Fred Gallo: Pioneer of Energy Psychology
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Fred Gallo, a true energy psychology pioneer, shortly after his presentation “Embrace the Present: Unveiling the Identity Method” at the 2024 ACEP
energy psychology conference in Arizona. Fred coined the term with the publication of his seminal book
Energy Psychology. Among many honors in the field, Fred has received two ACEP awards: Outstanding Contribution to the Field of Energy Psychology in 2008, and Outstanding Service in 2019. Fred Gallo’s contributions to EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and other energy psychology techniques have shaped the field for decades. Read on for a few highlights of his career and some personal milestones that he shared.
Asking why
As a family member observed, “Freddie was always asking why”. Fred’s journey toward developing energy psychology began at age 15, when he read a book about hypnosis and began applying methods on his younger brothers and friends. He marveled at the impact of
trance states and the effectiveness of post-hypnotic suggestions. In another synchronistic find, at the age of 16, while cleaning out a garage with friends, he picked up a book about psychoanalysis and there discovered the worlds of Mesmer, Freud, Adler, and Jung. The
personal stories connected with him, and led Fred to study philosophy and psychology, ultimately driving his innovative work in EFT and TFT.
Overcoming personal challenges
Fred and his family faced significant early losses. His mother died of cancer when he was 12 years old, leaving his father with 5 children to raise. Fred was determined to contribute to the family, and planned to enter graduate school, paying his own way with the goal of making
money with his doctorate. Right before grad school began, he was hit by a car, which derailed his plans. He almost died. Fred had a profound near-death experience, in which he clarified his awareness and connection with a creator/God.
Developing energy psychology
What came next? After recovering, Fred began teaching 8th grade at a Pittsburgh school and continued his study of philosophy. He was also drawn back to psychology, and was particularly inspired by the question, “What really works for people and what is most effective and helpful?”
He recognized that it’s crucial to have a range of skills, and to work with a client using different concepts and techniques. Fred emphasizes that the relationship is always key, stating “connection is a fundamental element”. Fred was drawn to study early energy psychology
methods, and trained with Dr. Roger J. Callahan, founder of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and Dr. John Diamond, founder of behavioral kinesiology. He began to synthesize his training in cognitive behavioral therapy, Gestalt Therapy, neuro-linguistic programming, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy, resulting in unique and powerful methods that he termed advanced energy psychology.
Addressing the skeptics
How did Fred address early skepticism? He shares an amusing anecdote about presenting at a 1995 Psychological Association conference in Pennsylvania, where a “young and somewhat pushy” therapist, Dr. Bob Schwarz, questioned the effectiveness of tapping for trauma treatment. Fred appreciated the questions, and as many readers will know, Bob came around, eventually serving as ACEP’s executive director for 17 years and training scores of EFT cohorts.
Another powerful early moment in energy psychology occurred at a psychological workshop, when Fred asked for a volunteer to demonstrate Thought Field Therapy. The volunteer discussed a traumatic loss, they tapped together, and he reported “Wow, I can see what happened, but I’m not getting distressed”. Then with some incredulity, he commented to the crowd “I really don’t feel the same way!” That volunteer was Dr. Greg Nicosia, who now holds a title of past ACEP president and was instrumental in the development of ACEP.
Helping to grow the field
After the publication of his first book, Energy Psychology, Fred joined with Kate Sorensen, Tapas Fleming, and other early practitioners to establish the first International Energy Psychology Conference, which took place in Las Vegas in 1999. Fred’s collaboration with
people like Dr. Sandy Radomski and Dr. David Gruder cemented the field of energy psychology and helped to grow ACEP’s influence in the world. For many years, Fred also developed and provided training in Thought Field Therapy (TFT), and continues to offer training in multiple approaches that he has developed, including Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Methods (EDxTM), Energy Consciousness Therapy (ECT), and The Identity Method (IM).
Tapping on a plane
Fred shared several compelling stories of using energy psychology methods with clients, and even in real world experiences. Once, on a winter flight to Pittsburgh, his plane encountered significant turbulence. Noticing that the young woman seated next to him was wide eyed and tense, gripping the arm rests, he offered to share some ways to help feel calmer. He guided her in several skills, including reframing their situation, tapping on the stomach meridian point under the eyes (which can help reduce anxiety) and using visualization (picturing their safe arrival), he was able to help her shift from distress to tolerance in a matter of minutes.
Current and future directions
Fred has published nine books, most recently The Tapping Toolbox, an informative and accessible guide. It’s clear that Fred’s deep dedication has been to connect with people and develop rapid and effective treatments that help them recover from trauma, chronic pain and other issues that impact their lives. His ongoing focus is to integrate energy psychology with related principles and approaches, including mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and polyvagal therapy (PVT). This also means discerning the techniques and methods that work best with each individual and looking at the methods that people respond best to, like a tactile approach such as tapping or using visual, auditory, or composite methods. We can look forward to future publications on this fascinating subject!
You can find much more information about Dr. Fred Gallo’s group practice, books, seminars and trainings at his ebsite energypsych.com
Training you can use
Looking to deepen your expertise in energy psychology? Sign up for ACEP’s EFT certification program to learn advanced techniques in trauma healing and earn continuing education credits. Start today at eftonline.org.
Author
Ramona K. Clifton, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and coach with a private practice in Brooklyn, NY. She works with artists and creative people to help them heal the pain in their life and live to their full potential. Ramona uses EFT, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for individual experience and creative drive. She is a member of ACEP and the ACEP Communications Committee. Visit ramonaclifton.com
