Energy psychology provides simple methods for shifting brain patterns that lead to unwanted thoughts, feelings, and actions. Drawing from both ancient healing traditions and contemporary psychological science, it has been called “psychological acupuncture without the needles.” The approach combines established psychological methods with tapping on acupuncture points that send signals to the brain which change dysfunctional responses. While still controversial, recent research has been establishing it as one of the most promising clinical innovations on the horizon. Variations include EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), TFT (Thought Field Therapy), AIT (Advanced Integrative Therapy), and TAT (Tapas Acupressure Technique), among numerous other formats.

Energy psychology is increasingly being incorporated into the practices of many licensed mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and professional mental health counselors. Life coaches, who focus on well-being and peak performance rather than treating mental disorders, are also utilizing energy psychology. In addition, for those not in therapy, or as an adjunct for those who are, energy psychology provides potent self-help tools for emotional self-management and optimizing personal performance.

Tapping on acupuncture points (along with related techniques) while an anxiety-evoking memory or thought is brought to mind sends signals to the brain that turn off the anxious response in the moment and rapidly alter the brain chemistry that maintained that response.

Energy psychology works by stimulating energy points on the surface of the skin which, when paired with various psychological procedures, sends signals to the brain that (a) impact stress chemicals such as cortisol and DHEA, (b) deactivate limbic system arousal, and (c) rapidly alter neural pathways in desired directions.

Variations of this strategy also appear to shift, for the person’s benefit, the brain’s coding of irrational anger, jealousy, guilt, shame, unremitting grief, compulsive behaviors, phobias, PTSD, depression, addictions, and chronic pain.  International disaster relief teams have been applying it in the aftermath of warfare, genocide, tsunamis, and earthquakes.  Beyond trauma and serious mental health condition, the method has been shown to promote peak performance, alter self-defeating behavioral patterns, and help in attaining personal goals.

Acceptance of energy psychology by the mental health field started slow. After all: 

The techniques look strange; 

It is not obvious how tapping on the skin can impact psychological problems and goals; Explanations tied to ancient healing traditions did not satisfy Western scientists; and  Early claims of unusual speed and effectiveness were not backed by research. 

By the time of this writing, however (April 2024), over 175 clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of acupoint tapping psychotherapies have appeared in peer-reviewed professional journals. More than 98% of them found statistically significant improvement in at least one targeted outcome. The research also verifies unusual speed and demonstrates that the benefits last. Explanations of how energy psychology works that are rooted in neurological science have been formulated and presented in a variety of peer-reviewed journals.