EFT & Resiliency in Veterans - EFT Studies & Research

From The Journal of Science and Healing - October 2016

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

Auther Information: Dawson Church, PhD Terry Sparks, JD, Morgan Clond, PhD

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.

Participants were randomized into a treatment as usual (TAU) wait-list group and an experimental group, which received TAU plus six sessions of clinical emotional freedom techniques (EFT). Symptoms were assessed using the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Checklist—Military) on which a score of 35 or higher indicates increased risk for PTSD. The mean pretreatment score of participants was 39 ± 8.7, with no significant difference between groups. No change was found in the TAU group during the wait period. Afterward, the TAU group received an identical clinical EFT protocol.

Posttreatment groups were combined for analysis. Scores declined to a mean of 25 (−64%, P < .0001). Participants maintained their gains, with mean three-month and six-month follow-up PCL-M scores of 27 (P < .0001). Similar reductions were noted in the depth and breadth of psychological conditions such as anxiety. A Cohenʼs d = 1.99 indicates a large treatment effect. Reductions in traumatic brain injury symptoms (P = .045) and insomnia (P = .004) were also noted. 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.

Are You Suffering From Similar issues?

If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD or signs of emotional trauma, please contact a professional GoE EFT Practitioner to see if EFT can help:

• Find an EFT practitioner near you on the interactive Energy Map
• Browse EFT practitioner listings

How Do I Become Qualified in EFT?

The GoE is a non-profit organisation established in 1998 and was the first provider of professional EFT training. We have since gone on to support Energy EFT which is a more up-to-date tapping technique. For information on Energy EFT training courses available via live training and distance learning see the following pages:

• GoE Energy EFT Foundation Training
• GoE Energy EFT Master Practitioner
• GoE Modern Stress Managment

You can also try Energy EFT with developer Silvia Hartmann in this online video:

GoE and EFT - Further Information

Alongside Energy EFT training programs and maintaining a public register of certified EFT Practitioners, the GoE provides the following additional information and services:

• History of the GoE
• Developmental History Article of EFT and the Tapping Techniques
• Listing of EFT Studies & Research
• Attend GoE Energy Conference in November
• Subscribe to the GoE to gain membership benefits such as The Energist magazine, access to members resources and more
• Contact the GoE

• 👉 Further Information: EFT & Resiliency in Veterans - EFT Studies & Research