Supporting the Association for Thought Field Therapy by furthering research, education and charitable purposes.
There is growing evidence to support the effectiveness of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) as a psychological intervention.
An article entitled Mental health interventions by lay counsellors: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Connolly et al., 2021) was published in the August 2021 issue of The Bulletin of the World Health Organization. Of the 19 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria, three studies explored the use of TFT (Connolly & Sakai, 2011; Connolly et al., 2013; Robson et al., 2016). Of the three included TFT studies, two were conducted in Rwanda, and one was conducted in Uganda. Two of the included TFT studies demonstrated high effect sizes, and one TFT study demonstrated a medium effect size. The three TFT studies were found to have the fewest days of training and the least amount of treatment time. In a qualitative follow up, Edwards (2016) reported the lay counselors’ satisfaction with their continued use of the TFT intervention.
In an outcome study conducted in Rwanda with street children (Sakai et al., 2010), TFT was found to show promise in the treatment of children recovering from the 1994 Genocide. In another 2019 outcome study by Dheepa et al., the authors reported that in their experience, TFT mediated stress in schoolchildren. In a third TFT study with children Barraza-Alvarez (2021) conducted a quasi-experimental study in the nursing unit of the “Del Bosque” Childhood Integration and Connivance Center, S.C., Community Neighborhood Nursery No. U-1327 of the Mexican Social Security Institute located in Texcoco, Mexico. Barraza-Alverez found that TFT significantly reduced reported levels of anxiety and fear in the 14 females who participated in the study.
Two European RCT studies were conducted in a hospital setting in Norway (Irgens et al., 2012; Irgens et al., 2017). In the first study, TFT delivered superior results when compared to CBT for the treatment of anxiety. In the second study, TFT was found to be a promising treatment for agoraphobia when the treatment group was compared to a waitlist group.
A recent study conducted in the war-torn Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Seidi et al., 2020) found TFT treatments to be preferred by the local population and more effective when compared to CBT. In another middle eastern study, a study of dental anxiety (AlAwdah et al., 2021) was conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the King Saud University College of Dentistry Primary Clinics. The authors found that TFT significantly reduced dental pain when compared to other anxiety reduction techniques.
In Japan, a recent study by Morikawa et al. (2021) found that TFT sessions averaging 36 minutes significantly reduced stress and improved heart rate variability in university students.
In addition to the Connolly et al. (2021) study published by the Bulletin of the World Health Organization mentioned at the beginning of this paper, TFT studies have been included in several globally important literature reviews and meta-analyses.
Brown et al. (2017) included the Sakai et al. (2010) study with street children in their review, Psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents after man-made and natural disasters: A meta-analysis and systematic review. These authors found that the TFT intervention had the highest effect size when compared to other interventions such as EMDR and CBT. In Effects of current treatments for trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder on reducing a negative self-concept: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Banz et al. (2022) found 25 studies that met their inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis included the Connolly and Sakai (2011) TFT study, which demonstrated a strong effect size in reducing negative self-concept.
Morina et al. (2017) included Connolly and Sakai (2011) in their Meta-analysis of interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in adult survivors of mass violence in low- and middle-income countries, as did Bangpan et al. (2019). Bangpan included Connolly and Sakai (2011) in Mental, health and psychosocial support programmes for adults in humanitarian emergencies: A systematic review and meta-analysis in low and middle-income countries. Bangpan et al. (2017) also included Connolly and Sakai (2011) in The impact of mental health and psychosocial support interventions on people affected by humanitarian emergencies: A systematic review.
In 2014, Dunnewold reviewed four studies of TFT in Africa (Connolly & Sakai, 2011; Connolly et al., 2013; Robson et al., 2016; Sakai et al., 2010) in Thought Field Therapy efficacy following large scale traumatic events. She concluded that together, these studies demonstrated the efficacy of TFT and recommended further research. In 2022, Ntlantsana et al. included Connolly and Sakai (2011) in Post-traumatic stress disorder psychological interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: Protocol for a systematic review of the literature and noted its effectiveness.
Two Cochrane Reviews included TFT studies in their extensive meta-analyses. Purgato et al. (2018) included Connolly and Sakai (2011) and Connolly et al. (2013) in Psychological therapies for the treatment of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian crises. Van Ginneken et al. (2021) included Connolly and Sakai (2011) in Primary level worker interventions for the care of people living with mental disorders and distress in low and middle income countries.
References
AlAwdah, A. S., AlHabdan, A. H., AlTaifi, B., & AlMejrad, L. (2021) The effect of Thought Field Therapy on dental fear among Saudi women during restorative treatment. EC Dental Science, 20(5).
Bangpan, M., Dickson, K., Felix, L., & Chiumento, A. (2017). The impact of mental health and psychosocial support interventions on people affected by humanitarian emergencies: A systematic review. Humanitarian Evidence Programme. Oxfam GB.
Bangpan, M., Felix, L., & Dickson, K. (2019) Mental health and psychosocial support programmes for adults in humanitarian emergencies: A systematic review and meta-analysis in low and middle-income countries. British Medical Journal Global Health. 4:e001484. 22618
Banz, L., Stefanovic, M., von Boeselagera, M., Schäfer, I., Lotzin, A., Kleim, B., & Ehring, T. (2022). Effects of current treatments for trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder on reducing a negative self-concept: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13, 2122528. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2022.2122528
Barraza-Alvarez, F.V. (2021). Callahan’s Thought Field Therapy and the management of emotions associated with stress. World Journal of Biology, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences, 7(2), 60-68. Doi: 10.30574/wjbphs.2021.7.2.0045.
Brown, R. C., Witt, A., Fegert, J. M., Keller, F., Rassenhofer, M., & Plener, P. L. (2017). Psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents after man-made and natural disasters: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Psychological Medicine, 47, 1893–1905. doi:10.1017/S0033291717000496
Connolly, S. M., Vanchu-Orosco, M., Warner, J., Seidi, P. A., Edwards, J., Boath, E., & Irgens, A. C. (2021). Mental health interventions by lay counsellors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 99(8), 572–582.
https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.20.269050
Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy.
African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32. http://doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.14793.44644.
Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22708146
Dheepa, V., Prabavathy, S, & Renuka K. (2019). Thought Field Therapy on stress and anger in schoolchildren. International Journal of Advanced Research.
doi: http://dx.doi.org/:10.21474/IJAR01/8859
Dunnewold, A. L. (2014) Thought Field Therapy efficacy following large scale traumatic events. Current Research in Psychology, 5(1), 34-39. doi:10.38/crpsp.
Edwards, J. (2016) Healing in Rwanda: In the words of the therapists. Wholistic Healing Publications, 16(1). https://irpcdn.multiscreensite.com/891f98f6/files/uploaded/IJHC-16-1%20Edwards.pdf
Irgens, A. C., Hoffart, A., Nysaeter, T. E., Haaland, V. O., Borge, F. M., Pripp, A. H., Martinsen, E. W., & Dammen, T. (2017). Thought Field Therapy compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and wait-list for agoraphobia: A randomized, controlled study with a 12-month follow-up. Frontiers of Psychology, 20. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01027
Irgens, A., Dammen, T., Nysaeter T., & Hoffart, A. (2012). Thought Field Therapy (TFT) as a treatment for anxiety symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Explore, 8(6), 331-337.
Morikawa, A., Takayama, M., & Yoshizawa, E. (2021, In press). The efficacy of Thought Field Therapy and its impact on heart rate variability in student counseling: A randomized controlled trial. EXPLORE, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2021.09.005
Morina, N., Nickerson, A., Malek, M., & Bryant, R. (2017). Meta-analysis of interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in adult survivors of mass violence in low- and middle-income countries Depression and Anxiety, 34(8), 679-691. doi: 0.1002/da.22618
Ntlantsana, V., Molebatsi, K., & Mashaphu, S, et al. (2022). Post-traumatic stress disorder psychological interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: Protocol for a systematic review of the literature. BMJ Open, 2022(12), e052903. doi:10.1136/mjopen-2021-052903
Purgato, M., Gastaldon, C., Papola, D., van Ommeren, M., Barbui, C., & Tol, W. A. (2018). Psychological therapies for the treatment of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian crises. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7. Art. No.: CD011849. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011849.pub2
Robson, R. H., Robson, P. M., Ludwig, R., Mitabu C., & Phillips, C. (2016). Effectiveness of Thought Field Therapy provided by newly instructed community workers to a traumatized population in Uganda: A randomized trial. Current Research in Psychology. Doi: 10.3844/crpsp.201
Sakai, C., Connolly, S., & Oas, P. (2010). Treatment of PTSD in Rwanda genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 12(1), 41-49. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20828089/
Seidi, P. A., Jaff, D., Connolly, S. M., & Hoffart, A. (2020). Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Thought Field Therapy in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A retrospective case series study of mental-health interventions in a setting of political instability and armed conflicts. EXPLORE. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.06.003
van Ginneken, N., Chin, W. Y., Lim Y. C., Ussif, A., Singh R., Shahmalaker, U., & Lewin, S. (2021). Primary‐level worker interventions for the care of people living with mental disorders and distress in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 8. Art. No.: CD009149. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009149.pub3.
TFT citings of note for future reference.in future studies
In 2019, Sullivan et al. cited Sakai, Connolly, and Oas (2010) in Using simple acupressure and breathing techniques to improve mood, sleep, and pain management in refugees: A peer-to-peer approach in a Rohingya refugee camp. Sullivan noted, “Acupressure point stimulation has been used effectively in adolescent survivors of genocide in Rwanda (Sakai et al., 2010) but has not been systematically studied” (p. **).
Bagchi et al. (2019) published a protocol for a potential review of the training of lay counselors. The authors quoted Connolly et al. (2021) as one of several examples of there not being enough published about the methods of training lay counselors.
References
Bagchi, A. D., Hargwood, P., Saravana, A. DiBello, A. M., Alonzo, K. D., & Jadotte, Y. (2022). Methods of training lay individuals in the use of evidence-based services for the management of mental and behavioral health disorders: A scoping review protocol. JBI Evid Synth, 2020, 18, 1–11.
Sullivan, J., Thorn, N., Amin, M., Mason, K., Lue, N., & Nawzir, M. (2019). Using simple acupressure and breathing techniques to improve mood, sleep, and pain management in refugees: A peer-to-peer approach in a Rohingya refugee camp. Intervention, 17(2), 252-258. https://doi.10.4103/INTV.INTV_13_19
For Further Reading
Callahan, R. J. (with R. Trubo). (2001). Tapping the healer within: Using Thought Field Therapy to instantly conquer your fears, anxieties, and emotional distress. McGraw-Hill.
Connolly, S. M. (2004). Thought Field Therapy: Clinical applications: Integrating TFT in psychotherapy. George Tyrell Press.
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A Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Non-Randomized Trials of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Anxiety
Jenny Edwards, PhD; Fielding Graduate University
Michelle Vanchu-Orosco, PhD; Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness
Edwards, J., & Vanchu-Orosco, M. (2022). A meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized trials of thought field therapy (TFT) for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
Conclusions: The results show that TFT is highly effective in reducing symptoms of trauma and anxiety in a variety of populations and settings. This meta-analysis extends the existing literature through facilitation of a better understanding of the variability and clinical significance of PTSD improvement subsequent to TFT treatment.
AlAwdah, A.S., AlHabdan, A.H., AlTaifi, B., & AlMejrad, L. The Effect of Thought Field Therapy on Dental Fear among Saudi Women during Restorative Treatment. EC Dental Science 20.5 (2021).
Bangpan M, Felix L, Dickson K. Mental, health and psychosocial support programmes for adults in humanitarian emergencies: a systematic review and meta-analysis in low and middle-income countries. British Medical Journal Global Health 2019. 4:e001484. 22618 [Systematic literature Review and meta-analysis, including Connolly & Sakai, 2011]
Barraza-Alvarez, F.V. (2021). Callahan’s thought field therapy and the management of emotions associated with stress. World Journal of Biology, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences.7 (2), 60-68. Doi: 10.30574/wjbphs.2021.7.2.0045.
Brown, R. C., Witt, A. , Fegert, J. M., Keller, F. , Rassenhofer, M., &. Plener, P. L. (2017). Psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents after man-made and natural disasters: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Psychological Medicine , 47, 1893–1905. Doi:10.1017/S0033291717000496 [Systematic literature review and meta-analysis including Sakai, Connolly & Oas, 2010]
Callahan, R. (1997). Thought Field Therapy: The Case of Mary. Traumatology, 3(1), 30-37.
https://doi.org/10.1177/153476569700300105 [case study]
Carbonell, J.L., & Figley, C. (1999). A systematic clinical demonstration of promising PTSD treatment approaches. Electronic Journal of Traumatology, 5(1).
Connolly, S. M., Vanchu-Orosco, M., Warner, J., Seidi, P. A., Edwards, J., Boath, E., & Irgens, A. C. (2021). Mental health interventions by lay counsellors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 99(8), 572–582. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.20.269050
Connolly, S.M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C.E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy.
African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32. http://doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.14793.44644.
Connolly, S.M., & Sakai, C.E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan Genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172. PubMed Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22708146
Dunnewold, A.L. (2014) Thought Field Therapy efficacy following large scale traumatic events. Current Research in Psychology, 5(1): 34-39.doi:10.38/crpsp.2014 [Systematic literature review of TFT studies in Africa]
Edwards J. (2016). Healing in Rwanda: The Words of the Therapists. Holistic Healing Publications. Volume 16, No. 1 [Summary of qualitative follow up (2010) with TFT lay-counselors in Rwanda]
Folkes, C. (2002). Thought Field Therapy and trauma recovery. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 4, 99-103. PubMed
Irgens, A.C., Hoffart, A., Nysaeter, T.E., Haaland, V.O., Borge, F.M., Pripp,A.H., Martinsen, E.W., & Dammen, T. (2017). Thought Field Therapy Compared to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Wait-List for Agoraphobia: A Randomized, Controlled Study with a 12-Month Follow-up. Frontiers of Psychology, 20, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01027 PubMed
Irgens, A., Dammen, T., Nysaeter T., & Hoffart, (2012) Thought Field Therapy (TFT) as a Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explore.8 (6) 331-337.a
Morikawa, A., Takayama, T., & Yoshizawa, E. (2021) The efficacy of thought field therapy and it’s impact on heart rate variability in student counseling: A randomized controlled study, Explore, 1-8. (in press) www.elsevier.com/locate/jsch
Morina, N., Nickerson, A., Malek, M., & Bryant, R. (2017). Meta-analysis of interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in adult survivors of mass violence in low- and middle-income countries Depression and Anxiety·34(8)679-691. doi: 10.1002/da.22618 [Systematic literature Review and meta-analysis, including Connolly & Sakai, 2011]
Purgato M, Gastaldon C, Papola D, van Ommeren M, Barbui C, Tol WA. Psychological therapies for the treatment of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries affected by humanitarian crises. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD011849. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011849.pub2.[ Systematic literature review and meta-analysis including Connolly & Sakai, 2011 & Connolly, et al. 2013]
Robson, R.H., Robson, P.M. Ludwig, R., Mitabu C., & Phillips, C. (2016). Effectiveness of Thought Field Therapy Provided by Newly Instructed Community Workers to a Traumatized Population in Uganda: A Randomized Trial. Current Research in Psychology..doi: 10.3844/crpsp.201
Sakai, C., Connolly, S., & Oas, P. (2010). Treatment of PTSD in Rwanda genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 12(1), 41-49. PubMed. Retrieved From: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Sakai%2C+Connolly%2C+Oas
Seidi, P. A., Jaff, D., Connolly, S. M., & Hoffart, A. (2020). Applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Thought Field Therapy in Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A retrospective case series study of mental-health interventions in a setting of political instability and armed conflicts. EXPLORE. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.06.003 [case series]
van Ginneken N, Chin WY, Lim YC, Ussif A, Singh R, Shahmalak U, Purgato M, Rojas-García A, Uphoff E, McMullen S, Foss HS, Thapa Pachya A, Rashidian L, Borghesani A, Henschke N, Chong L-Y, Lewin S. Primary‐level worker interventions for the care of people living with mental disorders and distress in low – and middle- income countries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2021, Issue 8. Art. No.: CD009149. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009149.pub3. Accessed 07 August 2021.[ [Systematic literature review and meta-analysis including Connolly & Sakai, 2011.
Click on NREPP logo to read the latest review:
The following studies have been done on Thought Field Therapy® (TFT).
References
Blaich, R. (1988). Applied kinesiology and human performance. Selected papers of the International College of Applied Kinesiology, (Winter), 1-15.
Darby, D. W. (2002). The efficacy of Thought Field Therapy as a treatment modality for individuals diagnosed with blood-injection-injury phobia. Dissertation Abstracts International, 64 (03), 1485B. (UMI No. 3085152)
Folkes, C. (2002). Thought Field Therapy and trauma recovery. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 4(2), 99-104.
Johnson, C., Shala, M., Sejdijaj, X., Odell, R., & Dabishevci, D. (2001). Thought Field Therapy: Soothing the bad moments of Kosovo. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(10), 1237-1240.*
Sakai , C., Paperny, D., Mathews, M., Tanida, G., Boyd, G., Simons, A., Yamamoto, C., Mau, C., & Nutter, L. (2001). Thought Field Therapy clinical applications: Utilization in an HMO in behavioral medicine and behavioral health services. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57(10), 1215-1227.*
Schoninger, B. (2004). Efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) as a treatment modality for persons with public speaking anxiety. Dissertation Abstracts International, 65 (10), 5455. (UMI No. AAT 3149748)
Yancey, V. (2002). The use of Thought Field Therapy in educational settings. Dissertation Abstracts International, 63 (07), 2470A. (UMI No. 3059661)
*The Journal of Clinical Psychology articles were not peer reviewed and were published with invited critical reviews.
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Measurement Instruments for Emotional States and Traumatic Stress
In the interests of promoting standardized data collection by TFT practitioners the ATFT Foundation Board has decided to make available two assessment instruments. The two self-report measures are:
1. The DASS and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale
2. The Impact of Events Scale-Revised and Scale
The DASS
This is a 42-item instrument developed by the Department of Psychology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). There is also a 21-item short form. It has good reliability and validity and is being used extensively by psychologists in Australia. There is an English version and an American version. A significant advantage is that the test is in the public domain. The other prominent tests measuring similar dispositions require a fee per administration (eg. Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory).
We have provided a link to the DASS website of the UNSW (see above) so you can download the version relevant to your setting and the scoring template. You may also order the manual from this site. In addition there is a good deal of additional information about the instrument available (eg. Q & A) from that link.
At the same link provided above is a link to Swinburne University of Technology Professor Grant Devilly’s “Victims’ Web” site from where more information about the DASS is available – importantly including norms.
The IES-R
This is a 22-item updated version of the original 15 item test for the measurement of traumatic stress. The original had been developed by Dr. Mardi Horowitz in 1979 prior to DSM-III which first specified PTSD in 1980. The original test tapped the symptom clusters of intrusion and avoidance. The revised test adds items to tap the third important symptom cluster for PTSD – hyperarousal.
We provide, above, two links related to the IES-R. One is a downloadable version of the actual test ready for administration. The other is a link, again, to Professor Devilly’s “Victims’ Web” site containing information on the IES-R including scoring information.
If you require any further information about these items please email Joanne Callahan at joanne@tftrx.com.
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The Challenges and Opportunities of Introducing Thought Field Therapy (TFT) Following the Haiti Earthquake
Phyll Robson and Howard Robson
Abstract
The 2010 earthquake in Haiti was followed by international emergency interventions.
The scale of the disaster resulted in considerable psychological trauma amongst the population, which was likely to persist after the initial emergency response. The authors visited Haiti 6 months after the earthquake with a medical team to deliver a 1-week Thought Field Therapy training program to the local community.
A 2-day training program was followed by opportunities for supervised practice. The authors have continued to receive positive feedback from participants, for more than 1 year following the training. Although limited healthcare and poor preceding infrastructure impaired the local response to the disaster, efforts were helped by the resilience of the population and their community spirit.
The visit success was facilitated by working with a team who were familiar with the country and negotiating with local community leaders, were adequately prepared, and gave attention to the authors’ security and health.
Robson, P.M. and R.H. Robson, 2012. The challenges and opportunities of introducing Thought Field Therapy (TFT) following the Haiti earthquake. Energy Psychology, 4(1): 41-45.doi: 10.9769/EPJ.2012.4.1.PR
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TFT Research List: Listed Chronologically
Quantitative Studies Only
* Asterisk Denotes Random Controlled Trial (RCT)
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Folkes, C. (2002). Thought Field Therapy and trauma recovery. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 4, 99-103.
Abstract:
People who have been repeatedly exposed to traumatic events are at high risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Refugees and immigrants can certainly be in this category, but seldom seek professional therapy due to cultural, linguistic, financial, and historical reasons. A rapid and culturally sensitive treatment is highly desirable with communities new to Western-style healing. In this study of 31 clients (aged 5-48 yrs.), a pre-test was given, all participants received Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and were then post-tested after 30 days. Pre-test and post-test total scores showed a significant drop in all symptom sub-groupings of the criteria for PTSD. The findings of this study contrast with the outcomes of other methods of treatment, and are a significant addition to the growing body of data on refugee mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
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Sakai, C., Connolly, S., & Oas, P. (2010). Treatment of PTSD in Rwanda genocide survivors Using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 12(1), 41-49.
Abstract:
Thought Field Therapy (TFT), which utilizes the self-tapping of specific acupuncture points while recalling a traumatic event or cue, was applied with 50 orphaned adolescents who had been suffering with symptoms of PTSD since the Rwandan genocide 12 years earlier. Following a single TFT session, scores on a PTSD checklist completed by caretakers and on a self-rated PTSD checklist had significantly decreased (p < .0001 on both measures). The number of participants exceeding the PTSD cutoffs decreased from 100% to 6% on the caregiver ratings and from 72% to 18% on the self-ratings. The findings were corroborated by informal interviews with the adolescents and the caregivers, which indicated dramatic reductions of PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, bedwetting, depression, isolation, difficulty concentrating, jumpiness, and aggression. Following the study, the use of TFT on a self-applied and peer-utilized basis became part of the culture at the orphanage, and on one-year follow-up the initial improvements had been maintained as shown on both checklists.
PMID:20828089 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
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*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
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*Irgens, A., Dammen, T., Nysaeter T., & Hoffart, A. (2012). Thought Field Therapy (TF) as a treatment for anxiety symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Explore, 8(6) 331-337.
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate whether thought field therapy (TFT) has any impact on anxiety symptoms in patients with a wide range of anxiety disorders. Design: Forty-five patients who were randomized to either TFT (n = 23) or a waiting list (n = 22) condition. The wait-list group was reassessed and compared with the TFT group two and a half months after the initial evaluation. After the assessment, the wait-list patients received treatment with TFT. All 45 patients were followed up one to two weeks after TFT treatment, as well as at three and 12 months after treatment. Subjects: Patients with an anxiety disorder, mostly outpatients. Intervention: TFT aims to influence the body’s bioenergy field by tapping on specific points along energy meridians, thereby relieving anxiety and other symptoms. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the TFT and the wait-list group. The TFT group had a significantly better outcome on two measures of anxiety and one measure of function. Follow-up data for all patients taken showed a significant decrease in all symptoms during the one to two weeks between the pretreatment and the post-treatment assessments. The significant improvement seen after treatment was maintained at the three- and 12-month assessments. Conclusion: The results suggest that TFT may have an enduring anxiety-reducing effect. Registration number NCT00202709, http://Clinical.Trials.gov Key Words: Thought field therapy, TF, psychotherapy, anxiety disorders.
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*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
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*Robson, R. H., Robson, P. M. Ludwig, R., Mitabu C., & Phillips, C. (2016). Effectiveness of Thought Field Therapy provided by newly instructed community workers to a traumatized population in Uganda: A randomized trial. Current Research in Psychology. doi:10.3844/crpsp.201
Abstract:
Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a promising treatment for posttraumatic stress in a resource poor environment. This study further explores the benefits of this treatment in a rural population in Uganda, which had suffered from the psychological consequences of previous violent conflict. Thirty-six local community workers received a two-day training in TFT trauma intervention and treated 256 volunteers with symptoms suggestive of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who had been randomly allocated to a treatment or waitlist (control) group. Assessment was by the Posttraumatic Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C). One week after treatment, the treated group scores had improved significantly from 58 to 26.1. The waitlist group scores did improve without treatment, from 61.2 to 47, although significantly less than the treatment group, but improved markedly to 26.4 following treatment. There was some evidence of persisting benefit 19 months later. This study supports the value of TFT as a rapid, efficient and effective therapy, empowering traumatized communities to treat themselves, although repeated treatment may still be needed. Keywords: Thought Field Therapy, PTSD, Uganda, Conflict, Community Therapists
+++++
A Literature Review of PTSD/TFT Studies in Africa
Dunnewold, A.L. (2014) Thought Field Therapy efficacy following large scale traumatic events. Current Research in Psychology, 5(1), 34-39. doi:10.38/crpsp.2014
Abstract:
Thought Field Therapy Efficacy Following Large Scale Traumatic Events: Description of Four Studies Thought Field Therapy (TFT) has been shown to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) with trauma survivors in four studies in Africa. In a 2006 preliminary study, orphaned Rwandan adolescents, who reported ongoing trauma symptoms since the 1994 genocide, were treated with TFT. A 2008 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) examined the efficacy of TFT treatments facilitated by Rwandan Community leaders in reducing PTS symptoms in adult survivors of the 1994 genocide. Results of the 2008 study were replicated in a second RCT in Rwanda in 2009. A fourth RCT in Uganda (in preparation for submission) demonstrated significant differences in a third community leader-administered TFT treatment. The studies described here suggest that one-time, community leader-facilitated TFT interventions may be beneficial with protracted PTS in genocide survivors.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress (PTS), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Energy Psychology, Trauma, Trauma Survivors, Genocide Survivors, Community-Based Psychological Intervention
+++++
A Qualitative Study/Follow-up Published in a Peer-Reviewed Online Journal
Edwards J. (2016). Healing in Rwanda: The words of the therapists. The International Journal of Healing and Caring, 16(1). Retrieved from http://ijhc.org/2015/12/ijhc-master-table-of-contents-full/
Abstract:
In 2009, four therapists from the United Sates presented the basic algorithm training in Thought Field Therapy (TFT) to 36 respected community members at the Izere Center (Center for Hope) in the Northern District of Rwanda. A year later, 35 of the trained therapists reported in an interview that they had treated an average of 37.50 people each (SD = 25.37). They had met with each person an average of 3.19 sessions (SD = 1.08) to assist with various issues. They reported that they had treated from 3 (n = 1, 2.9%) to 123 (n = 1, 2.9%) people. They also shared their experiences during the year following treatment. The therapists reported that prior to the Thought Field Therapy treatments, their clients had experienced anger, fear, headaches, hopelessness, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. They reported that after the treatment, people’s lives had changed. They felt happy, their trauma was gone, they felt better than before they had come to the therapist for help, they had regained hope, they wanted to work, and their fears were gone. The therapists reported that TFT had made a difference when their clients took it seriously and wanted help, the clients had memories of the trauma and knew what they wanted to work on, the therapists prepared the clients for TFT by explaining it, and the clients followed directions. They reported that it did not appear to help the clients when the clients went home to conditions of poverty and confused the adversities of poverty with the symptoms of genocide trauma, the clients were not aware of the problem, the clients wanted to beg or misled the therapist, and the clients doubted that it would work. The clients were pleased with their treatments; gave testimonies about the help they had received; were grateful; returned to say, “Thank you;” and brought other clients for treatment. The therapists believed that TFT had made a difference in the community. The therapists reported that TFT is really effective, they indicated that a positive aspect of TFT is that people can treat themselves, and they recommended that TFT be used throughout Rwanda. Key words: Thought Field Therapy, TFT, Energy Psychology, Rwanda, PTSD, Trauma
+++++
Studies Grouped by Category (Quantitative Studies Only) * = RCT
Below, the studies are listed in the following categories: anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, a literature review of PTSD/TFT studies in Africa, depression, anger (Anger/Irritability Scale), flashbacks/intrusive memories (Intrusive Experiences Scale), avoidance (Defensive Avoidance Scale), dissociation (Dissociation Scale), sexual distress (Sexual Concerns Scale), dysfunctional sexual behavior (Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior Scale), self-esteem/self-concept (Impaired Self-Reference Scale), and acting out behavior (Tension Reduction Behavior Scale).
Anxiety
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Irgens, A., Dammen, T., Nysaeter T., & Hoffart, A. (2012). Thought Field Therapy (TF) as a treatment for anxiety symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. Explore, 8(6), 331-337.
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate whether thought field therapy (TFT) has any impact on anxiety symptoms in patients with a wide range of anxiety disorders. Design: Forty-five patients who were randomized to either TFT (n = 23) or a waiting list (n = 22) condition. The wait-list group was reassessed and compared with the TFT group two and a half months after the initial evaluation. After the assessment, the wait-list patients received treatment with TFT. All 45 patients were followed up one to two weeks after TFT treatment, as well as at three and 12 months after treatment. Subjects: Patients with an anxiety disorder, mostly outpatients. Intervention: TFT aims to influence the body’s bioenergy field by tapping on specific points along energy meridians, thereby relieving anxiety and other symptoms. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare the TFT and the wait-list group. The TFT group had a significantly better outcome on two measures of anxiety and one measure of function. Follow-up data for all patients taken showed a significant decrease in all symptoms during the one to two weeks between the pretreatment and the post-treatment assessments. The significant improvement seen after treatment was maintained at the three- and 12-month assessments. Conclusion: The results suggest that TFT may have an enduring anxiety-reducing effect. Registration number NCT00202709, http://Clinical.Trials.gov Key Words: Thought field therapy, TF, psychotherapy, anxiety disorders.
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Folkes, C. (2002). Thought Field Therapy and trauma recovery. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 4, 99-103.
Abstract:
People who have been repeatedly exposed to traumatic events are at high risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Refugees and immigrants can certainly be in this category, but seldom seek professional therapy due to cultural, linguistic, financial, and historical reasons. A rapid and culturally sensitive treatment is highly desirable with communities new to Western-style healing. In this study of 31 clients (aged 5-48 yrs.), a pre-test was given, all participants received Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and were then post-tested after 30 days. Pre-test and post-test total scores showed a significant drop in all symptom sub-groupings of the criteria for PTSD. The findings of this study contrast with the outcomes of other methods of treatment, and are a significant addition to the growing body of data on refugee mental health. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)
+++++
Sakai, C., Connolly, S., & Oas, P. (2010). Treatment of PTSD in Rwanda genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 12(1), 41-49.
Abstract:
Thought Field Therapy (TFT), which utilizes the self-tapping of specific acupuncture points while recalling a traumatic event or cue, was applied with 50 orphaned adolescents who had been suffering with symptoms of PTSD since the Rwandan genocide 12 years earlier. Following a single TFT session, scores on a PTSD checklist completed by caretakers and on a self-rated PTSD checklist had significantly decreased (p < .0001 on both measures). The number of participants exceeding the PTSD cutoffs decreased from 100% to 6% on the caregiver ratings and from 72% to 18% on the self-ratings. The findings were corroborated by informal interviews with the adolescents and the caregivers, which indicated dramatic reductions of PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, bedwetting, depression, isolation, difficulty concentrating, jumpiness, and aggression. Following the study, the use of TFT on a self-applied and peer-utilized basis became part of the culture at the orphanage, and on one-year follow-up the initial improvements had been maintained as shown on both checklists.
PMID:20828089 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
*Robson, R. H., Robson, P. M., Ludwig, R., Mitabu C., & Phillips, C. (2016). Effectiveness of Thought Field Therapy provided by newly instructed community workers to a traumatized population in Uganda: A randomized trial. Current Research in Psychology. doi:10.3844/crpsp.201
Abstract:
Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a promising treatment for posttraumatic stress in a resource poor environment. This study further explores the benefits of this treatment in a rural population in Uganda, which had suffered from the psychological consequences of previous violent conflict. Thirty-six local community workers received a two-day training in TFT trauma intervention and treated 256 volunteers with symptoms suggestive of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who had been randomly allocated to a treatment or waitlist (control) group. Assessment was by the Posttraumatic Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C). One week after treatment, the treated group scores had improved significantly from 58 to 26.1. The waitlist group scores did improve without treatment, from 61.2 to 47, although significantly less than the treatment group, but improved markedly to 26.4 following treatment. There was some evidence of persisting benefit 19 months later. This study supports the value of TFT as a rapid, efficient and effective therapy, empowering traumatized communities to treat themselves, although repeated treatment may still be needed. Keywords: Thought Field Therapy, PTSD, Uganda, Conflict, Community Therapists
+++++
A Literature Review of PTSD/TFT Studies in Africa
Dunnewold, A. L. (2014). Thought Field Therapy efficacy following large scale traumatic events. Current Research in Psychology, 5(1), 34-39. doi:10.38/crpsp.2014
Abstract:
Thought Field Therapy Efficacy Following Large Scale Traumatic Events: Description of Four Studies Thought Field Therapy (TFT) has been shown to reduce symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) with trauma survivors in four studies in Africa. In a 2006 preliminary study, orphaned Rwandan adolescents, who reported ongoing trauma symptoms since the 1994 genocide, were treated with TFT. A 2008 Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) examined the efficacy of TFT treatments facilitated by Rwandan Community leaders in reducing PTS symptoms in adult survivors of the 1994 genocide. Results of the 2008 study were replicated in a second RCT in Rwanda in 2009. A fourth RCT in Uganda (in preparation for submission) demonstrated significant differences in a third community leader-administered TFT treatment. The studies described here suggest that one-time, community leader-facilitated TFT interventions may be beneficial with protracted PTS in genocide survivors.
Keywords: Posttraumatic Stress (PTS), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Energy Psychology, Trauma, Trauma Survivors, Genocide Survivors, Community-Based Psychological Intervention
+++++
Depression
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Anger (Anger/Irritability Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Flashbacks/Intrusive Memories (Intrusive Experiences Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Avoidance (Defensive Avoidance Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Dissociation (Dissociation Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Sexual Distress (Sexual Concerns Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior (Dysfunctional Sexual Behavior Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
+++++
*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
+++++
Self-Esteem/Self Concept (Impaired Self-Reference Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
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*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
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Acting Out Behavior (Tension Reduction Behavior Scale)
*Connolly, S. M., & Sakai, C. E. (2011). Brief trauma symptom intervention with Rwandan genocide survivors using Thought Field Therapy. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 13(3), 161-172.
Abstract:
This randomized waitlist control study examined the efficacy of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in survivors of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Participants included 145 adult genocide survivors randomly assigned to an immediate TFT treatment group or a waitlist control group. Group differences adjusted for pretest scores and repeated measures anovas were statistically significant at p < .001 for 9 of 10 TSI trauma subscales and for both severity and frequency on the MPSS, with moderate to large effect sizes. Reduced trauma symptoms for the group receiving TFT were found for all scales. Reductions in trauma symptoms were sustained at a 2-year follow-up assessment. Limitations, clinical implications, and future research are discussed. PMID:22708146 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]
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*Connolly, S. M., Roe-Sepowitz, D., Sakai, C. E., & Edwards, J. (2013). Utilizing community resources to treat PTSD: A randomized controlled study using Thought Field Therapy. African Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 24-32.
Abstract:
The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a randomized controlled study, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group. Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest. Prior to the study, TFT techniques were taught to Rwandan community leaders, who then provided one-time individual trauma-focused TFT interventions to one hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide in their native language, Kinyarwanda. Pre- and post-intervention assessments of trauma symptoms used were the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) translated into Kinyarwanda. Significant differences were found in trauma symptoms and level of PTSD symptom severity and frequency between the treatment and the waitlist control groups. Participants in the waitlist group experienced significant reductions in trauma symptoms following their subsequent treatments, which took place after the first posttest. These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused TFT intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors. Key words: Community Resources, PTSD, Rwanda, Thought Field Therapy, Trauma Treatment Keywords: AJTS June 2013 3(1): 00-00
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Qualitative Study of Rwandan Therapists’ Experiences
Edwards J. (2016). Healing in Rwanda: The words of the therapists. The International Journal of Healing and Caring, 16(1). Retrieved from http://ijhc.org/2015/12/ijhc-master-table-of-contents-full/
Abstract:
In 2009, four therapists from the United Sates presented the basic algorithm training in Thought Field Therapy (TFT) to 36 respected community members at the Izere Center (Center for Hope) in the Northern District of Rwanda. A year later, 35 of the trained therapists reported in an interview that they had treated an average of 37.50 people each (SD = 25.37). They had met with each person an average of 3.19 sessions (SD = 1.08) to assist with various issues. They reported that they had treated from 3 (n = 1, 2.9%) to 123 (n = 1, 2.9%) people. They also shared their experiences during the year following treatment. The therapists reported that prior to the Thought Field Therapy treatments, their clients had experienced anger, fear, headaches, hopelessness, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. They reported that after the treatment, people’s lives had changed. They felt happy, their trauma was gone, they felt better than before they had come to the therapist for help, they had regained hope, they wanted to work, and their fears were gone. The therapists reported that TFT had made a difference when their clients took it seriously and wanted help, the clients had memories of the trauma and knew what they wanted to work on, the therapists prepared the clients for TFT by explaining it, and the clients followed directions. They reported that it did not appear to help the clients when the clients went home to conditions of poverty and confused the adversities of poverty with the symptoms of genocide trauma, the clients were not aware of the problem, the clients wanted to beg or misled the therapist, and the clients doubted that it would work. The clients were pleased with their treatments; gave testimonies about the help they had received; were grateful; returned to say, “Thank you;” and brought other clients for treatment. The therapists believed that TFT had made a difference in the community. The therapists reported that TFT is really effective, they indicated that a positive aspect of TFT is that people can treat themselves, and they recommended that TFT be used throughout Rwanda. Key words: Thought Field Therapy, TFT, Energy Psychology, Rwanda, PTSD, Trauma
