A Study Finds EFT Effective for Treating Chemo-Brain

Sarah Murphy, LPC • January 25, 2022

A research team led by Laura Track conducted a randomized, controlled study of EFT for cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI; aka “chemo brain”). Track and her colleagues are independent researchers from three universities in Belgium and the United Kingdom. Their work was published by EClinicalNews, the online, open-access journal of The Lancet, in August of 2021.


The results are clear: in this study, EFT was very effective in addressing chemo brain. 


The theory

After completing chemotherapy, many patients report a decline in cognitive function. “Chemo-brain” can impair mental functioning and cause considerable emotional distress. Until now, there have been no medical or psychosocial tools to help it. 

The researchers wondered whether addressing underlying psychological symptoms, such as fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, and trauma, could help mitigate the cognitive impairment. They chose EFT because of the rapidity of its results, and because it can be used both clinically and as a self-help tool. 


The study setup

Between 2016 and 2020, 121 study participants, all adults who had completed curative cancer treatment, were recruited into the study. All had taken the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) and scored 43 or higher. CFQ scores range from 0 – 100; a score of 43 or greater indicates CRCI. 


Most participants were women (93%) who had been treated for breast cancer (78%); the average age was 52. The study was coordinated by AZ Groeninge Kortrijk hospital in Belgium and included three affiliate hospital locations.

 

Participants were randomized into immediate treatment (ITG) or waitlist control (WLC) groups. The treatment group received EFT sessions for 16 weeks; the WLC group began EFT treatment after 8 weeks. The CFQ was given at baseline, after 8 weeks, and after 16 weeks. 


Study results

There was a significant drop in CFQ scores among the immediate treatment group after 8 weeks of tapping, with 59% scoring less than 43; the wait list control group scores remained stable. This difference was significant (p<.01) and showed that EFT had decreased the level of CRCI. The wait list control group scores dropped at 16 weeks, after they had done 8 weeks of tapping, matching the results of the immediate treatment group at 8 weeks.


In addition to the CFQ, other patient-reported outcomes measures (POMS) included measures of distress, depression, problems, and fatigue; health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured using a standardized European scale. All POMS dropped in the immediate treatment g after 8 weeks. The difference between groups was significant at 8 weeks (p<0.001); after 16 weeks, there was no longer a statistically significant difference in scores between the two groups. Differences in HRQOL followed a similar trajectory. 


Why this study matters

Chemo brain is a side effect of cancer treatment that impairs cognitive functioning and causes significant distress. To date, there have been no effective tools to deal with it. EFT is a simple, mind-body technique that can be taught in classes and groups, in one-to-one therapy, or by patients themselves as a self-help tool. The current study’s findings are clear: in this study, EFT helps decrease CRCI and improves other measures of well-being. 


The Belgian Foundation Against Cancer is supporting a rollout of EFT for CRCI across Belgium, recruiting and training healthcare workers and volunteers to implement the EFT program. Additionally, the research team is building on these findings, and planning another study into the effect of EFT on the fear of cancer recurrence in survivors. 


Want to learn more about EFT?

If you are a client looking for a practitioner, check out ACEP’s practitioner database. For more information on EFT research, see ACEP’s research page. If you are a clinician and want to get trained in EFT, enroll in our online certification program.  If you'd like a great, free introduction to EFT, sign up for ACEP's free master class.


Author

Sarah Murphy, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and coach with more than 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in energy psychology, including EFT, as well as mindfulness and hypnotherapy. In her therapy practice, she works with individuals seeking to find peace within themselves, people who have serious medical diagnoses, and couples who want to resolve conflict and live in harmony. Sarah's personal motto is that we are here to create a more peaceful world, one more-peaceful person at a time. She is an ACEP Board member and chair of the Communications Committee. Learn more at www.transformative-therapy.com. 

Energy Psychology Helps Heal Veteran’s Combat Trauma

By Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd • April 9, 2025
After retiring from the military, I conducted individual and group therapy with combat veterans as a clinical social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the VET Center in Warwick, RI. In my work, I've had many experiences showing the power of energy psychology to help heal trauma . One of these amazing stories occurred during my tenure at the VA. Veteran suffers from PTSD A 70-year old Vietnam Veteran suffered for 45 years from chronic PTSD as a result of life-threatening events he endured and injuries he sustained during combat. Let's call him Joe (not his real name). His symptoms included nightmares and waking up profusely sweating every night since he returned from the war 45 years ago. Joe also had insomnia and anger issues. Conventional therapies and medication were not able to alleviate the adverse impact of his trauma. Unfortunately, Joe's experience is common among a vast number of Veterans receiving treatment for PTSD at the VA. Energy psychology resolves trauma-related symptoms In the first energy psychology session, I introduced Joe to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and explained the process and its efficacy. During the next 6 sessions, he tapped on the EFT meridian points for 2-3 rounds on each combat trauma we addressed. While he tapped, I guided him to verbally release related negative emotions. We did this until he no longer experienced any disturbance associated with these challenging events, as determined by muscle testing. The results were inspiring. At the end of six 50-minute sessions, Joe reported that his nightmares and night sweats completely stopped, and he felt more rested, peaceful, and significantly less anxious. Joe was even able to stop taking most of his anxiety and depression medication. His wife said she noticed a huge positive shift in his demeanor. Lasting results Over the next 3 years, Joe used EFT on his own to clear other developmental traumas and negative core beliefs. During this time, he only had four nightmares during one two-week period, which were triggered by watching a war movie. Afterwards, he did not have any recurrence of PTSD symptoms. Joe felt joy that he did not experience previously, and he was more emotionally open and affectionate with his wife. This heart-warming story shows the power of EFT to heal rapidly and effectively, with results that last. It's why I love using it. Going forward What a difference could be made with Veterans and their families if the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) used energy psychology techniques like these! They would be free of the devastating impact of PTSD, have better relationships and an improved quality of life. Many ACEP members have stories of hope and healing. Let’s share them! When we tell our stories, we can help inspire practitioners to adopt energy psychology methods that are powerfully grounded in effective healingwith long-lasting outcomes. Get trained and make a difference Are you a teacher or school employee? If so, get trained to bring powerful energy psychology techniques to your school by enrolling in ACEP’s free Mind Body Tools for Children training. If you are a clinician or stakeholder wanting to offer energy psychology to your community, enroll in ACEP’s free Emotional First Aid training . If you would like to get trained in using Emotional Freedom Techniques with clients, sign up for ACEP’s online training that begins with EFT Professional Skills 1 . Author Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd, is an ACEP member and recipient of ACEP's 2021 Special Recognition Award. He is a retired Marine, combat veteran, former VA VET Center counselor, VA whistleblower, and author of Broken Promises: Marine Combat Veteran Turns Whistleblower Exposing Compromised Mental Health Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Photo by RDNE Stock Project

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