TFT (Thought Field Therapy)

These words are from the official TFT/Callahan website.

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is often confused with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). However, the two actually have a few significant differences. Today, we’re going to uncover the differences between the two.  Remember: the only evidence that matters is you own experience- do what works for you to end useless pain and suffering.

First, let’s talk about what the two techniques share. Both TFT and EFT involve tapping on specific points on the body while focusing attention on a specific emotion or problem. They also mostly use the same tapping points. The purpose of both methods is to overcome negative thoughts and traumatic memories.

Now, let’s look at a few differences between TFT and EFT.

1. TFT came first: Thought Field Therapy was developed by Roger Callahan after he discovered innovative applications of kinesiology and meridian therapies.   Emotional Freedom Technique was developed by Gary Craig after studying extensively under Roger Callahan.
2. TFT is more varied:  EFT is often promoted as a “simplified” version of TFT. Yet it takes no longer to do TFT than EFT.  TFT does not require you setup phases to be repeated as you tap.  Where TFT provides a different set of unique tapping patterns (algorithms) for each problem category, using different tapping sequences for different triggers or emotions, EFT uses the same generalized sequence every time, regardless of the issue that needs to be addressed.  TFT instructs users to stop if it is not working after a couple of attempts and move on to other TFT techniques that are needed.  EFT instructs users to keep doing it regardless of ineffective outcomes.
3. TFT places a much higher priority on the tapping sequence itself:  In EFT, all the acupuncture points are tapped, regardless of the problem, with the assumption that you’re going to eventually end up tapping the spot that correlates with that emotion or trigger. TFT provides different sequences using a variety of acupuncture points for each category of triggers.
4. TFT is constantly growing and developing: Roger Callahan continued to develop TFT all the way up until his death. Because of the vast number of potential tapping sequences, it is possible for TFT to continue growing to include even more new sequences. EFT has only one “default” method that is supposed to cover every trigger and emotion.
5. When required TFT has more advanced ways to determine the precise tapping needed.  EFT uses the same pattern over and over regardless of its effectiveness.
6. TFT doesn’t require you to endlessly talk about your problems: When using EFT, you have to voice the problem you are experiencing while tapping every point from top to bottom. In TFT, the person receiving treatment only needs to think about their trigger and remember how it made them feel in order to use the tapping sequences effectively.
7. TFT is the only tapping therapy rated as effective by the national registry of evidence based programs and practices. 

Fundamentally, EFT is a “one size fits all” approach to managing traumatic memories, triggers, and negative emotions, while TFT is a more customized approach that gives you the ability to really focus in on specific emotions and triggers when you need to. EFT promises a “simplified version” of Roger Callahan’s TFT techniques; however, we have learned over years and years of using TFT algorithms that there truly are certain sequences and tapping points that are more effective for finding relief and freedom in each category of problem.

Most TFT practitioners take the techniques they learn and implement them in ways that are unique to their own methodology. One of the great things about TFT is that it can be used in combination with any number of other therapies which allows for practitioners to find the way that works the best for them. Most tapping techniques are based on the original Thought Field Therapy techniques developed by Roger Callahan, and the continued development of new methods of implementation has greatly improved the effectiveness of alternative healing.