Eating Disorders

This book chapter discusses how energy psychology techniques can complement traditional psychotherapy for individuals with eating disorders by addressing the mind-body connection. Two case studies illustrate how energy testing can reveal internal psychological resistance to recovery and help practitioners identify subconscious barriers to treatment. The chapter concludes that energy psychology can be a valuable addition to psychotherapeutic approaches for eating disorders.

A 2-year longitudinal follow-up study found that an 8-week online Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) intervention significantly reduced food cravings, anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms, while improving dietary restraint, with most benefits maintained over the 2-year period. Although weight loss was not sustained at 2 years, the study suggests that EFT can be a valuable addition to traditional weight loss interventions, with benefits extending beyond weight loss to improved psychological and emotional well-being.

This randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effectiveness of online Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for managing food cravings and weight loss. Results showed significant reductions in cravings, weight, anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms, with treatment gains maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-ups, suggesting online EFT is a promising tool for long-term weight management.

Researchers compared the effectiveness of 4-week and 8-week Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) programs for weight loss and found that both programs significantly reduced food cravings, improved eating habits, and led to weight loss. The 8-week program showed better results in maintaining reduced food cravings and improved eating habits over time, but the 4-week program resulted in more weight loss. Overall, the study suggests that EFT can be a helpful tool for weight loss, and that both shorter and longer programs can be effective, but more research is needed to confirm the optimal program length.

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.

This study investigated the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in reducing psychological distress in healthcare workers. The research, which included 217 participants attending six professional conferences, found significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD after a 2-hour EFT intervention. These gains were maintained at follow-up for most participants. The study suggests EFT can provide immediate and sustained benefits for healthcare workers' mental health.

There is no single treatment approach that is exclusively effective for bulimia nervosa. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been empirically supported as a primary treatment option and addresses cognitive and behavioral aspects of bulimia nervosa, but not affective problems. Thought field therapy (TFT) is a brief non-verbal treatment that may effectively address numerous psychological symptoms.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a self-administered treatment developed by psychologist Roger Callahan. TFT uses energy meridian treatment points and bilateral optical–cortical stimulation while focusing on the targeted symptoms or problem being addressed. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is considered to be a more simplified form of TFT.