

Developed in the mid 1990s, Emotional Freedom Techniques ('EFT'), commonly known as "tapping," has emerged as a powerful tool for individuals grappling with post-traumatic stress. This complementary therapy combines elements of cognitive and exposure therapies with acupressure, offering a unique approach to healing trauma.
Research has now shown that EFT can lead to significant reductions in cortisol levels, a key stress hormone.
Recent studies show that Clinical EFT - the approved practitioner approach to the therapy - improved multiple physiological markers of health after as little as a single appointment and that effects persisted. The astounding physiological change of cortisol decrease alone helps explain the rapid relief many people experience with EFT.
Effectiveness for Veterans
The Veterans Stress Project has been at the forefront of researching EFT's impact on veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their studies have shown remarkable results, with many veterans experiencing significant reductions in PTSD symptoms after EFT treatment.Â
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Operation Freedom, another initiative focused on veteran well-being, has also incorporated EFT into its programs. Veterans participating in these programs have reported improvements in sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and better overall emotional regulation.
A 2013 study found that veterans treated with EFT experienced a significant decrease in psychological distress related to PTSD
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EFT for First Responders and Civilians
While much of the research has focused on veterans, EFT has also shown promise for first responders and civilians who have experienced traumatic events, such as bushfires.
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First Responders:Â These individuals often face repeated exposure to traumatic situations, putting them at high risk for PTSD. EFT offers a quick and accessible tool they can use to manage stress and prevent the accumulation of trauma
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Bushfire Survivors:Â For civilians who have lived through the devastation of bushfires, EFT can provide a means to process the trauma and reduce associated anxiety. The technique's ability to target specific memories and emotions makes it particularly useful for addressing the complex trauma often experienced by disaster survivors
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How EFT Works
EFT involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on traumatic memories or emotions. This process is believed to send calming signals to the brain, particularly the amygdala, which plays a crucial role in processing emotions.
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The technique typically follows these steps:
1.    Identify the issue
2.    Rate the intensity of the emotion
3.    Create a setup statement
4.    Perform the tapping sequence
5.    Re-evaluate the intensity
How long does it take to resolve trauma through EFT tapping?
The general consensus amongst clinicians is that EFT typically requires fewer sessions than traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 'CBT' for trauma treatment:
A qualified and trauma-informed EFT practitioner can often help reduce or ameliorate trauma symptoms flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event) within 5-6 sessions
For PTSD treatment, studies show that successful outcomes are generally achieved in 4 to 10 sessions
One survey revealed that 63% of EFT practitioners reported PTSD resolution within ten sessions of treatment.
It's important to note that these figures are a general estimate and the number of sessions can vary depending on individual factors.
Professional Guidance
While EFT can be self-administered, working with a qualified practitioner is recommended, especially for complex trauma. Qualified practitioners can draw upon different techniques that are most appropriate in different circumstances, and in particular to safely address traumatic recollections and the impact they continue to have on the individual today.
History of EFT Tapping
The Emotional Freedom Techniques approach was developed by Dr. Gary Craig in the mid 1990s. It built on the work of Dr. Roger Callahan, PhD an American Psychologist who accidentally discovered the benefits of tapping therapy while working on a patient's water phobia and went on to develop a tapping therapy called 'Thought Field Therapy' in 1980.
Through repeated observations, Dr. Craig found that the sequence of tapping - which was so important in TFT - did, in fact, not matter as long as it helped the individual in need. Thus, EFT was created as an easier to follow therapy. Â
Scientific references:
In the early days, TFT and EFT were greeted with much scepticism. However, the period since 2010 has been characterised by extraordinary growth in scientific research and evidence on the benefits of Emotional Freedom Techniques. Mainstream acceptance has also increased substantially in this time.
Clinical EFT has been extensively studied, with over 100 clinical trials validating its efficacy.
Meta-analyses of EFT for anxiety, depression, and PTSD indicate treatment effects that exceed those of both psychopharmacology and conventional psychotherapy.
EFT is described as a "stable and mature method with an extensive evidence base".
As of 2020: 18 randomised control trials, 50+ randomised control trials, 50+ pre-post outcome studies, 50+ trials in non-English journals
2014–2016: 2 meta-analyses show energy psychology effective for depression and anxietyÂ
2017: Meta-analysis shows EFT effective for PTSD
2019: Meta analysis shows tapping on the acupressure points is an active ingredient in the process (changes not due to the therapeutic relationship, other factors such as deep breathing etc)
2018-2019: Two studies on DNA changes after EFT First fMRI study on EFT published
2019: Blue Knot Foundation for (trauma) includes EFT in PTSD clinical guidelines in Australia
2020: EFT approved under the National Insurance Disability Scheme NDIS) for therapy in Australia 2020: Australian Psychological Society features EFT during National Psychology Week as emerging approach for pain
2020: APA journal (USA) published EFT cortisol replication study
2020: A major review of psychological treatments for PTSD – Energy psychology (combined somatic/cognitive therapies) was the 2nd most effective at reducing PTSD symptoms at the end of treatment to waitlist (after EMDR which was found to be most effective). Further, energy psychology had the greatest cost savings over no treatment, followed by EMDR, trauma-focused CBT and then other treatments
2021: APA approved EFT to be reviewed for trauma and PTSD and inclusion on the evidence based psychological treatments list (Dr Peta Stapleton of Australia's Bond University is leading this evaluation for the APA).