TFT Case Study

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The following is a case study submitted by a recent TFT algorithm course graduate:

Client 1a: 1a is a 40 year old male with emotional seizures, PTSD, anxiety disorder, schizoaffective disorder. When he gets very anxious, he starts to hear voices that tell him he is no good and no one likes him; he gets flashbacks of his childhood when his father beat him.

I have known 1a for several years; he has caseworkers, a psychiatrist and a neurologist on his team. I have spoken to each of these professionals and have been encouraged to try tapping with him.

I could see that 1a was upset; his face was red and his eyes were wide and had an intense look that I recognized from past experiences. He said he was hearing voices that were telling him he was no good. I could tell he has close to having an emotional seizure. 1a had some tapping experience with a former therapist.

I did the algorithm for anxiety: e, a c.

I chose this algorithm because it was simpler and I thought it had the best chance of reducing the SUDs.

• Baseline and intermediate SUD(s) – 8

I did the simple PR first thing right off the bat, because I did not know how long I could hold 1a’s attention, and wanted to be as effective as possible as soon as possible

• Final SUD(s)

1a’s SUDs went right down to a 1

After 1a’s SUD went down to a 1, he was able to think of the myriad supporters and loved ones in his life; he was able to name his family and friends who love him; he was able to think of something he could do that day that was both good for him and fun; he was smiling. He was able to see that he could get through a tough time like he had just done.

I am very happy to have TFT in my tool kit; when 1a was so anxious, talk therapy may not have been able to reach him. Tapping was the thing that got him to readjust his body and mind.

excerpted from The Thought Field,  Vol 24, Issue 10

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TFT in Mexico

TFT HEALS MEXICO
by Brenda Ignorosa

When I knew Tapping Therapy was coming to Mexico, I did all my homework. I read all about TFT and Roger and Joanne Callahan, but when Suzanne Connolly (our teacher) came into the room, I didn’t know what to expect.

I only knew I felt anxiety and fear about a trip that I am going to take. Every past day I woke up with stomach pain and with many other emotions, except peace.

When Suzanne started explaining, everyone was so quiet, trying to understand…In my humble opinion, it is that in Mexico we are not so open yet to all these “alternative” therapies and techniques….

However, the most important thing, is that in our country and maybe all around the world, we have a boom of yoga, therapies, gurus, meditation… But we don’t know who is giving us the complete truth. Sadly, there are a lot of charlatans around these things.

Getting back to my point, the course was without words… Literally… I started the course thinking like in school: I will have a theory and a practice. But TFT is all about experience. There is no a theory and no steps to follow, there is only to feel.

At the end of the first day, we were all laughing. About what? I don’t know, we just felt good. What happened? Again, I really don’t know, I just tapped certain parts of my body, thought about my problems and Bam! I know it sounds like magic, but don’t be scared if it is the first time you read about this.

It all makes sense: Certain parts of your body are connected to your emotions, and your emotions to your brain. So if you press pre-determined points, you unblock the energy…

By the end of the day, I was relieved of that anxiety, really! Not forgetting that, of course, like a good human that I am (haha), I tried to get back to that emotion, but I couldn’t, it was really beautiful. I am grateful!

The second day, we were already strong enough to help other people. We worked with them and we also worked on our own issues.

Nevertheless, the third day was the best!!! The doctors and nurses that were in the course, brought some of their patients to the course so Suzanne could help heal them. When that happened, everyone cried including Suzanne. It was a beautiful moment!

Excerpted from “Tapping for Humanity,” Fall, 2014

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TFT Study in “African Journal of Traumatic Stress”

The TFT Foundation is very pleased to announce that its study on the effects of TFT on PTSD, led by TFT Foundation Trauma Relief Committee chairperson Suzanne Connolly and conducted in Rwanda in 2009, was recently published by the “African Journal of Traumatic Stress.” The study abstract is below. For the complete study, please click here. 

 

Abstract

  The use of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), a brief therapy technique, is examined in a study titled, Utilizing Community Resources to Treat PTSD: A Random Controlled Study Using Thought Field Therapy, to determine if there is a significant difference in the reduction of trauma symptoms between the treated group and the untreated group post treatment.

     Study participants in the waitlist group received treatment after having completing the posttest.  One-hundred and sixty four adult survivors of the 1994 Rwandan genocide received a one-time trauma-focused TFT intervention in this randomized waitlist controlled study. Prior to the study,TFT techniques were taught to community leaders, who then provided them in their native language, Kinyarwanda, to the participants during an individual session. Pre- and post-intervention surveys of trauma symptoms included the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI)

(Briere, 1995) and the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (MPSS) (Falsetti, Resnick, Resnick, & Kilpatrick, 1993). After one week, 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 treatments,which took place after the first posttest.  These positive outcomes suggest that a one-time, community leader facilitated trauma-focused intervention may be beneficial with protracted PTSD in genocide survivors.

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TFT–Simple and Powerful

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It is amazing that a simple Thought Field Therapy protocol, or algorithm, like the one we teach in this blog, can have such a profound effect. We see evidence every day of TFT transforming lives, even at its most basic level of standardized algorithms. The following is an example, given in response to the request “Please share how Thought Field Therapy helped you”:

Problem:  “I experienced PTSD, severe anxiety, and intense stress.”

Results:  “I felt balanced after doing the algorithms! The relief was wonderful and it was like feeling sane again. I practice the algorithms regularily because I love the feeling of balance it evokes within me.”

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Relief from Lifelong Trauma and Fear

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TFT in Toronto–Tapping Out Panic Attacks, Rage, Anger, Frustration, Guilt….

By John Steuernol, TFT-Adv.

In the past six months we have had 18 people take the TFT Algorithm Course and another 14 attended our first TFT Boot Camp. More and more people are finding ways to use this for themselves and people they know.

Russell, one of our attendees at the Algorithm Course in April, shares his comments below:

“After taking the Algorithm course for Thought Field Therapy I can blatantly say it has reshaped my body, mind, spirit, and soul into a whole new being. For the last 3 years of my life I have dealt with a lot of traumatic life changing circumstances. I received treatment from a psychologist and received psychotropic prescription medications for my psychological distress.

Despite the best efforts of my psychologist to help me, through this form of treatment I developed a very strong belief that I was powerless over my emotions, powerless over my circumstances, and powerless over my life and overcoming my past. I developed a destructive inferiority complex and “victim” mentality believing that outside influences were controlling my life, to the point where my physical health became challenged.

I have suffered all my life from an intense fear of death, disease and illness, and despite how irrational or utterly ridiculous that appeared to me and people who new me it was very real. Despite my physical efforts of consistent exercise, eating healthy, and getting a good nights rest, my “uncontrollable” emotions and living in a constant state of fear, prevented me from experiencing true good health.

So what has Thought Field Therapy done for me? What has this form of therapy enabled me to change? I have used it on every conceivable negative emotion. Whether that be uncontrollable panic attacks, rage, anger, frustration, guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, addictions, sadness, despair all with a minimum of a moderate improvement. Thought Field Therapy has enabled me freedom from my lifelong phobias and helped me considerably by eliminating negative perspectives and beliefs that previously prevented me from being the person I was meant to be.

I feel in complete control over my life, a strong sense of self- reliance, and have acquired a beautiful perspective on life I never even knew existed. I am no longer the pessimistic victim I once was over my thoughts and emotions but now I feel optimistic and victorious over them.

The algorithm course taught me how to effectively apply Thought Field Therapy (TFT) not only demonstrated the effectiveness of TFT on myself but also on others while still being very simplistic, straightforward and educational. The greatest element of TFT is the benefit it has given me to positively impact other people.

I considered myself to be a very severe and extreme case to test the effectiveness of Thought Field Therapy; the good news is because of the contrasting experiences in my life they are ultimately working to my advantage now. Because I received so much life changing benefits I am confident when I apply this therapy on other people that no matter how severe the challenge is, it can be effectively helped.

Whatever the phobia, whatever the trauma, whatever the negative emotional response that has prevented me from living my life to the fullest I am confident that the fast, safe, powerful and effective help of Thought Field Therapy will have the same life changing implications on other peoples lives if not greater than my own.”  — Russell

Excerpted from “The Thought Field”, Vol. 20, Issue 5

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TFT After Serious Car Accident

By Derrick Marshon Smith*

This case is intimate to me. Just four days ago my girlfriend was in a serious accident that totaled out her car.

She walked out with only a splinter. However, what she didn’t anticipate was the emotional scare she had to deal with.

After an hour of the accident and we were leaving the scene she busted out in a severe cry. I was pumping gas and knew what was happening but she didn’t. She asked me why she was crying and I said probably because your sub-conscious mind is just now releasing the pain.

So what do I do? I get her to do the trauma and guilt sequence. Instantly she regained her self control and prepared herself for work. We felt going to work would take her mind off the ordeal. It did the trick and she also tapped all day at work.

It wasn’t until 3am that night, another attack arose and we had to do the sequence. And again immediately it diminished and she fell right to sleep. Till that night she has yet to have another attack.

TFT for life…literally!

*Author Derrick Marshon Smith is a recent TFT Boot Camp graduate. To learn more about this two-day training for learning how to use TFT to help yourself and others, go to http://www.rogercallahan.com/bootcamp/index.php.

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Relieving Trauma of Family Car Accident

Excerpted from “The Thought Field”, Volume 18, Issue 5:

Dear Dr. Callahan and Joanne,

I wanted to take the time to thank both of you for giving myself and my family tapping sequences that helped us cope with the trauma and grief of surviving a horrific car accident.

Last summer we were hit “head on” by a drunk driver, the speed at impact was estimated at over 110 miles per hour. The drunk driver died on impact and although we all survived our injuries were extensive. My husband sustained a broken neck, broken lower spine, broken sternum and two broken feet. My 14 year old son fractured his leg and burst the main artery in the stomach lining. I sustained severe whiplash, broken sternum, “dented” stomach from seat belt, broken toes and foot.

Upon leaving the hospital and having necessary surgeries it was very difficult and anxiety provoking to get into a car. Because of the extent of our injuries we had to be taken to San Diego to be cared for by family.

I consulted with Dr. Callahan on October 12, 2010. He took turns asking each one of us different questions and then gave detailed instructions on tapping sequences. Each one of us were given a sequence to use for trauma/anxiety. In addition to this my son was given a sequence to ease the stress of the surgery he had undergone. My husband was given a sequence to clear side effects associated with the medicine he was taking. And I was given a sequence to gain confidence to drive again.

Just after performing the first tapping session we all noticed a more peaceful and calming state of mind. Within in 1 day I had enough confidence to get behind the wheel and run an errand. I was so happy I started to cry. Slowly but surely we all started to get our lives back on track and start the recovery process. We still go back to these sequences any time we have to make a stressful phone call or receive bad news.

I am happy to say that one year later we all doing well and thriving. My husband was able to go back to work in January, my son was able to start a fresh new school year and I am able to make long drives from the desert to San Diego by myself without experiencing severe anxiety.

We are grateful to the Callahan’s for their expertise and sincere concern for our health and healing process.

With sincere gratitude,

Mark, Mary and Tice Ledbetter La Quinta, California

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Immediate Relief from Family Trauma

From “The Thought Field”, Volume 18 Issue 4

(photo not of actual client)

 

TFT Can Soften Life’s Traumas and Begin Healing

By Jennifer Harp, TFT-Dx

(Client name changed to Sara)

Sara is a 45 year old mother of two daughters, age 15 and age 13 as well as one son, age 17. She resides in Wyoming with her live in boyfriend and her daughters. Her son resides with his biological father in Florida.

Sara has endured a lengthy history of sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse at the hands of her biological father from ages 5-18. She was later assaulted physically by numerous boyfriends as an adult. Her ex-husband, raped her on numerous occasions.

Her grief was compounded 8 months ago when she was told by her daughter that her son sexually molested her on a visit to Florida last summer. Her son is currently undergoing criminal proceedings for the assault. Sara sought counseling 5 months ago to assist her in managing her feelings of despair, shame and anger.

In working with her, I utilized the algorithm of complex trauma with anger and guilt to address her thought field of the perpetration of her daughter by her son.

I chose the algorithm for two reasons 1.) it was my first time using TFT in my own practice and I was more confident with the technique 2.) I thought that this would be a good place to begin with her symptoms of intense trauma as the algorithms have been tested and proven with so many clients.

Prior to going through the sequence, her SUDS level was a 10 on a scale of 1-10. After the first time of using the tapping sequence she experienced a reduction in SUDS to an 8. At this time, we corrected for specific reversal by adding the karate chop to the beginning of the sequence. After this process her SUDS dropped to a 5.

Another correction for recurring reversal was added to the sequence by rubbing the sore spot, this dropped the SUDS to a 2. The 9 gamut sequence was provided and then repeated the sequence of complex trauma with anger and guilt. To finish a floor to ceiling eye roll was facilitated. Sara’s final SUDS level was a 1.

No identifiable toxins were detected with Sara.

Upon administering this treatment, Sara commented that the technique was “unbelievable.” It took her several minutes to be able to identify her final SUDS level as she “could not feel it anymore.” Sara continues to tap on a daily basis with various algorithms as required for her symptoms.

Sara was the first client that I had utilized the TFT techniques with. It was remarkable the immediate relief that she felt in 7 minutes of TFT therapy that she did not receive in 2 months of cognitive behavioral therapy prior to the algorithms.

Sara and I frequently tap in session; I use both TFT diagnostic and algorithms to address her symptomology.

Jennifer Harp LPC-850, Northern Star Counseling, LLC, Cheyenne, WY 82001 Office: (307) 637-7906

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Relieving the Effects of Past Trauma

Many thanks to Jackie Rioux, TFT-Dx, for submitting this Apr 19, 2011:

I have been taking TFT courses over the last year and having many successes with friends and family. I have helped a friend let go of the grief and trauma of losing a treasured family pet. I have helped several friends with general stress, relationship and work issues, and tested them for toxins as well. My friends are now quite used to hearing me talk about TFT and all its benefits and some are willing to let me practice on them to refine my skills. 

My new son in law was having issues with the stress and anxiety of a new baby coming and his ability to provide for their future. I was receiving phone calls and texts every few days asking for reassurance and answers to questions about parenting. He has a wonderful secure job and he knew his fears were unfounded yet he was still anxious.

Although I have three other children who are accepting of TFT, this daughter is not comfortable with all my tapping remedies, but my son in law was willing to try it. One evening he was at the point of anxiousness where he

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TFT After Brutal Physical Attack

From “The Thought Field”, Vol. 17, Issue 3:

Tapping Thru Trauma and Dysfunction To Happiness

Oct 2010, Australia, Gabrielle Williamson

In 2000 I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after a brutal physical attack. Because of head injuries I was unable to complete thoughts or make any sense of the world. This led to debilitating depression as even simple tasks like cooking had become difficult. I was also suffering from severe anxiety and did not know how to engage in society. I became a relative hermit and put on a lot of weight. All I could manage was eating, sleeping and watching videos. My depression grew and intense rage emerged as I ruminated day after day on the attack.

Five years passed in this manner then one day I was introduced to a local TFT Practitioner who listened to my story and offered to give me a treatment with TFT. I was totally skeptical, yet after several treatments I lost the depression and became more functional. Soon, not only did my fear of people and being in public places disappear, but I began to rekindle my former career as a singer/ songwriter and performed my songs at local venues. Previously my memory had been so damaged due to head injuries that I had had trouble remembering my songs. It improved using TFT.

I also became a TFT practitioner and continued to clear phobias, stress, confusion, love pain and rage as they emerged and began helping my friends with TFT as well. Soon I had several regular TFT clients. Chronic depression and anxiety became things of the past.

I realized with gratitude that I had started living my life again and it was better than it had been even before the assault!

In 2006 I won $1,000 first prize in a major local songwriter’s quest and went on to record an album of my songs. I organized every detail of my own album launch which had been an unfulfilled dream for 30 years.

Today I have 4 different part-time businesses which I run myself including a small TFT client-base, many friends, hobbies and interests and am living the life I always wanted to live, as cliche as that may sound! I am an active member of my community and the world at large and feel I have something to contribute. I have no doubt that I am capable of moving on to achieve even greater goals as my life unfolds.

This year, 2010, I will be 50 years old and have never been happier than I am right now. I believe that TFT has very significantly contributed to my healing process when very little else seemed to be working. It is simple, fast and effective as a modality of therapy and easy to administer to myself and others when the need arises. I highly recommend it to anyone. I will continue to rely on its help as it is an invaluable way to be free of all kinds of problems both mental/emotional and physical.

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