Tapping the Healer Within: Using Thought Field Therapy to Instantly Conquer Your Fears, Anxieties, and Emotional Distress

by Roger J. Callahan, Ph.D. with Richard Trubo

Contemporary Books. 124 pages $22.95

At long last, something truly exciting is happening in the field of mental health. Therapists around the world are discovering that human beings are not only bio-chemical systems but are bio-energetic systems as well. The incorporation of this typically Eastern understanding of the mind-body relationship and meridian (acupuncture) therapy, along with insights from Western research in quantum physics, has opened the door to a whole new way to view emotional distress and treat specific disorders.

More than two decades ago, Dr. Roger Callahan intuited this East/West connection. He theorized that even thought is energy existing in a field. As such, emotional distress corresponds to a disturbance in that "thought field" and can be corrected by simply balancing the field’s energy. He called this discovery Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Now, after more than 20 years, Dr. Callahan presents his discoveries and clinical experiences in treating thousands of emotional problems in a well written, easy to understand book that should satisfy both the theorist and the clinician.

The first 65 pages explain what TFT is, how it works, and (especially important for the skeptical mind) the science behind TFT. While Dr. Callahan’s 27 pages devoted to scientific research may not exactly typify the scientific method favored by mainstream Western medical science, it is nevertheless impressive. For instance, it demonstrates a positive impact on Heart Rate Variability, reflecting the overall functioning of the autonomic nervous system. This can provide important information on a person’s health and well being

For those practitioners eager to go straight to the practical application of the technique, part two of the book begins with the ABC of algorithms (basic step-by-step treatment procedures) for identifying and correcting specific ailments, including phobias, emotional traumas, anxieties, obsessions, and physical pain. The four treatment chapters present easy to follow instructions. Clearly illustrated figures show the various tapping points that will enable the reader to immediately use this powerful tool for healing oneself or others. Dr. Callahan’s instructions make it virtually impossible to make a procedural mistake.

One criticism: Being familiar with TFT and derivative variations developed by students of Dr. Callahan, including Gary Craig's Emotional Freedom Technique and Larry Nims' Be Set Free Fast, I feel that the first time reader and practitioner may find the TFT technique over-sold. Without doubt, Dr. Calahan has discovered and developed a very powerful tool in alleviating emotional distress, as have others following in his footsteps. However, the successful application of this method is truly an art that requires practice, intuition and a pure intention. Self-promotion aside, however, Tapping The Healer Within offers what many therapies do not offer - a tool for self-empowerment.

I agree with Dr. Callahan that energy medicine is on the cutting edge of a new era in healing. For those who want to become part of this exciting therapeutic adventure, Tapping The Healer Within is a good place to get started.

Reviewed by Gary Boetger, MA
Chief of Clinical Operations
Stairways Behavioral Health
Stairways Behavioral Health is a community mental health center working with persons with serious mental illness. We have recently begun exploring the uses of energy medicine, and specifically, meridian therapies such as Emotional Freedom Technique for this population. We are encouraged by the initial results.