Pros And Cons Of Thought Field Therapy
Thought Field Therapy
What is Thought Field Therapy (TFT)?
Developed by Dr. Roger Callahan to help persons cope with psychological issues
Based on the theory of energy fields, as utilized in acupuncture
Opens meridian points to allow the body’s energy to flow freely
Reduces negative feelings associated with psychological issues
(Callahan, 2016)
How is TFT used?
One visualizes or focuses on a negative experience, thought or emotion to identify the thought field associated with the negativity.
The individual then rates the severity of the negativity felt on a scale of 0-10, from least to worst, and makes a mental note of the severity.
Using 1-3 fingers, one taps 5-7 times on specific meridian points on the body.
The taps are performed in …show more content…
a specific sequence, at times repeating on the same point.
Toward the end of the sequence, the taps increase in number on one meridian point, while a sequence of eye rolls, humming and counting are performed.
The individual then rates the severity of negativity felt and can repeat the process multiple times until the severity decreases.
(Callahan, 2016)
Who can use or administer TFT?
A certified TFT practitioner can guide an individual through a specific algorithm of taps designed for their condition.
Able to perform tapping sequence on oneself
Treatment for: PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, addiction, pain etc.
(Callahan, 2016)
How does TFT relate to psychiatric patients?
Subjective data indicates relief from psychological stress/issues
Able to perform TFT on oneself, multiple times, until relief felt
Can be used as a coping skill for dealing with psychological issues
Pros and Cons of TFT
Subjective data obtained from field application of TFT indicates efficacy (Johnson et al., 2001)
Even if TFT does not work as claimed, taking a moment to relax can benefit anyone
Absence of peer review d/t Dr. Callahan’s concerns of the review being biased against TFT (Johnson et al., 2001)
The only studies conducted lacked necessary elements to meet criteria of a scientific study (Bakker, 2013)
“Well established cognitive and behavioral principles are more likely to serve patients’ needs…” (Rosen et al., 1998, as cited in Bakker, 2013)
TFT fails to meet current standards of the practice of psychology and its use is not supported by empirical research (Beutler, 2002)
References
Bakker, M. (2013). The current status of energy psychology: Extraordinary claims with less than ordinary evidence. Clinical Psychologist, 17, 91–99. doi: 10.1111/cp.12020
Beutler, L. (2002). Thought Field Therapy: Initial Research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 129. doi:
10.1002/jclp.1133
Callahan Techniques. (2016). TFT tapping the source of tapping. Retrieved June 25, 2016, from http://www.tfttapping.com
Johnson, C., Shala, M., Sejdijaj, X., Odell, R., Dabishevci, K. (2001). Thought field therapy—soothing the bad moments of Kosovo. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(10), 1237–1240. doi: 10.1002/jclp.1090
What is Thought Field Therapy (TFT)?
Developed by Dr. Roger Callahan to help persons cope with psychological issues
Based on the theory of energy fields, as utilized in acupuncture
Opens meridian points to allow the body’s energy to flow freely
Reduces negative feelings associated with psychological issues
(Callahan, 2016)
How is TFT used?
One visualizes or focuses on a negative experience, thought or emotion to identify the thought field associated with the negativity.
The individual then rates the severity of the negativity felt on a scale of 0-10, from least to worst, and makes a mental note of the severity.
Using 1-3 fingers, one taps 5-7 times on specific meridian points on the body.
The taps are performed in …show more content…
a specific sequence, at times repeating on the same point.
Toward the end of the sequence, the taps increase in number on one meridian point, while a sequence of eye rolls, humming and counting are performed.
The individual then rates the severity of negativity felt and can repeat the process multiple times until the severity decreases.
(Callahan, 2016)
Who can use or administer TFT?
A certified TFT practitioner can guide an individual through a specific algorithm of taps designed for their condition.
Able to perform tapping sequence on oneself
Treatment for: PTSD, depression, anxiety, phobias, addiction, pain etc.
(Callahan, 2016)
How does TFT relate to psychiatric patients?
Subjective data indicates relief from psychological stress/issues
Able to perform TFT on oneself, multiple times, until relief felt
Can be used as a coping skill for dealing with psychological issues
Pros and Cons of TFT
Subjective data obtained from field application of TFT indicates efficacy (Johnson et al., 2001)
Even if TFT does not work as claimed, taking a moment to relax can benefit anyone
Absence of peer review d/t Dr. Callahan’s concerns of the review being biased against TFT (Johnson et al., 2001)
The only studies conducted lacked necessary elements to meet criteria of a scientific study (Bakker, 2013)
“Well established cognitive and behavioral principles are more likely to serve patients’ needs…” (Rosen et al., 1998, as cited in Bakker, 2013)
TFT fails to meet current standards of the practice of psychology and its use is not supported by empirical research (Beutler, 2002)
References
Bakker, M. (2013). The current status of energy psychology: Extraordinary claims with less than ordinary evidence. Clinical Psychologist, 17, 91–99. doi: 10.1111/cp.12020
Beutler, L. (2002). Thought Field Therapy: Initial Research. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 129. doi:
10.1002/jclp.1133
Callahan Techniques. (2016). TFT tapping the source of tapping. Retrieved June 25, 2016, from http://www.tfttapping.com
Johnson, C., Shala, M., Sejdijaj, X., Odell, R., Dabishevci, K. (2001). Thought field therapy—soothing the bad moments of Kosovo. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(10), 1237–1240. doi: 10.1002/jclp.1090