Novel ideas: Evaluation of a brief trauma tapping taining and single session application

November 17, 2023 post traumatic stress, Stapleton, Trauma, trauma tapping, TTT

Citation:  Hamne G., Sandstrom, U., Stapleton, P., Novel Ideas: Evaluation of a Brief Trauma Tapping Training and Single Session Application. International Journal of Healing and Caring 2023, 23(3)22-28  September 2023 Volume 23 Number 3. ISSN:1538-1080 https://doi.10.78717/ijhc.202323322

Link to Full Paper: https://ijhc.org/2023/09/01/novel-ideas-evaluation-of-a-brief-trauma-tapping-training-and-single-session-application/

Abstract:
A challenge in conflict resolution and peace building efforts for regions affected by war and genocide is the treatment of conditions such as post trauma stress disorder. Previous examination of somatic based trauma approaches has indicated effectiveness with trauma in conflict zones. This brief clinical note outlines one such approach (Trauma Tapping Technique, TTT) and its value in treating trauma in a single session, for future application as community-led approaches and in combat zones. There were 287 practitioners trained in the TTT across two sessions, who consulted with 1722 clients (males = 551, females = 1163). Significant reductions in subjective units of distress occurred across the one TTT session F(1, 1721) = 4866.99, p<.001. Qualitative analysis indicated anxiety and stress were the main conditions targeted. As a brief first aid trauma training, TTT appears to be effective as a model to achieve emotional regulation and distress amelioration in a single session. Limitations and further research opportunities are discussed.

Keywords: trauma, tapping, post traumatic stress, emotional literacy, support, training

Craig’s Notes: 

First, here is a nice summary perspective on the study by John Freedom:

The Trauma Tapping Technique, aka “TTT,” is a novel method for defusing and downregulating stress and trauma. It was developed by Gunilla Hamne and Ulf Sandstrom of the Peaceful Heart Network in Sweden, in consultation with the American psychologist Dr. Carl Johnson. One key difference between TTT and other tapping modalities is its minimal use of spoken interventions, which makes it easier to learn and remember. It can be taught in group settings without the risk of re- traumatizing survivors through verbally revisiting traumatic memories. Since 2010 it is estimated that over 300,000 people in 30 countries have been reached via TTT training and facilitation.

In this study 287 practitioners completed two 90-minute training sessions, and conducted six sessions with clients in a certification program. The practitioners conducted 1722 individual sessions with clients ranging from seven to 93 years. Results were assessed using a SUD (Subjective Units of Distress) scale. The within group mean (average) pre intervention was 7.69, and the mean post intervention was 2.5. These results were statistically significant, p<.001. Emerging themes were displayed in a word cloud.

The authors conclude: “The prevalence of post- traumatic stress symptomatology and disorders in combat zones demands a prompt and efficient response. Community-led approaches hold great promise in traumatized conflict areas. Community-led approaches have the potential to create a ripple effect, as individuals who receive training in self-applied emotional regulation techniques can pass on their knowledge and skills to others, strengthening the overall resilience of the community….. As a brief first aid trauma training, TTT appears to be effective as a model to achieve emotional regulation and distress amelioration in a single session.”

This study was published in the September issue of the International Journal of Healing and Caring.

Here are some of my key takeways:

• This clinical note paper explores the trauma tapping training offered by the Peaceful Heart Network
• 287 practitioners completed the training and the six sessions they conducted with clients, as part of the certification, were analyzed. The practitioners consulted with 1722 clients (males = 551, females = 1163) across the six sessions. The age range of clients was seven to 93 years
• TTT sessions were conducted online as two 90-minute workshops (practitioner training)
• A complete certification process then follows for TTT that requires participants to do the following:
  1.Describe six (6) sessions done with TTT.  2. Answer 27 assessment questions about Stress and Trauma and other specific questions regarding TTT and the
  practice of using TTT. 3. Agree to a Code of Ethics for professional practice of TTT.
• The six client sessions completed by the practitioners collected the SUDS rating before and after each session which was analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance.

Some of the benefits of this study includes a robust population of over 1700 client sessions with 287 practitioners  which is one of the largest Energy Psychology tapping method studies reported. The session lengths are not stated in the paper. The use of a community based learning of a technique that can be applied in traumatized communities is much needed and the innovative methods of this technique offer hope to communities in which there are insufficient numbers of trauma trained professionals. This study evaluated Some of the weaknesses of the study include the facts that the only measurement was a subjective 0-10 pre and post SUDS scoring and that there was no follow up. Therefore there is no data regarding the sustaining nature of the results achieved after the TTT session.