Thought Field Therapy Show on NPR [Archive]

Illuminated

03-24-2006, 01:21 PM

A friend of mine sent me this notice:

National Public Radio (NPR), on their show "All Things Considered", will have a topic of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) -- a controversial new therapy.

TFT therapists have gotten themselves in to Charity Hospital in New Orleans where they are working with Katrina survivors, making big claims that are unsupported by any evidence. James Herbert, Psychology Professor at
Drexel University, was also interviewed.

The show will air Wednesday, March 29th and will be available on NPR's website by that evening: http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=2

of if there is a problem with this link, go to:
http://www.npr.org

You can also find local listings at the website for times the show will air on the radio. Please feel free to pass this message along to any relevant list servs or anyone else who might be interested.

Illuminated

03-24-2006, 04:03 PM

I did a little research on what Thought Field Therapy is. One of its usages is for PTSD. I t seems to me like it is very controversial.

Uh Oh....
From http://www.depressionet.com.au/treatments/talking/tft.html

Dr Callahan began to discover the existence of certain structures he called "perturbations" in the bio-energy thought field that showed a precise, causal relationship to psychological disorders. By recognising and addressing this energy field (similar to the bio-electrical energy field in acupuncture) of a problem, therapy is so effective and rapid that it is startling. Dramatic changes often occur within minutes after a person is treated with TFT- in many cases the patient can treat themselves with the therapy. TFT has been called the psychologists version of acupuncture. Cognitive restructuring appears to occur automatically after treatment without the therapist consciously attempting to change underlying belief systems.

TFT combines elements of acupuncture, Chinese medicine, applied Kinesiology, Cognitive 'Therapy and psychoanalysis. It is effective for a wide range of" psychological problems including anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictions, anger, jealousy and guilt, etc. .... has concluded that TFT is the most effective treatment for PTSD.
Oh dear.
From http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mentserv.htmlTFT's founder, psychologist Roger J. Callahan, Ph.D., claims that TFT "provides a code to nature's healing system. . . . addresses their fundamental causes, balancing the body's energy system and allowing you to eliminate most negative emotions within minutes and promote the body's own healing ability." [32] The Callahan Techniques Web site also recommends dietary supplementation for persons who "suffer from multiple environmental sensitivities and even allergies which aggravate psychological problems." During TFT sessions, the therapist uses sequences of finger taps on "acupressure points" (primarily of the hands, face, and upper body) and the patient does repetitive activities (repeats statements, counts, rolls the eyes, hums a tune) while visualizing a distressing situation.
Really?
From http://www.thoughtfieldtherapy.net/work.html
One formal investigation, conducted in early 1995, by Charles R. Figley, Ph.D. and Joyce Carbonell, Ph.D. of the Psychological Stress Research Program and Clinical Laboratory at Florida State University yielded impressive results in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Oh dear oh dear oh dear....
From http://thoughtfield.com/about.htm
Thought Field Therapy ™ (TFT) is a safe and effective technique for the elimination of emotional distress. It gives immediate relief for PTSD, addictions, phobias, fears and anxieties by directly treating the blockage in the energy flow created by a disturbing thought pattern. It virtually eliminates any negative feeling previously associated with a thought.

TFT eliminated disturbances created by negative emotions by using key meridian points in specific sequences. The gentle training program offers the latest technology in removing disruptions in the body's energy system. These disruptions are responsible for causing physical problems, negative emotions, addictions and cravings. It is truly a mind-body treatment using a combination of modern science, Oriental medicine, and the body's energy system.