Science and Research: Church, D

Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health

Filed Under: 2019, Bach, D, Church, D, Clinical Applications, Groesbeck, G, Meta Analysis, Science Papers, Sims, R, Stapleton, P

This study explores the physiological effects of EFT on research subjects. The study had two aims. Firstly, to look at the effect of EFT across the central nervous system including heart rate variability, heart coherence, resting heart rate and blood pressure. It additionally measured cortisol levels and immune function using salivary immunoglobulin A (Sig A) measures.

Neuropsychological Correlates of an Energy Psychology Intervention on Flight Phobia: A MEG Single-Case Study

Filed Under: 2019, Case Studies, Church, D, Daligault, S, Debarnot, U, Delpuech, C, Di Rienzo, F, Guillot, A, Gurret. J, Phobias, Pilot Studies, Saruco, E

In this single-case MEG pilot study, an Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) intervention produced regulation of brain regions exhibiting treatment effects in response to conventional psychotherapy and medication.

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

Filed Under: 2018, Church, D, Fox, L, Nelms, J, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Rachlin, K, Randomized Controlled Trials, Stress, Veterans, Yount, G

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…

Borrowing Benefits: Group Treatment With Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques Is Associated With Simultaneous Reductions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms

Filed Under: 2018, Anxiety, Borrowing Benefits, Church, D, Clinical Applications, Depression, House, D, PTSD & Trauma

The current study sought to elucidate the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in a nonclinical population. The sample (N = 81) comprised participants at five 2-day EFT workshops. All groups used an EFT protocol called Borrowing Benefits, in which the group facilitator works with a single client while other participants self-apply EFT…

Guidelines for the Treatment of PTSD Using Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).

Filed Under: 2018, Boath, E H, Church, D, Feinstein, D, Guidance Papers, Mackay, D, Mollon, P, PTSD & Trauma, Science Papers, Sims, R

This paper recommends guidelines for the use of EFT in treating PTSD derived from the literature and a detailed practitioner survey. It has been reviewed by the major institutions providing training or supporting research in the method. The guidelines recommend a stepped-care model, with five treatment sessions for subclinical PTSD, 10 sessions for PTSD, and escalation to intensive psychotherapy or psychopharmacology or both for nonresponsive patients and those with developmental trauma. Group therapy, social support, apps, and online and telemedicine methods also contribute to a successful treatment plan…

Naturally Thin You: Weight Loss and Psychological Symptoms After a Six-Week Online Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Course

Filed Under: 2018, Carter, B, Church, D, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma, Quality of Life, Sheppard, L, Stapleton, P, Weight Loss

The current study investigated the effects of Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in 76 participants enrolled in a six-week online course… Participants received six live group teleclasses, access to online course materials and a private social media group, and a year of monthly support teleclasses. No particular diet was recommended; the course focused instead on controlling emotional eating, and using EFT to treat the emotional triggers associated with food… Weight decreased an average of 1 lb/week during the course, and 2 lb/month between pretest and one-year follow-up. On follow-up, no change was observed in PTSD symptoms measured by a brief civilian trauma checklist, or anxiety, and increases in happiness were non-significant.

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

Filed Under: 2016, Church, D, Clond, M, PTSD & Trauma, Randomized Controlled Trials, Sparks, T

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… 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.

Pain, Range of Motion, and Psychological Symptoms in a Population with Frozen Shoulder: A Randomized Controlled Dismantling Study of Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

Filed Under: 2016, Church, D, Nelms, J, Pain and Physical Conditions, Randomized Controlled Trials

The current study assesses whether acupoint stimulation is an active ingredient or whether treatment effects are due to nonspecific factors. Thirty-seven participants with “frozen shoulder” consisting of limited range of motion (ROM) and pain were randomized into a wait list, or 1 of 2 treatment groups.

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

Filed Under: 2016, Church, D, Fox, L, Nelms, J, Pilot Studies, Rachlin, K, Randomized Controlled Trials, Yount, G

The purpose of the study was 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. Participants: Sixteen veterans with clinical levels of PTSD symptoms…

Emotional Freedom Techniques to Treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans: Review of the Evidence, Survey of Practitioners, and Proposed Clinical Guidelines

Filed Under: 2017, Boath, E H, Church, D, Clond, M, Feinstein, D, PTSD & Trauma, Research Reviews, Stern, S

Most practitioners (63%) reported that even complex PTSD can be remediated in 10 or fewer EFT sessions. Some 65% of practitioners found that more than 60% of PTSD clients are fully rehabilitated, and 89% stated that less than 10% of clients make little or no progress. Practitioners combined EFT with a wide variety of other approaches, especially cognitive therapy. Practitioner responses, evidence from the literature, and the results of a meta-analysis were aggregated into a proposed clinical guideline.

Your DNA is Not Your Destiny: Behavioral Epigenetics and the Role of Emotions in Health

Filed Under: 2010, Church, D, Epigenetics, Science Papers

In a series of studies published in 2000 and later, researchers began to demonstrate the importance of epigenetic influences on gene expression. Genes might be silenced through methylation, or their expression facilitated by acetylization. A further step occurred when behaviors and psychological states were noted to regulate the activity of genes. A body of evidence has now been accumulated that assesses the specific genes affected by behavioral influences such as nurturing, by lifestyle interventions such as meditation, by emotions, and by alleviating psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder).

Measuring Physiological Markers of Emotional Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mind-Body Therapies

Filed Under: 2008, Church, D, PTSD & Trauma, Randomized Controlled Trials, Science Papers

The effect of emotional trauma on physiological functioning has been documented in a number of studies. Unresolved trauma, even 50 years subsequent to traumatization, has been correlated with higher rates of bone fractures, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other ailments.

Single-Session Reduction of the Intensity of Traumatic Memories in Abused Adolescents After EFT: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Filed Under: 2011, Brooks, A J, Church, D, Pilot Studies, Piña, O, PTSD & Trauma, Randomized Controlled Trials, Reategui, C

The population for this study was drawn from an institution to which juveniles are sent by court order if they are found by a judge to be physically or psychologically abused at home.

Psychological Symptom Change in Veterans After Six Sessions of EFT: An Observational Study

Filed Under: 2009, Church, D, Dinter, I, Geronilla, L, Pilot Studies, PTSD & Trauma

This observational study examined the effects of six sessions of EFT on seven veterans, using a within-subjects, time-series, repeated measures design…

The Effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on Athletic Performance: A Randomized Controlled Blind Trial

Filed Under: 2009, Athletic Performance, Church, D, Randomized Controlled Trials

This study investigated whether the most widely practiced form of Energy Psychology, called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), could affect athletic performance. It evaluated whether a single brief EFT treatment for performance stress could produce an improvement in two skills for high-performance men’s and women’s college basketball teams at Oregon State University.