The theory

HMR is a bodymind therapeutic approach that incorporates verbal and somatic components to access and heal traumatic memories. Brent Baum, a psychotherapist and former Catholic priest, created the method. He and his colleagues decided to investigate HMR as a protocol to address symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and pain.

The study setup

The mixed-methods study included 60 adults. The study excluded individuals taking mood altering substances.  Eighty-five of the subjects were female, and 87% were Caucasian. Fifty-two percent reported high risk for toxic stress. Researchers used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Somatic Symptom Scale, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and the Subjective Vitality Scale to assess symptoms.  Participants received four 90-minute HMR sessions. 

Study results

Four symptoms decreased significantly: depression (p = 0.05), anxiety (p = 0.03), symptom burden (p < 0.01) and PTSD symptoms (p = 0.01); vitality improved as well. The authors concluded, “HMR may be a feasible intervention to address chronic pain and accompanying biopsychosocial symptoms; a randomized controlled trial is the next step to measure efficacy. Unlike other mind‐based therapies, HMR® participants use their own internal language for identification and resolution of the pain. The trauma imprinting can then be gently addressed, and the memory‐based components of pain resolved or reduced, which empowers participants to improve their well‐being.”

Why this study matters

This study adds to the growing body of research showing that integrative approaches to mental health can be quite effective. And we are excited to see non-tapping therapies getting some research attention!

Do you love research? You can stay up to date with the research on energy psychology here, and ask research committee chair John Freedom at research_committee@energypsych.org [RV2] to add you to his research mailing list. Learn about the science of energy healing (and earn continuing education credits)! Want to be involved in energy psychology research? You can participate in ACEP’s collaboration with Peta Stapleton. Learn more here.  

Authors

John Freedom, CEHP, serves as chairman of ACEP’s research committee. The author of Heal Yourself with Emotional Freedom Technique, he presents seminars and events throughout the US and in Europe. 

Sarah Murphy, LPC, ACP-EFT, is an ACEP board member and communications committee chair. She is a counselor in private practice and specializes in working with people who have serious illnesses.

Photo by Martin Adams on unsplash.