EFT Research Paper
The Science Behind Energy Psychology: Quick Facts
Over 200 review articles, research studies and meta-analyses have been published in professional, peer-reviewed journals.
This includes:
- 65 randomized controlled trials
- 50 clinical outcome studies
(All except one of the above 115 studies document EP effectiveness) - 5 meta-analyses
- 4 systematic reviews of EP modalities
- 9 comparative reviews (EP & other therapies)
(All reviews document EP effectiveness)
The evidence base for energy psychology continues to grow – in quantity and quality (methodological rigor)
2000 – 2012
- 18 randomized controlled trials
As of 2016
- 45 randomized controlled trials
2014 – 2018
- 5 meta-analyses document efficacy for EP methods
2017 – 2018
- 2 randomized control trials using biologic or genetic outcome measures document positive outcomes for EP methods
2019 – 2020
- First fMRI study documents neural changes after EFT
- 2 studies show significant drops in cortisol with EFT
- Research documents physiological & immunological changes and gene expression with EP methods
- Randomized control trials now total 65
And multiple research studies document the efficacy of EP methods for:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Food cravings
- Trauma and PTSD
- Peak athletic performance
Continuing Validation for EP Methods
In 2016, TFT (Thought Field Therapy) was validated by NREPP (the National Repertory of Evidence Based Practices and Procedures, a division of SAMHSA in the U.S.) as an evidence-based treatment. Unfortunately, NREPP has been defunded and no longer exists. However, you can read more about it on our blog.
ACEP and AAMET (EFT International) made a joint submission of the research evidence for EFT and TFT as treatments for PTSD to NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) in the UK. NICE has created a specific category for EFT, TFT and Somatic Experiencing called “CSACTS” (Combined Somatic and Cognitive Therapies), and acknowledged that they are “worthy of further research.”
In 2017, the U.S. Veterans Administration added EFT to List 2, approving it as a “generally safe therapy.” Next is getting added to List 1, which is a list of approved treatments.
There are over 400 identified forms of psychotherapy, many of which have little or no research to validate them. Energy psychology is both evidence-based and in the top 10% in terms of published research for psychotherapy modalities.
Visit energypsych.org/research to view and access a comprehensive list of studies.
Learn about ACEP’s Science of Energy Healing courses (and our free master class).
We’d love to welcome you into our family of professionals who are dedicated to using energy healing methods with their clients. Learn more about the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) at www.energypsych.org.
Updated August 2020