This document summarizes the evidence base for Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and its use and successes in the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. It outlines that there have been 78 research studies on EFT including 18 randomized controlled trials. It also discusses two meta-analyses and four systematic reviews that found EFT to be effective. The document then highlights several specific examples of EFT being successfully used in NHS services and clinics in locations like Sandwell, Chesterfield, Forth Valley, Yorkshire, and others. It provides details on outcomes from studies in some of these locations that found improvements in symptoms following EFT treatment.

1. skills
EFT making an impact in
the NHS & Beyond
Dr Elizabeth Boath
Dr Rani Bora &
Pat Ballantyne

2. What's the evidence base for EFT?
78 research studies of EFT
18 randomised controlled trials & more on the way
1 meta analysis (Gilomen & Lee, 2015)
4 systematic reviews of EFT
(Feinstein, 2008; Feinstein, 2012; Boath et al., 2011, Church 2013)
2 more systematic reviews coming soon
(Boughey et al, Cowap et al.,)
Publications in press
Publications currently being written

3. Meta analysis
(Gilomen & Lee, 2015)
Limitations of studies
E.g. poor quality studies, lack of clear randomisation
procedures, lack of treatment fidelity measures
‘ These limitations not withstanding, EFT appears to
produce an effect’ (Gilomen & Lee, 2015)
Positive effect for EFT
‘the majority of studies (12) indicate that EFT is better than no
treatment or waitlist controls’ (Gilomen & Lee, 2015)

4. Sandwell
Chesterfield
Forth Valley
Devon
Humber
Yorkshire
Poole
Edinburgh
Tyneside

5. EFT success in the NHS
Professor Tony Stewart (AKA Tapping Tony!)
• Sandwell PCT
• First ever dedicated NHS EFT service
• Ethical approval and evaluated the service
• Outcome measures used by NHS
– CORE10 / WEMWBS / Rosenberg Self-Esteem / HADS
• Subsequently, trained 25 existing counselling staff to continue to deliver
the service
Stewart A, Boath E, Carryer A, Walton I, Hill L. Can Emotional Freedom
Techniques (EFT) be effective in the treatment of emotional conditions?
Results of a service evaluation in Sandwell. Journal of Psychological
Therapies in Primary Care 2013;2:71-84.

6. 39 clients gave consent, and 31 (79.5%) completed therapy
30 (76.9%) female
Mean age 45.37 (range 18-76)
31 (79.5%) White British
Mean number of sessions attended was 5.05 (median 4.0; range 2-
17)
Clients completing therapy also invited for 3-month follow-up
Sandwell EFT Service Evaluation

7. Results – Pre/Post

8. Results – 3 Month Follow-Up
Measurement
Scale
Mean score
Pre-EFT
Mean score
Follow-up
SD
(Difference)
P value
(* Significant)
N=
CORE-10 18.71 7.14 6.37 0.003 * 7
WEMWBS 40.00 53.29 11.27 0.021 * 7
Rosenberg Self-Esteem 14.29 22.43 6.45 0.016 * 7
HADS Anxiety 14.25 5.50 4.03 0.068 4
HADS Depression 8.50 2.75 2.50 0.019 * 4
HADS Total 22.75 8.25 5.32 0.068 4

9. EFT in the NHS the successes
Who, what and where?
Dr Peter Leakey
– Chesterfield, North Derbyshire
– Retired Head of District Psychology Service / Head of Health
Psychology
– Didn't ask - just did it!
• His legacy...Very supportive, encouraged innovation
– Energy Modalities – logosynthesis, EFT, TAT, NLP etc
– Masha Bennett
Research EFT v Sham EFT
Both worked! But what that paper doesn't reveal...Sham group came back again and
Peter treated them successfully with EFT

10. More EFT successes
Therese McGoldrick
– NHS Forth Valley
– Head of Psychological Services
– Team all trained in EFT and EMDR
– Pioneered EMDR in Scotland
Research EFT versus EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation
and Programming in treating PSTD (Karatzias et al., 2011)
– EFT and EMDR both produced significant clinical gains
– EMDR larger effect size, but non-significant
– What that paper does not reveal...patients preferred EFT

11. Hear all about more EFT in the
NHS...later
Susie Foster
– GP in Yorkshire
– Running a weekly EFT clinic in her GP practice
– Colleagues supportive, long waits for psychological services
– 10 minutes NHS time, 20 minutes own time!
– Cost-effective
– Homework – Pat Ballantyne’s Tapping scripts
Research on the impact of EFT for patients with chronic pain
– ‘Piloting the Pain’ with Gwyneth Moss
– Funded by CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group)
– Hear all about it later

12. …and there’s more
Dr Rani Bora

13. ..and last but by no means least
Pat Ballantyne