By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP August 13, 2025
“The only constant is change.” Heraclitus of Ephesus “People are very open-minded about new things, as long as they're exactly like the old ones.” Charles F. Kettering “Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” Harriet Tubman
By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP July 23, 2025
Life is filled with opportunities to make changes, sometimes by design, and more often by circumstances we don’t anticipate. Either way, you are more likely to harness positive lasting change when your mind and actions are in harmony. And you’ll feel less conflict within yourself.  First, set your intention, which is a conscious idea for a desired outcome. Then, with the power of energy practices, you can level up your manifestation skills by being crystal clear on the desired results. Sound good? Let’s dive in.
By Ramona K. Clifton, LCSW July 17, 2025
During the height of the covid-19 pandemic, mental health challenges skyrocketed. Anxiety, depression, and stress increased worldwide. In Japan, researchers studied whether Thought Field Therapy (TFT)—an energy-based tapping method—could offer relief in a world suddenly locked down and emotionally overwhelmed . 
A person is tying a shoe with a string
By Sarah Murphy, LPC July 7, 2025
If you’re feeling stuck and want to learn a safe mind-body technique to help, you’re in the right place. This blog teaches you an easy tool you can use right now to get un-stuck.
By By Jean-Michel Gurret, Clinical EFT Trainer and Psychotherapist June 23, 2025
In May 2025, a remarkable and unprecedented event occurred: for the very first time, Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) was officially integrated into a Master’s program in psychotherapy within a faculty of medicine in Africa — at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. This milestone marks a turning point in the global history of tapping-based therapies. It ushers in a new era where energy psychology methods such as EFT are now institutionally recognized not only as complementary approaches, but also as potentially foundational tools for mental health care in low-resource contexts. Contributors: Prof. Papa Lamine Faye, Prof. Jean Augustin Diégane Tine, Agnès Bévierre 
By Fred P. Gallo, PhD, DCEP June 19, 2025
Improving psychological flexibility is not a destination, but an ongoing process. By practicing integrative energy psychology skills, you can learn to navigate life's challenges more effectively, suffer less from difficult internal experiences, and live a richer, more meaningful life aligned with your values, what truly matters to you. And you can help your clients do the same.
By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP May 22, 2025
“Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles... This…regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.” Wayne Dyer.
By Sarah Murphy, LPC, ACP-EFT May 14, 2025
One of the fastest and most effective ways to calm an anxious mind is the Healing Head Hold . This simple body-based technique can help you defuse negative emotions and balance your brain hemispheres. You can do this technique alone or with a partner, and in less than five minutes you'll feel much calmer. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English , Spanish , and Portuguese . This technique was adapted from Terrence Bennett’s Touch for Health Neuro/Vascular Points.
By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP April 29, 2025
How did your ancestors heal themselves, no matter what they were going through, when, or where they lived? They may have used practices in remarkably similar ways to other people around the planet. And many of those practices are still widely used today.
By Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd April 9, 2025
After retiring from the military, I conducted individual and group therapy with combat veterans as a clinical social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the VET Center in Warwick, RI. In my work, I've had many experiences showing the power of energy psychology to help heal trauma . One of these amazing stories occurred during my tenure at the VA. Veteran suffers from PTSD A 70-year old Vietnam Veteran suffered for 45 years from chronic PTSD as a result of life-threatening events he endured and injuries he sustained during combat. Let's call him Joe (not his real name). His symptoms included nightmares and waking up profusely sweating every night since he returned from the war 45 years ago. Joe also had insomnia and anger issues. Conventional therapies and medication were not able to alleviate the adverse impact of his trauma. Unfortunately, Joe's experience is common among a vast number of Veterans receiving treatment for PTSD at the VA. Energy psychology resolves trauma-related symptoms In the first energy psychology session, I introduced Joe to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and explained the process and its efficacy. During the next 6 sessions, he tapped on the EFT meridian points for 2-3 rounds on each combat trauma we addressed. While he tapped, I guided him to verbally release related negative emotions. We did this until he no longer experienced any disturbance associated with these challenging events, as determined by muscle testing. The results were inspiring. At the end of six 50-minute sessions, Joe reported that his nightmares and night sweats completely stopped, and he felt more rested, peaceful, and significantly less anxious. Joe was even able to stop taking most of his anxiety and depression medication. His wife said she noticed a huge positive shift in his demeanor. Lasting results Over the next 3 years, Joe used EFT on his own to clear other developmental traumas and negative core beliefs. During this time, he only had four nightmares during one two-week period, which were triggered by watching a war movie. Afterwards, he did not have any recurrence of PTSD symptoms. Joe felt joy that he did not experience previously, and he was more emotionally open and affectionate with his wife. This heart-warming story shows the power of EFT to heal rapidly and effectively, with results that last. It's why I love using it. Going forward What a difference could be made with Veterans and their families if the VA and Department of Defense (DOD) used energy psychology techniques like these! They would be free of the devastating impact of PTSD, have better relationships and an improved quality of life. Many ACEP members have stories of hope and healing. Let’s share them! When we tell our stories, we can help inspire practitioners to adopt energy psychology methods that are powerfully grounded in effective healingwith long-lasting outcomes. Get trained and make a difference Are you a teacher or school employee? If so, get trained to bring powerful energy psychology techniques to your school by enrolling in ACEP’s free Mind Body Tools for Children training. If you are a clinician or stakeholder wanting to offer energy psychology to your community, enroll in ACEP’s free Emotional First Aid training . If you would like to get trained in using Emotional Freedom Techniques with clients, sign up for ACEP’s online training that begins with EFT Professional Skills 1 . Author Ted Blickwedel, LICSW, MSW, MEd, is an ACEP member and recipient of ACEP's 2021 Special Recognition Award. He is a retired Marine, combat veteran, former VA VET Center counselor, VA whistleblower, and author of Broken Promises: Marine Combat Veteran Turns Whistleblower Exposing Compromised Mental Health Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Photo by RDNE Stock Project
By Maria Limardo, PhD, CEPH April 3, 2025
In our quest for optimal health, longevity, and deeper connection, we often overlook the microscopic powerhouses driving every function within our bodies: the mitochondria. These remarkable cellular structures don't just produce energy—they may hold the key to extended lifespan, enhanced consciousness, and perhaps even our spiritual experiences.
By Lori Chortkoff Hops, PhD, DCEP March 26, 2025
Energy healing method is linked to recoveries from cancer in mice. Visualization directed at water or cotton is retrieved later for healing. Silent recordings of energy healing sessions are linked to genetic changes. 
By Sarah Murphy, LPC, ACP-EFT March 12, 2025
Are you a therapist who is always looking for tools that get great results? If you are already using energy psychology tools like EFT, TFT, AIT, or CEP, you know how powerful these approaches can be. And as great as they are, sometimes a little tweak can lead to big improvements, even in an already-fabulous therapeutic toolkit! Here are four often overlooked yet simple tools to boost your therapy results.
By Sarah Murphy, LPC, ACP-EFT March 6, 2025
One of the fastest and most effective ways to reset after a shock is to use the Thymus Thump . This is a simple body-based technique that helps you settle your body and increase your life-force energy. The technique was developed by Energy Psychology pioneer John Diamond. Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. You can also download written instructions in English , Spanish , and Portuguese . The next time you are dealing with a shock, give it a try. 
By Katherine Romero February 26, 2025
1. Don’t Skip the Research Symposium! One of the best ways to ease into the conference experience is by attending the Research Symposium the day before the official conference. This session showcases cutting-edge research in energy psychology, giving you a front-row seat to emerging insights in the field. And it's free with conference registration. But beyond the knowledge, the symposium offers a built-in community right from the start. When I attended my first conference, I found that engaging with researchers and presenters in this setting made me feel more at home. Instead of feeling like an outsider, I walked into the rest of the conference recognizing familiar faces and feeling immediately connected to the energy psychology community. 2. Embrace Movement Breaks—They’re More Than Just a Stretch! After hours of sitting in deep, thought-provoking sessions, the Qigong, Tai Chi, or other movement activities offered during breaks can be a lifesaver for your body and mind. But here’s something you might not expect—these movement breaks are one of the best ways to meet people. Unlike networking in hallways or between sessions (where everyone is rushing to the next talk), movement activities create a natural space for organic connection. At my first ACEP conference, I met a now-dear friend after a movement break when we struck up a conversation and discovered our shared love for the Sedona, AZ area. That kind of connection is priceless, and it wouldn’t have happened if I had just gone straight for coffee between sessions! 3. Attend the Regional Breakfasts—A Hidden Gem for Networking If you want to connect with like-minded professionals in your area, make time for the regional breakfasts. These gatherings are casual, welcoming, and fun, and they’re usually led by someone well-connected in the field who can introduce you to others in your region. For first-time attendees, this is one of the easiest ways to build relationships that last beyond the conference. It’s one thing to meet people at a national event, but it’s even more exciting to walk away with connections that could lead to collaborations, referrals, masterminds, or even friendships back home. 4. There’s Zero Need to Feel Intimidated Walking into a professional conference for the first time can feel intimidating—especially when you see a room full of PhDs, MDs, LPCs, LCSWs, and every other credential in the book. I get it. When I attended my first ACEP conference, I was just starting my graduate studies and didn’t know a single person. I took a leap of faith and sat at a lunch table, unknowingly joining a group of major figures in the field—Dawson Church, David Feinstein, and multiple ACEP board members. I had no idea who they were at the time, but what struck me was how warm, welcoming, and excited they were to engage with my “newbie” questions. It wasn’t until months later that I realized exactly who I had been sitting with—but that experience shaped my perspective on ACEP as an open, inclusive, and encouraging community. Everyone is there because they love energy psychology and want to see it grow—so if you have questions, ask away! 5. Get Involved—Your Ideas Are Welcome! One of the most unique aspects of ACEP is how easy it is to contribute. Unlike some organizations where it takes years to get involved, ACEP offers low-barrier opportunities to bring your ideas to the table—literally. Want to see energy psychology expand? Have an idea for an initiative? Attend a committee lunch. I did this on a whim during my first conference. I had an idea for improving blog visibility and mentioned it to someone at a happy hour event—who turned out to be an ACEP board member. They encouraged me to attend a Communications Committee lunch, and by simply showing up with my lunch, I was able to share my thoughts, contribute, and get involved. Want to plan ahead for which committee you might like to join? See the committee list here . These committee meetings are not only a great way to contribute but also a fantastic CV builder if you're looking to deepen your professional experience in the field. Final Thoughts: Make the Most of It! Your first ACEP conference will be what you make of it. Whether you’re there to learn, network, or explore how energy psychology fits into your professional journey, one thing is for sure—you’re in for an inspiring and transformative experience. So take a deep breath, embrace the connections, and enjoy every moment of this incredible gathering. You belong here. Learn more about the conference and register. Author Katherine Romero is a doctoral student in clinical psychology, life coach, Reiki practitioner, and somatic breathwork practitioner . Passionate about the intersection of mind, body, spirit, and energy in healing, Katherine explores the role of intergenerational trauma, consciousness, ancestral healing and holistic approaches in mental health. A long-time advocate for integrative practices, she is excited about expanding the reach of energy psychology and supporting her clients as a therapist-in-training .
By Robert Schwarz, DCEP, PsyD February 24, 2025
In a 2015 blog titled “The Amygdala Is NOT the Brain's Fear Center”, neuroscientist Joseph Ledoux laments that the amygdala has “gone from an obscure area of the brain to practically a household word, one that has come to be synonymous with ‘fear’.” He goes on to say, “It is not a scientific finding but instead a conclusion based on an interpretation of a finding. “
By David Gruder, PhD, DCEP February 17, 2025
David Feinstein, not to anyone’s surprise, has contributed yet another groundbreaking paper to the field of energy psychology. This one focuses on the physiological mechanisms that appear to explain how tapping actually works. While empirical verification of effectiveness is vital—and we’ve come a very long way toward establishing that—it’s a bit more complicated to credibly pinpoint the physiology behind those results.
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By Sarah Murphy, LPC January 22, 2025
Is the brain the origin of the mind, or its instrument? This blog explores a question that humans have had for millennia.
By Sarah Murphy, LPC, ACP-EFT January 16, 2025
When you have been through a trauma and are feeling shocked, try bouncing up and down on the balls of your feet. You can also sit in a chair and massage your heel and ankle areas. The Heel Shock Release is a simple body-based technique that will help you reawaken your energy system. The technique comes to us from Donna Eden . Practice the technique right now by watching the video below and following along. Remember to try it next time you are feeling exhausted but can’t take a nap! You can also download written instructions in English , Spanish , and Portuguese .
By Ramona K. Clifton, LCSW & John Freedom, CEHP January 9, 2025
The evidence for Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping as an effective treatment for trauma and chronic pain continues to accumulate. An exciting study was released in September 2024 by Peta Stapleton et al in The European Journal of Pain. It shows a significant and sustained decrease in levels of chronic pain when a course of EFT was used.