The Effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on Psychological States in a Veterans Population: A Randomized Controlled Trial

A need exists to find fast yet effective treatment protocols for the large number of US military service personnel coming back from Iraq with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a variety of co-occurring psychological problems. This study examines the effects of six sessions of EFT coaching on a veterans population. The sample will recruited from clients of practitioners who are coaching veterans. Participants will be assessed for PTSD and other psychological conditions such as anxiety and depression. Evaluations will be made using well-validated instruments, the SA-45 (Symptom Assessment 45) and the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Military). Those meeting the military's criterion for a PTSD-positive assessment on the PCL-M will be randomized into two groups. A wait list control group continues to receive Standard of Care (SOC) from their current healthcare provider. The experimental group receives SOC plus EFT coaching. A baseline measurement is obtained approximately thirty days in advance of coaching, when subjects apply to participate in the study, and again immediately before coaching begins. Participants are assessed after three sessions and six sessions, to determine symptom changes at these milestones. Followup assessments occur three months and six months post-coaching. Pain levels, alcohol use, recreational drug use, and prescription drug dosages are also tracked, in order to determine any correlation between participant characteristics and psychological symptom change. Data will also be analyzed to determine if there are outcome differences between participants receiving EFT from life coaches, and those whose EFT coaching is delivered by licensed psychologists or social workers.