Food Cravings.

Addressing the internal determinants of dysfunctional eating behaviours (e.g. food cravings) in the prevention and treatment of obesity has been increasingly recognised. This study compared Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for food cravings in adults who were overweight or obese (N=83) in an 8-week intervention. Outcome data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6- and 12-months follow-up. Overall, EFT and CBT demonstrated comparable efficacy in reducing food cravings, one's responsiveness to food in the environment (power of food), and dietary restraint, with Cohen's effect size values suggesting moderate to high practical significance for both interventions. Results also revealed that both EFT and CBT are capable of producing treatment effects that are clinically meaningful, with reductions in food cravings, the power of food, and dietary restraint normalising to the scores of a non-clinical community sample. While reductions in BMI were not observed, the current study supports the suggestion that psychological interventions are beneficial for food cravings and both CBT and EFT could serve as vital adjunct tools in a multidisciplinary approach to managing obesity.

Supporting Chronic Disease Healthcare Through Remote Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Treatment and Self-care: An Evaluation Using the WHO Determinants of Health

Abstract: The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) defines determinants that influence people’s health, such as income, education, social support, physical environment, access to health services, personal behaviors, and gender. This study explores delivery of a therapeutic intervention called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and self-administration of EFT in chronic disease patients from the perspective of the WHO determinants of health. Sixteen participants, including eight EFT practitioners and eight chronic disease patients, described their experiences of EFT in semi-structured interviews. Data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Four major themes were identified: practitioner and client experiences of online EFT therapy, experiences of telephone EFT therapy, experiences in online support groups, and the use of EFT for self-care. Participant accounts illustrated EFT’s value in alleviating barriers to access to health services and facilitating self-care in chronic disease patients. Online and telephone delivery of EFT offered a useful alternative for residents of remote and rural areas without access to mental health services. EFT is effective in groups using online videoconferencing platforms to provide a social support network. Additionally, EFT is favored by the study’s participants for selfcare, maintaining positive mood, and for general well-being.

Differential Gene Expression after Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Treatment: A Novel Pilot Protocol for Salivary mRNA Assessment

You are here: Home › Differential Gene Expression after Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Treatment: A Novel Pilot Protocol for Salivary mRNA Assessment doi 10.9769/EPJ.2016.8.1.MM Marjorie E. Maharaj, Department of Applied Psychology, Akamai University, Hilo, HI Abstract: Biopsychology is a rapidly expanding field of study since the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. There is little data measuring the effect of psychotherapeutic interventions on gene expression, due to the technical, logistical, and financial requirements of analysis. Being able to measure easily the effects of therapeutic experiences can validate the benefits of intervention. In order to test the feasibility of gene expression testing in a private practice setting, this study compared messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and gene expression before and after psychotherapy and a control condition. With four non-clinical adult participants, it piloted a novel methodology using saliva stored at room temperature. A preliminary test of the interleukin- 8 (IL8) gene in both blood and saliva was performed in order to determine equivalency in the two biofluids; convergent validity was found. Following saliva test validation, a broad, genome-wide analysis was performed to detect differential gene expression in samples collected before and after treatment with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an evidence-based practice combining acupressure and cognitive exposure. The control treatment was non-therapeutic social interaction. To establish a baseline, participants received the control first, followed a week later by EFT. Analysis of samples was performed at three time points: immediately before treatment, immediately after, and 24 hours later. Differential expression between EFT and control was found in numerous genes implicated in overall health (p &lt; 0.05). Further, the differentially expressed genes in this study were shown to be linked to immunity, pro or anti-inflammatory, as well as neuronal processes in the brain. Ten of the 72 differentially expressed genes are identified as promising targets for downstream research. The data show promise for the future use of salivary samples to determine the effects of therapy; this pilot protocol also illustrated the challenges and limitations of novel technologies employed in biopsychology. Keywords: epigenetics, DNA, mRNA, gene expression, protein synthesis, brain plasticity, neurogenesis, biopsychology

A Survey of Energy Psychology Practitioners: Who They Are, What They Do, Who They Help

Abstract: An online survey of the members of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) was completed by 294 of the organization’s 1,220 members (24%) in March 2016. The majority of respondents reported using acupoint tapping protocols as a core component in the successful treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and depression. All 106 of the respondents who had applied acupoint tapping for facilitating “peak performance” in contexts such as business, education, and sports reported the approach to have been “of great value” (68%) or “moderate value” (32%) for this objective, with none of the respondents having reported it to be of “little value.” The survey also asked participants to estimate the number of sessions that are typically required to achieve each of seven “process outcomes” that are shared among various clinical approaches. For instance, the elimination of an unwanted physiological/emotional reaction to a specified trigger could typically be achieved in three or fewer acupoint tapping sessions according to 94% of the respondents, and within a single session according to 71% of the respondents. Two thirds of the licensed mental health professionals who reported that they use acupoint tapping protocols said they integrate them into existing therapeutic frameworks rather than use acupoint tapping as an independent modality. This finding suggests that the approach is portable and is being applied within the context of established therapeutic systems with the intention of more rapidly facilitating targeted neurological, emotional, and cognitive changes. In brief, the practitioner reports generated in the survey corroborate clinical trials and meta-analyses that suggest acupoint tapping protocols are rapid and effective with a range of conditions. Keywords: acupoint tapping, biofield, chakra, Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT, energy psychology, meridian, survey, Thought Field Therapy

Mindful Energy Psychology: History, Theory, Research, and Practice

Abstract: The dialectic between acceptance and the desire for change reflects a core paradox within psychology. Two clinical methodologies that at first glance appear to be diametrically opposed have been incorporated into an approach that harnesses a reciprocal synergy, seamlessly integrating a focus on acceptance with a focus on change. Mindfulness practices, which involve purposeful, nonjudgmental awareness and acceptance of the present moment, have been shown to promote general well-being as well as to alleviate many psychological and stress-related symptoms. Energy psychology, which utilizes both somatic and cognitive interventions, is believed to rapidly and with precision change the energetic and neurological underpinnings of a range of psychological disorders. Combining the two approaches into a “mindful energy psychology” resolves the acceptance/change paradox with an interplay that yields immediate, potent therapeutic benefits. This paper examines each approach and shows how they may be integrated into clinical practice. Keywords: mindful, mindfulness, mindfulnessbased therapies, energy psychology, mindful energy psychology, tapping, energy tapping, meridian tapping, Thought Field Therapy, TFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT, Midline Energy Technique, MET, Tonglen, trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Unhealthy Eating Behaviors and Related Psychological Constructs in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

In Australia and throughout much of the world, rates of obesity continue to climb as do the prevalence of eating disorders, particularly in adolescents. Psychological consequences of childhood obesity include low self-esteem, depression, body dissatisfaction, and social maladjustment (Young-Hyman et al., 2012). This feasibility study sought to examine the impact of a six-week Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) group treatment program upon eating behaviours, self-esteem, compassion, and psychological symptoms. Forty-four students were randomly allocated to either the EFT group or the waitlist control group. Results revealed a delayed effect for both groups at post-intervention, with improved eating habits, self-esteem, and compassion at follow-up. Findings provide preliminary support for EFT as an effective treatment strategy for increasing healthy eating behaviours and improving associated weight-related psychopathology.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Stress in Students: A Randomized Controlled Dismantling Study

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Stress in Students: A Randomized Controlled Dismantling Study

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Stress in Students: A Randomized Controlled Dismantling Study

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for Stress in Students: A Randomized Controlled Dismantling Study

Efficacy of Two Evidence-Based Therapies, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for the Treatment of Gender Violence in the Congo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy of Two Evidence-Based Therapies, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for the Treatment of Gender Violence in the Congo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy of Two Evidence-Based Therapies, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for the Treatment of Gender Violence in the Congo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy of Two Evidence-Based Therapies, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), for the Treatment of Gender Violence in the Congo: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Don’t stress: What do we really know about teaching gifted children to cope with stress and anxiety?

ABSTRACTGifted children may experience additional stressors due to their unique characteristics. While empirical evidence suggests otherwise, qualitative studies and clinical observations indicate that gifted individuals may suffer from higher levels of stress due to perfectionistic tendencies, heightened sensitivity, social challenges, and additional external pressures. Nevertheless, empirical research regarding counseling and stress-reducing intervention outcomes remains scant. The few interventions conducted, such as Gaesser’s (2014) work using Cognitive Behavioral and Emotional Freedom techniques with gifted students, have demonstrated promising results. Recommendations include offering incentives in the form of grants and funding to researchers interested in investigating intervention outcomes and investigating stress-reducing methods and approaches, such as mindfulness, which have shown positive impact.

Is Acupoint Stimulation an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): A Controlled Trial of Teacher Burnout

Is Acupoint Stimulation an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): A Controlled Trial of Teacher Burnout

Is Acupoint Stimulation an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)?A Controlled Trial of Teacher Burnout

Is Acupoint Stimulation an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)?A Controlled Trial of Teacher Burnout

A Comparison of Emotional Freedom Techniques–Insomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) in a Geriatric Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A Comparison of Emotional Freedom Techniques–Insomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) in a Geriatric Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Two Psychological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) vs. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)

Randomised Controlled Study Comparing Two Psychological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Vs. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) Background: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological reaction after traumatic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) as treatments for PTSD with traumatised people. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used. Sixty Iraqi students were selected who met the DSM-IV PTSD criteria. Participants were male students who were aged between 16-19 years. Participants were randomly divided into three groups, with 20 participants in each group. Those in the EFT and NET groups received 4 therapy sessions, while the control group received no treatment. One person from the NET group withdrew. All participants were assessed on PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression, social support. Results: The results showed that the participants who received EFT reported a significant difference in all PTSD cluster at pre-test and post-test from T1 to T2 (p>0.05). However, although the NET group reported a significant difference between pre-test and posttest in avoidance and re-experience, no significant difference was found in hyper arousal (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the experiential group with social support, coping strategies, and religious coping (p<0.05). These changes of PTSD, PTSD clusters, anxiety and depression remained stable for 3, 6 and 12 month follow-ups in EFT group, while these changes were unstable during the follow-ups. Measures of coping strategies showed that seeking support and active coping improved since the interventions. In conclusion, both EFT and NET showed their effectiveness among traumatised Iraqi people.

Effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on the Reduction of Chronic Pain in Adults: A Pilot Study

Effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on the Reduction of Chronic Pain in Adults: A Pilot Study