Inspiration

Research Proves EFT an Effective Treatment for Depression

Written by: Nick Ortner

Depression is one of the most difficult issues to treat and manage.

Depression costs both individuals and society millions of dollars every year in both traditional therapy and prescription medications. But there IS a better alternative, with 10 years of research to back it up. With the Internet, you can find compelling documentation for pretty much anything.

So, when we look at practices like EFT Tapping in research studies, there are ways of both structuring and evaluating studies that help researchers and practitioners get as close to the “truth” as possible. One way is to conduct what’s called a meta-analysis – an examination of multiple studies on the same topic over a given period of time.

That’s what researchers Nelms and Castel did to evaluate the use of Tapping to alleviate depression. They looked at a variety of research papers published between 2005 and 2015 about the effects of using EFT Tapping therapy on depression. Here’s what they found out… 

Only the Best Studies

Their first step in their meta-analysis was to find the relevant documentation with a diverse variety of study criteria. One criterion wanted, was diversity in demographics (age, geographic location, gender, etc).

They also chose to include both randomized controlled trials in peer-reviewed journals (which are considered the blue-ribbon standard in research) in addition to outcome studies to increase the sample size.

Finally, the team selected studies that met the American Psychological Association’s strict criteria when evaluating treatments. From their efforts, the authors chose to include 20 studies in total: 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 398 participants, and 8 outcome studies with 461 participants.

For each study, they looked at and compared depression symptoms at three different intervals: just after the trial, follow-up in less than 90 days, and follow-up in more than 90 days.

Tapping is Effective in Treating Depression

Despite being very selective about the studies, researchers found ample evidence to support that EFT. It substantially reduces symptoms of depression at all three recorded time intervals.

The authors calculated that there was a “weighted mean” reduction in depression symptoms by a whopping 41%.

Interestingly, the researchers also looked at meta-analyses of psychiatric medication and therapy studies and discovered that tapping reduced depression symptoms at a much higher rate than either of those accepted treatments.

A meta-analysis with such a strong conclusion, that EFT works as a treatment for depression, is a golden opportunity.

It’s our hope that readers will spread the word about this inexpensive, safe, accessible, and highly effective modality that people can learn and then apply themselves.

Let’s Try Tapping Right Now

Follow along as we learn the basics of Tapping and try it for yourself!

For people suffering as much as those with depression do, learning about EFT could be a life-changing moment.

Spread the word!

Until next time…

Keep Tapping!

Nick Ortner


How would your life change if you could free yourself from depression? Comment below.



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19 Comments on this post

  1. Fred Shulman says:

    What is the tapping solutions specially for both anxiety and for depression? Thanks. Fred Shulman

  2. james parkes says:

    how long should sn average tap session last for pain or insomnia thank u

    • Nick Ortner says:

      Great question, James! Every person is different, so there is no set time length for Tapping. But the more accurate answer is to tap until you feel relief. Be sure to measure your results using the number scale. Tap for a few rounds and then check back in. Sometimes that’s all someone needs. Other times (for more complex issues) it may take multiple sessions to fully resolve the issue. 🙂

  3. Julia Markel says:

    Before I ask my question, I have to say that I know tapping does works for depression – in at least one case that I know of.
    My question: For the study, did the subjects all have the same level and type of depression? I would hope they did because someone with situational depression wouldn’t have as far to go as someone with chronic clinical depression. If not, it seems the results would be skewed.
    While I’m here, I’d also like to say that depression is a much more complex illness than it’s portrayed to be. There is no quick fix for chronic depression. Every person who lives with it has to find just the right combination of treatment and therapy because we each have our own chemical makeup. But, everytime you try something and it doesn’t work, it can cause a set-back. The first thought is “this just can’t be fixed,” or “it must be me – I’m just not good enough.” So the promise of a cure really – really – needs to be handled delicately.

    • Nick Ortner says:

      Thanks for sharing, Julia. You may want to check out the full research article linked in the post to see if they clarified the types of depression. Since this was a meta-analysis of many different studies, I’m pretty sure there were many types of depression included in the study. 🙂

  4. Shelly Watson says:

    Thanks Nick for the great article ! I’m an LICSW and I’ve been using tapping in my psychotherapy practice for about 10 years now, and the results are incredible , but there are some clients who are uncomfortable with how “weird” it seems (although if I can get them to try it the results speak for themselves!) so having scientific research I can share will be incrediblely useful. Thank you for all you do – I listen to my CDs of you and Jessica so much I feel like I know you both! Your work is transforming many lives ?

    • Nick Ortner says:

      Thanks so much for sharing, Shelly! You are very welcome. YOUR work is also transforming lives as well. 😀

  5. Heather says:

    Would this potential help with ulcerative colitis?

    • Nick Ortner says:

      Hi Heather! I always say, “Try it on everything!” If you are familiar with the mind-body connection, physical ailments are typically tied to emotional unbalance. For colitis, it usually means insecurity or fear around letting go of a past event or person. Is there something you’re still hanging on to that you can’t let go of? That would be a good place to start tapping. 🙂

  6. Rachel Millsteed says:

    Can it help with quitting smoking???

    • Nick Ortner says:

      It certainly can, Rachel! Tapping is very effective for breaking the habit of smoking, along with any other type of addiction as well.

  7. emily says:

    Iam in agreement-when I have difficulty sleeping –tapping helps so I am concluding that it helps with serotonin.

  8. JUDI says:

    http://www.thetappingsolution.com

    This will get you started. Make sure to watch the video and then follow all the steps.
    Watch Nick work with individuals and you’ll get the idea.

    After a fall down an escalator 42 years ago, I had a down escalator phobia for the next 22 years with all the classic PTSD symptoms. I took a course in EFT Tapping Certification for continuing education for my Psychologist License. I volunteered to be the “guinea pig!” 8 minutes of directed tapping and 22 years of phobic avoidance of down escalators was removed!!!
    Results have continued to this day.

    You don’t have to believe it will work for it to work.

    UTTERLY AMAZING.
    Judi, Retired Geropsychologist

    • Nick Ortner says:

      That’s so amazing, Judi! I love how quickly Tapping can resolve phobias like yours. And thank you for leading others to EFT. 🙂

  9. DAVID SINIGAGLIA says:

    G R E A T !!!!

  10. Toby says:

    Can you provide a link to a specific EFT script for tapping on depression?

  11. Mary Ann Zumpfe says:

    This really works. ..in more ways than one.

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