Thought Field Therapy
Thought Field Therapy (TFT)
Thought Field Therapy (TFT) manipulates how energy flows in the body, it is an energy-based form of psychotherapy aimed at reducing symptoms of psychological distress . Human bodies consists of energy fields, any imbalance in this results in physical and emotional issues, this assumption forms the basis of TFT. It is believed that thought imbalances can be corrected by finger tapping at specific energy points in certain predetermined sequences in order to restore an individual's health and wellness.
What to expect?
The therapeutic process of TFT is quite different from other conventional therapeutic approaches. In TFT, individuals are first asked to think about the issue which have been faced by them and to rate their level of distress on a subjective units of discomfort (SUD) scale, which ranges from 0 or 1 to 10. Ten representing the highest level of discomfort, and 0 or 1 representing the complete absence of discomfort. Changes in the individual's SUD ratings are considered throughout therapy to measure the effectiveness of treatment.
How does it work?
The therapy was developed by an American psychologist Roger Callahan, the thought field and other core concepts of TFT are as follows:
- Algorithms: Callahan suggested that perturbations match to meridian points on the body and thus these specific issues can be resolved by tapping meridian points in a certain sequences.
- Causal Diagnosis: It is a procedure employed by the therapist to determine the correct tapping sequence for an individual.
- Thought Fields and Perturbations: In TFT, thought is gestated as being expressed as energy bound within an intangible system referred to as a thought field. Energy flows in each thought field, but the pathway is often blocked, which results in energy build-ups or perturbations.
- Psychological Reversal: The term defines a state that forbids people from responding to an effective treatment. Callahan coined this term upon observing that not all people experienced improvements after participating in TFT. According to him, psychological reversal is characterized by negative thoughts and a tendency to self-sabotage.
When is it used?
Several studies claim TFT produces rapid and lasting results in the treatment of various psychological distresses, including phobias, anxiety, trauma, addictions, and depression.
Role of therapist:
After conducting an initial self-evaluation, the individual is given the instruction to tap various meridian points thought to be associated with energy build-ups while focusing on the issue being addressed. It is important that people remain focused on the issue for which they are seeking therapy, this is believed to help them to "attune" the relevant thought field, leading to activating the perturbation causing their symptoms.
While conducted treatment for different individuals, a therapist can choose to apply one of the algorithms developed by Callahan. For instance, the algorithm for trauma involves tapping five to seven times on the eyebrow, under the eye, under the arm, and on the collarbone. Individualized sequences can be developed by the therapists using causal diagnosis or voice technology. Callahan suggests that more specific treatment plans derived from these methods generally produce superior results. Irrespective of how a tapping sequence is created, it is repeated as long the individual reports an SUD rating of 0 or 1, depending on the scale chosen. Individuals reporting complete elimination of symptoms are said to be "cured."
REFERENCE
Callahan, R. J. (2001). Tapping the healer within: Using thought-field therapy to instantly conquer your fears, anxieties and emotional distress. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
Gallo, F. P. (2004, December 28). Energy psychology: Explorations at the interface of energy, cognition, behavior, and health. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press LLC.