Stapleton, P

This first-of-its-kind systematic review and network meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials (1,000+ participants) found that Clinical EFT produced large reductions in psychological stress—comparable to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy—and small-to-moderate improvements in physiological stress markers. These findings support Clinical EFT as an effective, evidence-based tool for stress reduction, though larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm how durable the effects are.

An 8-week online EFT program significantly improved psychological well-being (anger, anxiety, depression) and vision functioning in individuals with visual impairment, with gains maintained at 6-month follow-up. The EFT group showed sustained improvements compared to the waitlist control group.

This article proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the active ingredients and mechanisms underlying Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a mind-body therapy used for trauma and stress-related conditions. EFT combines cognitive, somatic, and exposure elements, and its effectiveness is supported by over 200 studies, including randomized controlled trials.

This study compared virtual group EFT to in-person group EFT and found significant improvements in symptoms for both delivery methods, although in-person EFT showed slightly larger improvements. Virtual EFT demonstrated significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety, depression, pain, and increased happiness, with improvements maintained at six-month follow-up.

This pilot study found that both mindfulness meditation and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping improved self-regulation in 5-year-old children over a three-week period. However, neither intervention significantly impacted happiness or life satisfaction, suggesting that longer intervention periods may be needed.

This study investigated the effectiveness of one session of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in promoting forgiveness and mental health after interpersonal transgressions. Results showed moderate improvements in forgiveness, empathy, mood and anxiety for the EFT group, suggesting its potential role in fostering forgiveness and psychological recovery.

This randomized clinical trial examined Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) as a pain management strategy for chronic pain sufferers. A six-week EFT program, delivered either online or in person, significantly reduced pain severity, interference, and improved quality of life, with sustained effects at a six-month follow-up. The study emphasizes EFT's potential as an accessible and effective intervention for chronic pain, especially through online programs.

This case study looks at how Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) helped a busy executive manage burnout. The therapy addressed both current work stress and past issues from her childhood. After several sessions, the client felt less anxious, had more energy, and was more emotionally stable. This shows that EFT can be a helpful addition to other stress management techniques.

This study aimed to extend previous research on the dynamics between chronic pain, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The results suggest that socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with pain intensity and interference, although the mediation exploration of PTSS was not viable.

This clinical note outlines the Trauma Tapping Technique (TTT) and its effectiveness in treating trauma in a single session. The study found significant reductions in subjective units of distress among clients after one TTT session.

This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights Clinical EFT's robust efficacy for PTSD. Clinical EFT is a standardised protocol that combines cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and prolonged exposure therapy (PE) techniques with acupressure tapping. It incorporates both cognitive reframing and somatic stimulation (tapping on specific acupoints), aiming to reduce PTSD symptoms.

This clinical trial investigated the effect of an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) intervention on brain activation in chronic pain sufferers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The findings support the effects of the EFT intervention in reducing chronic pain and its impacts.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a six-week online EFT-based program called Skinny Genes in reducing emotional eating, psychological distress, and weight. Results showed significant decreases in anxiety, depression, and food cravings, with participants losing an average of 12.9 lbs during the program and maintaining weight loss and psychological improvements at a six-month follow-up.

A meta-analysis examined studies on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), highlighting that its unique acupoint tapping component actively contributes to its therapeutic effectiveness beyond placebo effects. Despite critiques and corrections to the original analysis, the updated results reaffirmed that acupoint tapping plays a significant role in the clinical success of EFT. 

Research has shown that meditation has numerous therapeutic benefits, including reduced anxiety, depression, and psychological distress, as well as improved emotional regulation and mood. EcoMeditation is a new, evidence-based practice that combines elements of mindfulness, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and neurofeedback, and has been found to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase feelings of compassion and prosocial emotions.