Emotional Freedom Techniques Reduces Symptoms of Chronic Pain

Ramona K. Clifton, LCSW & John Freedom, CEHP • January 9, 2025

The evidence for Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping as an effective treatment for trauma and chronic pain continues to accumulate. An exciting study was released in September 2024 by Peta Stapleton et al in The European Journal of Pain. It shows a significant and sustained decrease in levels of chronic pain when a course of EFT was used. 

Chronic pain probably affects someone you know

Stapleton and her colleagues recognized that chronic pain is an experience that impacts people’s quality of life, and “affects one in five adults during their lifetime”. The authors note that a strong link is seen between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult pain, with psychological health being particularly vulnerable to ACEs.
 

Study design

147 chronic pain sufferers were randomized into two groups: one with an active EFT intervention, and a waitlist control group. Before and after the study, they completed a series of assessments: Brief Pain Inventory, Quality of Life Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Self Rating of Happiness, Patient Health Questionnaire and the ACE Questionnaire. The intervention group was then subdivided into a live (via ZOOM) subgroup (78) and a self-paced subgroup (83); and the waitlist group also subdivided into a live subgroup (46) and a self-paced subgroup (118).


The intervention group received EFT for 2 hours per week for 6 weeks, either “in-person” via live zoom sessions, or “self-paced” by tapping along with videos recorded by the researchers. The waitlist control group “waited” without any treatment for 6 weeks, then received the same protocol as the intervention group. (The study was done during the covid pandemic, so no physical in-person sessions were held.)


Outcome: significant and sustained improvements

Results showed that pain severity was significantly lower in the group using EFT at post-test compared with pretest and was maintained through a 6-month follow-up. Quality of life also showed improved scores after using EFT. These outcomes were also sustained at 6-month follow-up. Notably, both in-person (online) and self-paced groups showed significant results, indicating that online or self-paced interventions would not compromise treatment outcomes.


Why does this matter?

Chronic pain is known to affect roughly 20% of the population and is a major disrupter of the quality of people’s lives. It can be linked to depression, isolation, and other physical and mental health issues. People invest serious time and money in an effort to cope, including medication and expensive treatments. EFT can be accessible, inexpensive, and easy to use even in a virtual setting. This study offers hope for people who have been living with chronic pain.


Spreading the word about the research

This newly released study adds to the library of research which shows how using EFT can improve overall quality of life, including as a skill for pain management and reduction. Recently, ACEP shared the Science of Energy Healing Masterclass, full of examples of relevant research and tips on how to communicate scientific findings in ways that connect with your clients (and anyone else who shows interest!)
 

Want to learn more?
 

  • ACEP offers gold-standard training in EFT, designed especially for licensed clinicians. CE/CNE is available.
  • Want to learn more about the science while earning CE’s? Take our Science of Energy Healing Deluxe course.
  • Stay up to date with the research on energy psychology. Check out the research section on our web site, which includes a brief Quick Facts and downloadable bibliographies. You can also contact John Freedom and ask him to add you to the research mailing list. research_committee@energypsych.org


Read the full study

Stapleton, P. et al. (2024). A randomized clinical trial of emotional freedom techniques for chronic pain: Live versus self-paced delivery with 6-month follow-up. Eur J Pain. 2024;00:1–14.

doi: 10.1002/ejp.4740



Authors

Ramona K. Clifton, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and coach with a private practice in Brooklyn, NY. She incorporates EFT, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for individual experience and creative drive. She is a member of ACEP and the ACEP Communications Committee. 


John Freedom, CEHP, serves as chairman of ACEP’s research committee. The author of Heal Yourself with Emotional Freedom Technique, he presents seminars and events throughout the US and in Europe.

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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