Callahan Techniques® Thought Field Therapy®
(TFT) Glossary © 1996, 1997, 2003, 2006, 2009
Roger J. Callahan, Ph.D.
ADDICTION
An addict does the same thing that most modern
psychiatrists recommend—“when anxious, take a
tranquilizer.” The typical addict chooses from a
far wider variety of tranquilizers than the
psychiatrist. Addictions are very powerful
(compulsive) urges or overwhelming desires to
consume some substance (heroin, nicotine,
sweets, cocaine, tranquilizers, etc.) or engage in
some activity (nail biting, hair pulling, counting,
hand washing, etc.). The substance or the activity
is in some degree (mild to severe) harmful for the
individual and his well-being.
ADDICTIVE URGE
The immediate desire, urge, or compulsion to
engage in consuming an addictive substance or
engage in an addictive behaviour. It is powered
by a growing intensity in anxiety and the
consequent need for a tranquilizer. It is
Dr. Callahan’s TFT theoretical position that all
tranquilizers merely mask anxiety; they do not
eliminate the cause. An effective masking
tranquilizer becomes addictive.
ADDICTIVE URGE TREATMENT
The Thought Field Therapy® procedure for
reducing intense anxiety and thereby reducing or
eliminating cravings and the withdrawal
symptoms associated with addiction.
ALGORITHM
The general definition of an algorithm is “A
sequence of instructions to be followed with the
intention of finding a solution to a problem. Each
step must specify precisely what action is to be
taken, and although there may be many alternate
routes through the algorithm, there is only one
start point and one end point” (Youngson, R. M.,
1994; The Guinness Encyclopaedia of Science,
Guinness, Middlesex. England, p. 232). The
starting point in TFT usually is a high SUD
(Subjective Unit of Distress) 8-10, and the end
point, hopefully, is a 0. In TFT, an algorithm is a
recipe or formula for treatment of a particular
problem, discovered by TFT diagnosis, that has
been tested on many people and found to have a
high success rate. An algorithm permits an
untrained person to enter the domain of TFT
treatment success without needing to learn the
more complex diagnostic procedures that permit
a higher success rate.
ANECDOTE
A disparaging term used against reports of therapy success, even therapy success that is witnessed by many
professionals. This term is used in contrast to anecdotes of “controlled research,” which consists of stories
told of “research” carried out in secret that the readers fervently hope is honest and reliable. [Alas, it has
been established that scientific research may be fraudulent.] If the research does not support the favored
idea, perhaps the researchers have not been sufficiently trained or did not carry out the proper protocol. [See
The Wall Street Journal, 4-25-96, page 1. Bitter Pill is the headline.] The makers of a popular drug found
that a study they financed did not report the findings they wanted to have. [The study showed that cheaper
versions of the drug had as much effectiveness as the more expensive drug.] Although the research passed
peer review, it was withdrawn. This reminds me of the very controlled drug study, the first double-blind
study ever done on psychotropic meds, in which I (Dr. Callahan) was one of the authors and researchers,
where much to our surprise, we found no support for the drug. Although the study was reported in an American
Medical Association journal, the company gave us no more money. Some researchers quickly learn what
response receives the reward.
ANXIETY
A type of vague, intense fear that is pervasive, non-focused, and extremely unpleasant.
ANTICIPATORY ANXIETY
There is no special character to “anticipatory anxiety.” It is identical to tuning into a perturbed thought field
(see below). It may be called “anticipatory” when the tuning takes place immediately prior to engaging in a
feared situation.
APEX PROBLEM
The apex problem is when a treated client accurately reports that the problem is gone but is unable to see
that the therapy did the job. It is a robust tendency—it could be called a compulsion—for treated clients
or even scientific observers of therapy to give “explanations” of the treatments that careful thought reveals
to be totally inappropriate and irrelevant. The common “explanations” are “distraction,” “hypnosis,” “exposure,”
or “placebo.” Many therapists who observe TFT will say that the treatment works by suggestion,
placebo, or hypnosis, even though there is no basis in reality for such a claim. Typically, professional observers
of the phenomenal demonstrated results of TFT will not ask but rather will compulsively tell the
therapist their (usually totally irrelevant) version of what took place. A good example was a host of a radio
show that had a riverboat theme. He called himself “Captain Andy.” He asked me to demonstrate my treatment
with his teenage daughter who had been quite bothered about something for some years, which we did
not go into. I guided her through some treatments and took her from a SUD level of 10 to a 1. She was, quite
naturally, pleased by this result. Captain Andy then accused her of lying. Many TFT-trained therapists record
therapy sessions because some clients “forget” that they had a problem after the rapid successful therapy.
We call this phenomenon the “apex problem” since the mind is not operating at the apex or top level. When
confronted with something as strange and revolutionary as TFT, the mind has trouble shifting out of the
inertia gear. Mental work at the apex of the mind is required to grasp and understand these new treatments.
Most of us attempt to avoid such work and mistakenly attempt to fit our observation into something we
believe we understand. As mentioned, many therapists who witness dramatic, rapid changes appear to be
compelled to give an “explanation.” It is the rare and, we must add, wise therapist who asks, “Why?” The
identification of the apex problem has scientific utility in that it refines prediction, i.e., we predict that the
client will report improvement, and we further predict that the client is not likely to credit the therapy for the
improvement. The apex problem is a form of cognitive dissonance, or “left-brain interpreter,” which is common
in split-brain research.
AMYGDALA
An almond-shaped portion of the brain that is receiving much attention from some of the most accomplished
researchers in psychology. They believe that this portion of the brain will ultimately be shown to be
the basis for controlling anxiety and other problems (LeDoux). There is no current support for this promise
of ultimate control, and there is not likely to be any since, like the chemical theory, the researchers, we
believe, are looking in the wrong place. The meridian system can be readily shown to be the fundamental
control system for the negative emotions.
ATAVISM
A term in biology that refers to a throwback to an earlier ancestral form, e.g., a human baby born with a
tail or extra nipples. In TFT, the term refers to the return of a psychological problem, within the individual’s
lifetime, that has been eliminated by therapy or has been subsumed naturally because the person has matured
(see NEOTENY). Biological atavisms have been shown to occur under toxic influence, radiation,
anaesthesia, etc. In a similar fashion, we find that toxins can generate the return of a problem that has either
been successfully treated or eliminated through maturation. An example of the latter is a person who,
through normal development, outgrew the fear of heights, which is universal in crawling infants (indeed, is
universal in all land-based chordates), but the fear suddenly returns at some later point in life. This is analogous
to a successful treatment that is undone.
CAUSALITY
“The most practical and the only foolproof method of scientifically testing a causal connection between A
and B is ‘wiggling’ one of them and watching the response of the other. We are not interested here in what
might be called ‘historical causality’ (establishing a causal connection in a single chain of events) but in
‘scientific causality’ (establishing such a connection in repeatable events). . . . It is the external control of A
together with the correlation with B that establishes, in a good Humean sense, the causal connection between
them, as well as the fact that A is the cause and B, the effect.”
Newton, R. (1970). Particles that travel faster than light? Science, 167(3925), 1569-74.
This principle illustrates the fundamental TFT finding of the isomorphic and causal relationship between the
perturbations in the thought field and their bodily counterparts as revealed by TFT diagnosis and the powerful,
and almost always immediate treatment results that are achieved when proper TFT tapping is done.
CHEMICAL THEORY
The theory that holds that chemical changes in the brain and body are the basic or fundamental causes of
disturbed emotions. Although there are certainly chemical hormonal facts concurrent with negative emotions,
I propose that the chemistry is secondary or tertiary to the more fundamental perturbations or healing
data (see below). The positive treatment effects in TFT are too rapid to be fundamentally chemical.
COMPULSION
A powerful urge or desire that is extremely
difficult or impossible to resist.
CONCATENATION
To link together in a link or chain. Codes or
healing data for subsumption or elimination of
perturbations are concatenated (determined) by
diagnosis. This is a big word that accurately
describes what is done in TFT causal diagnosis.
CONTROL SYSTEM
A small system that governs or controls a larger
system. The control systems on an automobile
consist, for example, of the accelerator, the
steering wheel, the gears, and the brake. The
control system for the negative emotions and
much healing resides in the body’s little known
but demonstrably palpable and real energy or
meridian system.
CURE
The eradication or significant reduction of a
problem. A complete cure means that no
symptoms or aspects of the problem remain after
treatment. After a cure, it is relevant to track for
endurance. If there is no toxic exposure or other
extreme stress, the cure will likely endure. A
very important discovery of mine is that a cure
can be undone by a toxin or Individual Energy
Toxin, IET, to be more specific.
DIAGNOSIS
The art of discovering the fundamental causal
conditions responsible for a problem.
Conventional psychological diagnosis is
typically nosological*, directed toward
classifying a person according to symptoms with
little or no direct implication for treatment.
Diagnosis in TFT is directed toward identifying
the specific causes of the problem for the purpose
of treatment (p’s—see perturbations below).
TFT diagnosis does not consist of bestowing
descriptive terms but rather is a dynamic
revelation of causal constituents. Diagnosis may
be considered to be a translation of the encoded
language of the negative emotions and healing
(information) into a form that can be addressed
in treatment. (See Language Of Negative
Emotions below.) [*Nosology (from Ancient
Greek νόσος (nosos), meaning 'disease', and
-λογία (-logia), meaning 'study of-') is a branch
of medicine that deals with classification of diseases.]
ENERGY SYSTEM
A palpable, tangible series of electric or electro-
magnetic circuitry or meridians throughout the
whole body that acts as a transport system for
information, the governing force in healing and
growth. These electric systems have been
scientifically established at various research
centers. The energy or meridian system acts as a
control system for healing by hypothesis. The
reality and powerful relevance of these systems
becomes apparent with TFT.
FEAR
A highly focused unpleasant emotion that
provokes avoidance. It is a natural capacity of
higher chordates that helps protect the individual
by influencing the avoidance of danger (see
Anxiety and Phobia).
FIELD
The (regular) dictionary defines field as “a
complex of forces that serve as causative agents
in human behaviour.” More generally, a field is
an invisible non-material structure in space that
has an effect upon matter. “Field” was introduced
to science by Michael Faraday, the brilliant self-
educated genius of science. Einstein gave credit
to Faraday in his Nobel acceptance speech. He
stated that if Faraday had gone to college, he
probably never would have been able to invent
the revolutionary concept of field, which is
fundamental to Einstein’s and (also) Maxwell’s
work in physics. For example, the gravity field is
seen to cause the ocean to curve around the
gravity-curved earth. In the psychological realm,
the thought field is considered to be more like an
electromagnetic pattern on video or recording
tape, i.e., it is neither chemical nor cognitive in
its basic constituency. Today, many scientists
consider that everything is composed of fields.
“The visible world is neither matter nor spirit but
the invisible organization of energy” (Heinz
Pagels, physicist). The term, “morphic field,”
was introduced into biology to explain the shape
and form of living things by Alexander
Gurwitsch (Russia) in 1922 and independently in
1925 by Paul Weiss (Vienna). In the 1950’s,
Waddington in England added the concept of the
“chreode” (necessary path) to the biological field
, which incorporated time in embryological
development. Rupert Sheldrake introduced the
concept of morphic resonance between similar
fields, which can account for how instinctual
information is transmitted. Such information
cannot be contained in the DNA but can only be
learned in interaction with the environment. In
1991, I introduced the concept of perturbation
(see below) to account for the fundamental
causal aspect of negative emotions.
GAMUT SPOT
A commonly used treatment spot in TFT that is
located on the back of either hand in the
indentation between the bones of the ring finger
and the tiny finger.
GAMUT TREATMENTS
A series of nine treatments that are done while
tapping the gamut spot on the back of the hand.
This series of treatments, which is useful to see
as a unit, is used for treating most problems. The
nine treatments were originally conceived
separately and later added into a new unit now
known as the “nine gamut treatments.”
HABIT
An automatic behavioural routine carried out
without conscious awareness. Habits allow us to
focus our attention on other issues. Sometimes,
they are confused with addictions. They can be
distinguished from addictions because they are
relatively easy to change if a person focuses
conscious attention on the issue. Addictions are
difficult to change, and habits are easier to
change; however, habits require continuing
conscious attention over a period of time in order
to be modified.
HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV)
HRV is a very important medical test that
measures the variation of intervals between heart
beats and yields information that gives an index
of the person’s general health or risk of mortality.
It is the best predictor of death there is. For
example, a big problem is the death of seemingly
healthy people who suddenly dropdead with no warning. In a special study carried out in the famous Framingham collection of studies, the
researchers found that HRV was the only test that could predict those who succumb to sudden death with no
other warning. It measures the variation of the intervals between heartbeats in milliseconds and gives a score
called SDNN. SDNN means standard deviation in the intervals from normal to normal, meaning that the
program omits very atypical beats from the computation. HRV was discovered about 40 years ago at Yale
University Hospital by a Dr. Hon in the maternity ward. Dr. Hon discovered, much to the surprise of cardiologists,
that if the variation of intervals between heartbeats became less and less, it was a sign that the baby
may be born dead. When doctors checked on HRV in geriatric wards, they found the same result. When the
variation of intervals between heartbeats in older people became more and more even, this was also a sign of
danger. I believe that HRV is the very best measure of health that we have, and it is known as a means of assessing
the degree of success of different therapeutic interventions. The results with TFT in improving HRV
are unprecedented. Nothing else, so far, shows a more immediate and significant impact on HRV than TFT.
HOLON
Holon refers to an architectural feature of TFT that refers to the structure of the therapy sequence: majors -
9 gamut - majors. Most problems require but one holon; however, some complex problems may require 40
or more holons before relief is experienced. Each holon is like a 9 Gamut sandwhich and defines a holon.
HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT LAST?
This is a relevant question that can only be answered with the passage of time for an individual. Interestingly
enough, prior to doing TFT, no one ever asked me how long a treatment would last, since not much was
taking place in the treatments—in other words, there was nothing to last. The question, whether intended
or not, is always an implied compliment, since it acknowledges by implication that something significant
happened. Orville Wright’s first controlled flight in an aircraft lasted but 12 seconds and travelled but 40
yards, but it was the start of a radical revolution in transportation. Interestingly, a week before the brothers
developed a control device, Orville had a terrible crash, and in despair, echoing his many critics, cried out in
deep frustration, “Man will never fly in a thousand years!” This shows the natural tendency for discouragement,
which the brothers overcame. In order to make important discoveries, people must break through the
obstacle of discouragement, as did the Wright brothers. For a therapist who is trained in TFT, the undoing of
a cure is not a tragedy but is an opportunity to discover the cause of why the cure has been undone. Through
diagnosis, the toxin can be discovered, treated, and avoided until the cure is stabilized for over two months.
IET (Individual Energy Toxin)
IET’s are distinguished from the more general toxins such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic by the
fact that they represent an individual’s sensitivity to certain common substances, such as wheat, milk, eggs,
perfume, laundry detergent, etc. It can be demonstrated that such substances affect the energy system first.
IET’s can be treated (usually not cured) by treating the individual. This appears to temporarily boost the
bodies ability to handle the toxin. See Seven Second Treatment and the Seven Second Plus treatments.
INERTIAL DELAY
This term refers to an unusual situation in TFT treatment where the client shows no further perturbations in
diagnosis, and yet the problem or some degree of the problem remains. After the passage of time, varying
from minutes to hours, the client then reports that the problem is gone. Toxins can cause inertial delay. It can
also occur when we are treating the person for pain, or physical problems as more time can be required for
the treatment to go through the body’s mass. Since we expect a problem to be gone almost instantly in TFT,
we take special notice of delays. It is audacious that we expect problems to be completely gone so quickly,
but that is our common experience.
INSTINCT
Sometimes called “knowledge at a distance.” The distance is usually expressed in time. Instinct is the only
way to account for the complex navigational skills used by butterflies, salmon, and birds. Instinct is a set of
complex behaviours that have not been learned by the individual but which obviously required learning in
interaction with the environment by living creatures over a period of millions of years. I have evidence to
believe that the DNA does not carry this kind of complex information (see Stop the Nightmares of Trauma).
The theory of morphic resonance of Rupert Sheldrake offers the most likely explanation of the transmission
of information over great distances of time and space.
ISOMORPHISM
Isomorphism is defined in dictionaries (math) as a one-to-one relation onto the map between two sets,
which preserves the relations existing between elements in its domain; something identical with or similar
to something else in form or structure. This term in TFT clearly summarizes and expresses the basic finding
that there is a strong one-to-one relationship between the perturbations (which are diagnosed or assumed to
exist) in the thought field and specific meridian points on the body. A “wiggling” or tapping of the appropriate
meridian point or points (in proper order) will result in an immediate reduction or elimination of the
disturbing emotion. It is from this strong relationship that we derive our causal notions.
LANGUAGE OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
The causal aspect of the negative emotions exists in encoded form. This refers to the particular perturbations
(p’s), in their specific discrete order, which generate negative emotions. The requirement for specific order
is similar to a combination lock; if the wrong order is offered, it doesn’t work. P’s are often contained in
certain common orders for specific problems, which makes it possible to determine algorithms or common
recipes for many psychological problems. Each negative emotion exists in encoded form, which accurate
TFT causal diagnosis reveals. Another language appearing in nature is that of DNA, which determines the
structure of proteins.
LEVELS OF TFT PROFICIENCY
The lowest level is the algorithm level, which is quite simple and can be learned by reading and studying
Tapping the Healer Within (Callahan & Trubo, 2001). It is also beneficial to take an approved algorithm
training seminar by a certified TFT instructor. We also recommend that anyone who works with people
study the Introduction to TFT DVD, which is available at www.tftrx.com. The next higher level is what we
call the diagnostic level where the individual is trained in the more complex TFT diagnostic procedures and
becomes certified after completion of diagnostic training. At this level, the practitioner learns to diagnose
and treat problems with greater success, and to address a much greater number of problems in the office than
can be done with the algorithm level. Training at the diagnostic level is done through a combination of DVD
and CD instruction, writings, and hands-on live instruction and supervision. The certified diagnostic level
practitioner also gains a much higher degree of understanding of theory and is empowered to causally diagnose
and treat most psychological problems with a high degree of success. Practitioners desiring to become
algorithm trainers need to devote six months to learning TFT. They also receive six months of VT support
in working with difficult cases. The highest level is Voice Technology, which requires training beyond the
diagnostic level. This level is a significant advance above the previous two levels. The Voice Technology
training is now accomplished in a three day live course and is open only to those who are certified at the
diagnostic level. Voice Technology has the highest precision and success rate and allows one to treat effectively
by telephone, which opens up world-wide potential markets for practice and consultations. As in all
professions, those who practice the treatments gain the highest degree of competence.
MAGNETITE
Joseph L. Kirschvink, Professor of Geobiology at Caltech, surprisingly discovered the presence of magnetite
throughout the human brain. Magnetite is an oxide of iron, and, like iron, it responds to a magnet. On
November 5, 1992, Joanne and I saw him demonstrate this startling fact in a lecture. A magnet brought near
brain samples under the microscope clearly showed the particles of magnetite. Keeping in mind that nature
is rarely frivolous, one wonders: what is magnetite doing in the human brain? Could it be there to be responsive
to electromagnetic fields? We don’t know, but it is an interesting, little known, and surprising indisputable
fact.
MAJORS
A term that refers to the tapping sequences that use standard meridian points such as under the eye, under
the arm, beginning of eyebrow, etc. The term, “majors,” distinguishes this aspect of the protocol from the 9
gamut, floor to ceiling eye roll, and the psychological reversal treatments. The major tapping points occur
before and are typically repeated after the 9 gamut procedure.
NEOTENY
A problem or condition due to immaturity or the lack of full development. For example, all infants (and all
land-based chordates) are born with an instinctive fear of heights, which ripens when the neonate begins to
crawl or move under its own power. The fear (acrophobia) is usually outgrown with normal development.
A person who has been afraid of heights since childhood is considered “neotenous.” A fear of heights that
suddenly develops (returns) in adulthood would be considered atavistic (see definition above). I believe that
such an atavistic phobia is very similar in principle to a person who has a phobia cured, but sometime later,
it returns. The cause in all instances, I believe, is the presence of what I call an IET, or “toxin.”
PERTURBATION (P)
A perturbation (p) is an entity in the thought
field. The p is viewed as the fundamental and
basic cause of all negative emotions. A
perturbation is the unit of fundamental causation
of a negative emotion and correlates in a
spectacular isomorphic* relationship with
specific alarm and treatment points on the body.
[*Isomorphic, is an adjective; corresponding or
similar in form and relations; having the same
crystalline form.] Successful therapy subsumes
or reduces the impact of p’s in the thought field
(see below). A p is a subtle, but clearly isolable
aspect of a thought field that is responsible for
triggering all negative emotions. Without a P, no
negative emotion is present. The p is the
generating structure that determines the
chemical, hormonal, nervous system, cognitive,
and brain activity commonly associated with,
and an intrinsic and necessary part (but not the
fundamental cause), of the negative emotions.
The perturbation contains the active information
(see Bohm and Hiley, 1993), which triggers
negative emotions. Bohm and Hiley described
their pivotal concept in quantum physics: “We
have . . . introduced a concept that is new in the
context of physics—a concept that we shall call
active information. The basic idea of active
information is that a form having very little
energy enters into and directs a much greater
energy. The activity of the latter is in this way
given a form similar to that of the smaller
energy” (Bohm & Hiley, p. 35). The process
described here for quantum theory appears to fit
the notions of numerous investigators in the bio-
energy realm as the process by which biological
control systems operate. One may understand the
relevance of the TFT usage of “active
information,” in that the micro-state of the
perturbations generate the macro state results of
the person feeling depressed, angry, anxious, etc.
Successful psychotherapy is the transformation
(or subsumption) of this active informational microstate (perturbation), which results in the commonly observed and successfully predicted
elimination of the negative emotions in TFT. A perturbation (p) is the fundamental and easily modifiable
trigger containing specific active information that sets off and guides and controls the physiological, neurological,
hormonal, chemical, and cognitive events, which result in the experience of specific negative emotions.
The need for, and the evidence supporting the concept of perturbation is demonstrated, e.g., in my television
treatment of a woman in Baltimore who was terrified of driving on freeways and over bridges. Every person
who is treated will demonstrate this, but the TV demo dramatically reveals the process and can be seen
by everyone. First, she is calm and speaking to me in a highly relaxed manner that is appropriate for a mild
social encounter in the comfort of her own home. She shows no signs of anxiety; however, in preparation for
my treatment, I ask her to think about the driving situation. Immediately, she is intensely anxious and breaks
down with tears and is obviously upset. Next, you see her driving a car on a freeway with no trace of fear.
She then goes over a bridge with no problem. What happened? In order to answer this question seriously
and with depth, one needs to understand the concept of a perturbation. It obviously exists in the thought
field. Why is this obvious? Before tuning the problematic thought field, she had no anxiety. As soon as she
thought of driving, the perturbation generated the extreme fear. Obviously, the perturbation is not present
when she is actually driving. I saw the evidence of the collapse of the perturbation as I treated her. In a few
minutes, she could not get upset when she thought about the problem. This meant that since she got very
upset prior to this that the perturbation was completely subsumed. The acid test occurred as she was actually
driving with no trace of fear. This is a fairly representative case.
I knew for years that there was an entity in the thought field that caused emotional upset, and that this entity
could be completely collapsed with our typical powerful treatment. For years, I did not name this entity.
One day, it hit me all of a sudden that the name “perturbation” might be appropriate as a designation of
this causal entity. I immediately got out my (regular) dictionary, and the last definition thrilled me. It said,
“Perturbation is a cause of mental disquietude.” I jumped for joy because that is exactly what I was looking
for. I changed the “a” to THE cause of mental disquietude. Some assume that emotional and other problems
are caused by blockages in meridians. Psychological reversal can cause a blockage; however, a perturbation
is not some random disturbance in a meridian. Instead, it is a highly specific bundle of critical information,
healing data, that has the marvellous capacity to control all of the chemical, hormonal, and neurological
phenomena that we see and know take place in anxiety, depression, and other disturbing emotions and the
healing process. The term, “isolable,” refers to the amazing fact of nature that the problem is gone without
disturbing or removing necessary information from the thought field.
PHOBIA
A persistent fear of a harmless object or situation. Most people with phobias are very much aware of the
irrationality of the fear, which only adds to their difficulty. The knowledge that the fear makes no sense does
not reduce the fear but merely adds embarrassment to the bad feeling. The commonly held idea that the
problem is due to a lack of courage is without foundation and shows a fundamental lack of understanding.
PSYCHOLOGICAL REVERSAL (PR)
A state or condition that blocks natural healing and prevents otherwise effective treatments from working.
Evidence for the state of PR is revealed when an otherwise effective treatment does nothing. Then, after
the PR has been corrected, the same treatment, which did nothing the moment before, suddenly works. A
person may be fine in most domains of life and be psychologically reversed in just one or a selected few.
The PR state is usually accompanied by negative attitudes and self-sabotaging behaviour. A most interesting
symptom of PR is that concepts are reversed 180 degrees. In other words, people who are reversed will
say “South” when they mean “North,” but they will not say “East” or “West” when they mean “North.” The
implication of this reversal of concepts is quite profound and is in need of investigation. It seems to relate to
a fundamental aspect of direction (chirality, polarized light, etc.) in elemental reality. A similar and related
symptom of PR is getting numbers or letters out of order. A special proof reader’s mark exists for this type
of error, which illustrates how common it is. The upside down and backward writing of dyslexic people is
due to the PR. PR in most of us is a temporary condition. When we are PR and reverse concepts, letters, and
numbers, PR may be viewed as a kind of temporary “dyslexia.” A research study (Blaich, 1988) showed
that of a number of rather complicated and specialized treatments designed to improve human performance,
including my treatment for PR (tapping the side of the hand), the rapid (10 seconds) and simple treatment
for PR was by far the most effective, producing a 45% increase in reading comprehension. Today, the PR
treatments are routinely used in many elementary schools. We find the presence of PR on treatment effect to
be quite lawful and predictable. We have found a high correlation between presence of cancer and PR. In a
highly significant study done at Yale University back in the 1940’s, the researchers found that cancer patients
had an overwhelming disposition to show a literal polarity reversal (as compared to normals) as measured by
a sensitive instrument that measured body polarity (see Harold Saxton Burr, Blueprint for Immortality: The
electric patterns of life, Neville Spearman, London, 1972). The concept of PR is relevant to all applied fields.
The absence of PR is a vital prerequisite to successful treatment. My treatments would be significantly less
successful (by 20% to 40%) if we could not correct this condition. MASSIVE PR is a reversal in most areas
of life. MINI-PR is a block that kicks in during treatment and prevents the treatment from being complete.
RECURRING PR is a reversal that returns as soon as it is corrected. Each of these variations of PR requires
its own special treatment or action. We are now using voltmeters to show the presence of PR, and we have
robust evidence that when we treat the PR, the reversal on the voltmeter literally changes from negative to
positive before your very eyes! The introduction of the voltmeter to our work is resulting in better and more
thorough treatments. One of the treatments I found to help PR in 1979 was the use of the Bach Rescue Remedy.
Our recent use of voltmeters has resurrected my interest in and use of Rescue Remedy.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
A psychological trauma is an experience or event that engenders significant emotional upset. The upset
seems reasonably based. Examples of trauma are rape, robbery, murder of a friend, mugging, loss of a loved
one through death or perhaps even worse, loss of a loved one through rejection, loss of a job, kidnapping of
a child, etc. One of the worst traumas is when the person you love rejects or leaves you. These are the types
of experiences that we label traumas. It seems perfectly reasonable and appropriate for one to be upset in
response to such events. The appropriateness of the disturbing emotion accompanying the event appears to
be a hallmark of the notion of trauma. One might not expect trauma to be as responsive to therapy as it is to
TFT. This surprising fact carries important theoretical significance. If someone loses a pen and is obsessed
and very upset over this event, has nightmares, etc., it is not considered a trauma, though it is an obvious
psychological problem. In other words, it is not the upset per se that is relevant, but the appropriateness of
the emotion to the event that is relevant.
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS
In the early days of psychotherapy, treatments were secretive. Even today, one can hear strong claims for
success, yet it is rare that public demonstrations are given. A gentleman in his late 80’s went for a physical
examination since he was losing interest in sex. His doctor pronounced him in good health and told him
that his decline was a normal function of aging. The man said, “But doctor, my friend Sam is 90 years old,
and he says that he has sex every night!” The doctor replied, “You can say that too!” In secrecy, it is safe
to make strong claims. I have done public demonstrations since I first discovered TFT. Recently, for the
first time, I read an acknowledgment recognizing the relevance of a public demonstration. The author of an
article in The Wall Street Journal on Monday, January 29, 1996, page A9A mentioned public demonstrations
in an article on the controversial subject of cold fusion. A new claim that purports to create more energy
than goes into a reaction (which, if true, will be revolutionary and doubtless nuclear in reaction) received the
attention of Jerry E. Bishop, a writer for The Wall Street Journal in the article, “A Bottle Rekindles Scientific
Debate About the Possibility of Cold Fusion.” The gadget was called the Patterson cell, after its inventor.
Bishop pointed out, “The Patterson cell might have been dismissed as easily as other reputed ‘cold fusion
apparatus.’ But Mr. Reding and his colleagues have been bold enough to demonstrate it at three technical
conferences in the last nine months. Most cold-fusionists are reluctant to show off their devices, because
they are never sure whether or when they will work.”
There it is—a statement, the first I have ever seen in print, that acknowledges the significance contained in
a willingness to publicly demonstrate one’s revolutionary claims. I have been doing such demonstrations on
behalf of TFT for over a decade and a half (see the Callahan/Leonoff data), and to all appearances, either the
professionals are unable to see what they are shown, or they do not realize the significance of being willing
to put one’s discoveries to a public test. The public, of course, is almost always skeptical.
QUANTUM LEAPS IN THERAPY
It was apparent from the outset with TFT that not only is the therapy rapid and effective, but the manner of
progress is unique, i.e., the progress takes place in large, definite leaps, with the client evidently not necessarily
passing through intermediate stages of the problem. My first case, Mary, for example, moved from
a 10 to a 0 instantly and did not pass through intermediate stages of the problem. One would expect that a
life-long and intense problem would not only be slow but might necessarily entail passing through a number
of intermediate stages on the way to getting well. The typical case that begins with a SUD of 10 progresses
with each stage of TFT therapy to a 7, then to a 4, and then to a 0 within minutes. The intermediate stages
are typically bypassed.
REPRESSION
A habit of avoidance of awareness of a painful emotion to the extent that the choice to be aware is lost. The
repressed person usually remains unaware of the extent of emotional pain present unless the pain is overwhelming.
People who are repressed are as easily diagnosed and treated as anyone else, except they do not
know how they are doing, e.g., as in a phobia, until they are in the phobic situation. The majority of people
are not repressed and are aware of emotional pain when they attune the relevant thought field. We have
demonstrated that a repressed person will show evidence of the repression through the use of HEART RATE
VARIABILITY. The pre-treatment score may be SDNN=80 as the person thinks of the terrible event over
which he/she feels nothing. Then, the traumatic event is treated, and the person’s SDNN jumps up to 120.
RESONANCE
The process that brings about attunement (see Tuning). Resonance is a kind of physical bond that is brought
about by a non-physical connection. It may be operative in memory and when a person tunes into a thought
field. The concept was proposed by Ninian Marshall in 1960 in the article, “ESP and Memory: A Physical
Approach.” It was published in The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Vol. X, No. 40, pp.
265-286, in February, 1960. The concept provided the foundation for Rupert Sheldrake’s notion of morphic
resonance. Resonance is commonplace in the use of tuning forks and oscillating circuits used in radio and
television; the oscillating circuitry in the receiver is adjusted to that of the transmission. When they resonate,
the program enters the receiver. When people attune a perturbed thought field, they become disturbed. For
an excellent example, see the case of driving phobia demonstrated on the national television show called
“Evening Magazine.” When the poor woman thinks about driving on freeways or over bridges, she can be
seen to become immediately and severely upset (see Perturbation above).
REVOLUTIONARY EXPERIMENT
An experiment in science that reveals new facts that cannot be explained by conventional or accepted notions
that are current at the time of the experiment. For example, the clinical psychologist, Martin Seligman,
director of clinical training at the University of Pennsylvania, in his book, What You Can Change and What
You Can’t Change, stated on p. 253, “There are no quick fixes,” and “Optimism is necessary for change to
take place.” Our reproducible experiment (therapy) overturns both of these cherished commonsense notions,
as well as many others. It is absolutely impossible to explain the results of TFT with conventional ideas in
psychology. TFT may be seen as a repeatable revolutionary experiment in clinical psychology that many
people can carry out on their own by tapping the appropriate points on the body.
SCIENCE
The proper function of science is to respect facts and to revise theories in the light of new facts. Science is
by nature conservative and therefore slow in carrying out its proper function. It is typically difficult for conservative
scientists to be able to observe easily demonstrable new facts (see Apex Problem).
SEVEN SECOND PLUS TREATMENTS
These are treatments for toxins that have been added to what I initially called the “7 sec. treatment” but now
take a little longer and are far more powerful than 7 second treatment. The modifications include suggestions
by Joanne Callahan, including the addition of our reversal corrections, as well as the collarbone breathing
treatment for specific toxins.
SUD
SUD is an abbreviation for the useful term “subjective units of distress” (introduced by Wolpe), which is a
way to quantify the degree of stress, pain, or disturbing emotion experienced by the client. In TFT, the SUD
is considered the “bottom line” by which therapy is evaluated for success. SUD may be evaluated on a 0
to 10 scale or on a 1 to 10 scale. Behavioural indices may be quite misleading, since many people can do
things when pushed. If their suffering remains intense, however, we do not consider this to be therapy. Many
people in conventional therapies learn that they can withstand a great deal more suffering than they thought
they could. Successful therapy removes all traces of suffering.
THERAPY
Therapy, or rather effective therapy, results in the bottom line, which is dramatic improvement in the client.
The improvement referred to here is not merely behavioural change, which is relatively easy to obtain,
but the removal of all traces of a psychological problem. We believe that effective therapy is a result of
the subsumption (this appears to be the most appropriate term in this context), removal, collapse, elimination,
or reduction of p’s in a thought field, resulting in the elimination or reduction of negative emotions
or problems, whether relevant to reality (emotions that may be considered appropriate and normal) or not
(“neurotic”). The difference, after treatment, must be clinically, and not merely statistically, significant in
order to qualify as therapy. (See November, 1993, APA MONITOR, report of the Science Directorate, and
Psychology Today, March/April, 1994 issue with an article called, “Oops! A very embarrassing story.”) TFT
is typically saltatory in its progression (saltus is a leap) or discontinuous in movement; it develops in leaps.
This fact has led us to investigate quantum theory, since the jumps are quantum-like. We currently believe
that the actual treatment occurs at a quantum level. Presently, it seems likely that a molecular bond is either
broken or connected by the treatment or by natural maturation or healing. It is interesting that I discovered
how to cure phobias during a time when it was believed impossible.
THOUGHT FIELD (TF)
Albert Einstein, in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, thanked Michael Faraday, the brilliant British scientist
who never went to college. Einstein conjectured that if Faraday had gone to college, he never would
have been able to come up with the concept of a field. Of course, Einstein used the concept in his theory of
relativity. The concept of thought field is the distinguishing characteristic of TFT. Professionals in other professions
such as acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, medicine, dentistry, etc., perform on the rather static
body or being of the person. The dynamic and limitless potential of the thought field is what makes TFT a
psychological treatment. When one is trained to diagnose TF’s, it becomes immediately apparent that the
structure of the TF creates dynamism in the individual. For example, it makes no difference to a dentist what
one is thinking about when working on the teeth. For the TFT clinical psychologist, it makes all the difference
in the world what is attuned. When the relevant TF is attuned, it brings to the fore the specific p’s and
related information that are active in a problem and vital to understanding what is called for in the treatment
situation. In order to diagnose and effectively treat a person, the person must tune into the appropriate TF.
Not attuning to the proper TF is equivalent to asking a tailor to alter your trousers without bringing the trousers.
The notion of a thought field is an imaginary scaffold upon which one may project or imagine causal
entities such as a perturbation. Empirical tests and clinical experience reveal the relevance and power of
such imaginings, i.e., we then discover whether our imaginings are “on-line” or “off-line” with reality. There
is overwhelming evidence for the “on-line” nature of our theoretical speculations. All human invention and
discovery are initially in the human imagination and must be tested in reality to determine ultimate status.
Young children and animals do not have the ability to volitionally attune a thought field, and for such cases,
the term, “perceptual field,” is appropriate. In order to treat young children or animals, they must be exposed
to the situation so that they can attune the appropriate perceptual field. As a result, the child or animal can be
treated.
TRACKING
Tracking is the procedure of observing the duration of a completely successful TFT treatment to see if any
part of the problem returns. It is extremely important that a client call the TFT-trained therapist immediately,
should a problem that has been eradicated return. We find that generally, these rare occasions are due to the
ingestion of or exposure to an exogenous substance. A therapist trained in TFT diagnostic procedures can
usually determine the substance. After the substance has been absent for a period of two months, giving the
person’s system a chance to heal, a repeat treatment will usually hold. Then, after that time, the offending
substance may no longer regenerate the psychological problem.
TRANQUILIZERS
A means of blocking awareness of anxiety without addressing the cause of the problem. Tranquilizers appear
to help by temporarily masking or hiding anxiety from awareness. It is my thesis that all addiction is
addiction to some form of tranquilizer, whether chemical or behavioural.
TRAUMA
A trauma is due either to a direct horrible experience leading to severe emotional upset (due to the generation
of perturbations) and/or pain, or it is due to witnessing a terrible experience of another or others. Trauma
entails certain sequalae, in addition to the direct pain and suffering. These sequalae consist of obsessive
thoughts regarding the incident, as well as repeated bad dreams, nightmares or flashbacks. If one is familiar
with Rupert Sheldrake’s theory of morphic resonance, TFT proposes that these sequalae are the central
source of relevant information fed into the morphic field (collective unconscious—Jung) that allows for the
inheritance of what we call phobias (McDougall). The sequalae fulfill the dictum of Shannon, who introduced
information theory, that a message will come across no matter how much background noise, as long
as sufficient repetition of the information is carried out.
TUNING
(see Resonance) The process of bringing a particular thought associated with a problem into awareness. For
example, a trauma victim will be asked to think about the trauma. Often, trauma victims and clients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, and anxiety have INTRUSIVE TF’s that enter under their own
power and require no attunement. There can be no diagnosis or therapy without appropriate tuning. Animals
or infants who have no choice in tuning must be in a situation that generates the appropriate TF in order to
be diagnosed and treated effectively.
VOICE TECHNOLOGY
The proprietary technology that allows for the rapid and precise diagnosis of p’s by telephone through an
objective and unique voice analysis technology. The relevant (p) information can be demonstrated to be contained
in holographic form within the voice. VT allows diagnosis to be done with only a fraction of a second
of the voice available. Language, inflection, and content are totally irrelevant to the process. The encoded
information is then decoded with precision, and the empirical effectiveness of the discoveries so obtained is
quite easy to demonstrate. This is not stress analysis, since stress is too vague to be useful in this context and
can be assumed when a client requires help. It is, rather, a rapid decoding process of the relevant p information
in the attuned thought field and contained within the voice. The VT allows the TFT trainee a unique
kind of experience wherein the trainee can obtain almost immediate consultation and help with difficult
clients, in the trainee’s office, through the medium of the Voice Technology. This on-the-spot availability of
supervisory help that is offered as a part of training is unprecedented.
VOLTMETER
Harold Saxton Burr, a former professor at Yale Medical School, did interesting experiments using a voltmeter
from the 1930’s through the 1950’s. One of his students, Louis Langman, went on to become a Professor
of Gynecology at NY University Medical School. Prof. Langman used the voltmeter on his patients
and found that cancer was highly associated with a negative polarity. This was a strikingly similar finding
to mine in 1979. I discovered what I called “psychological reversal” and found a high correlation between
this state and the presence of cancer. Interestingly, when surgery was carried out on the cancer patients,
Langman found that the polarity went back to positive. Evidently, he and his colleagues knew of no way to
correct the polarity reversal other than surgery. I believe that my methods of correcting reversal, which are
supported by voltmeter readings, may prove very helpful in the treatment of cancers. We owe a great debt
of gratitude to Ing Alvaro Hernández, TFT-Dx of Mexico City for discovering some voltmeters that work in
the TFT context!
WITHDRAWAL
The acute anxiety experienced by addicts when deprived of their preferred tranquilizer. Withdrawal can be
viewed as anxiety unmasked. Even heroin addicts may be totally relieved of all physiologic (and, of course,
psychological) symptoms with the TFT treatment for addiction. A chain-smoking cigarette smoker may be
entirely unaware of the anxiety that powers the need for cigarettes because the cigarette continually masks
the anxiety. The chain smoker never has a chance to experience withdrawal; however, when deprived of
a cigarette, the smoker becomes acutely aware of the underlying anxiety. One may, therefore, gauge the
degree of an anxiety problem by the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The same reasoning applies to
all addictions. The TFT algorithm for addiction withdrawal has a very high success rate. By this, we mean
that the treatment eliminates the desire to consume a substance or engage in a behavioural addiction about
90% of the time. The TFT treatment is very effective in helping individuals who are addicted to prescribed
tranquilizers; however, this should always be done under the supervision of a knowledgeable professional.
(TFT) Glossary © 1996, 1997, 2003, 2006, 2009
Roger J. Callahan, Ph.D.
ADDICTION
An addict does the same thing that most modern
psychiatrists recommend—“when anxious, take a
tranquilizer.” The typical addict chooses from a
far wider variety of tranquilizers than the
psychiatrist. Addictions are very powerful
(compulsive) urges or overwhelming desires to
consume some substance (heroin, nicotine,
sweets, cocaine, tranquilizers, etc.) or engage in
some activity (nail biting, hair pulling, counting,
hand washing, etc.). The substance or the activity
is in some degree (mild to severe) harmful for the
individual and his well-being.
ADDICTIVE URGE
The immediate desire, urge, or compulsion to
engage in consuming an addictive substance or
engage in an addictive behaviour. It is powered
by a growing intensity in anxiety and the
consequent need for a tranquilizer. It is
Dr. Callahan’s TFT theoretical position that all
tranquilizers merely mask anxiety; they do not
eliminate the cause. An effective masking
tranquilizer becomes addictive.
ADDICTIVE URGE TREATMENT
The Thought Field Therapy® procedure for
reducing intense anxiety and thereby reducing or
eliminating cravings and the withdrawal
symptoms associated with addiction.
ALGORITHM
The general definition of an algorithm is “A
sequence of instructions to be followed with the
intention of finding a solution to a problem. Each
step must specify precisely what action is to be
taken, and although there may be many alternate
routes through the algorithm, there is only one
start point and one end point” (Youngson, R. M.,
1994; The Guinness Encyclopaedia of Science,
Guinness, Middlesex. England, p. 232). The
starting point in TFT usually is a high SUD
(Subjective Unit of Distress) 8-10, and the end
point, hopefully, is a 0. In TFT, an algorithm is a
recipe or formula for treatment of a particular
problem, discovered by TFT diagnosis, that has
been tested on many people and found to have a
high success rate. An algorithm permits an
untrained person to enter the domain of TFT
treatment success without needing to learn the
more complex diagnostic procedures that permit
a higher success rate.
ANECDOTE
A disparaging term used against reports of therapy success, even therapy success that is witnessed by many
professionals. This term is used in contrast to anecdotes of “controlled research,” which consists of stories
told of “research” carried out in secret that the readers fervently hope is honest and reliable. [Alas, it has
been established that scientific research may be fraudulent.] If the research does not support the favored
idea, perhaps the researchers have not been sufficiently trained or did not carry out the proper protocol. [See
The Wall Street Journal, 4-25-96, page 1. Bitter Pill is the headline.] The makers of a popular drug found
that a study they financed did not report the findings they wanted to have. [The study showed that cheaper
versions of the drug had as much effectiveness as the more expensive drug.] Although the research passed
peer review, it was withdrawn. This reminds me of the very controlled drug study, the first double-blind
study ever done on psychotropic meds, in which I (Dr. Callahan) was one of the authors and researchers,
where much to our surprise, we found no support for the drug. Although the study was reported in an American
Medical Association journal, the company gave us no more money. Some researchers quickly learn what
response receives the reward.
ANXIETY
A type of vague, intense fear that is pervasive, non-focused, and extremely unpleasant.
ANTICIPATORY ANXIETY
There is no special character to “anticipatory anxiety.” It is identical to tuning into a perturbed thought field
(see below). It may be called “anticipatory” when the tuning takes place immediately prior to engaging in a
feared situation.
APEX PROBLEM
The apex problem is when a treated client accurately reports that the problem is gone but is unable to see
that the therapy did the job. It is a robust tendency—it could be called a compulsion—for treated clients
or even scientific observers of therapy to give “explanations” of the treatments that careful thought reveals
to be totally inappropriate and irrelevant. The common “explanations” are “distraction,” “hypnosis,” “exposure,”
or “placebo.” Many therapists who observe TFT will say that the treatment works by suggestion,
placebo, or hypnosis, even though there is no basis in reality for such a claim. Typically, professional observers
of the phenomenal demonstrated results of TFT will not ask but rather will compulsively tell the
therapist their (usually totally irrelevant) version of what took place. A good example was a host of a radio
show that had a riverboat theme. He called himself “Captain Andy.” He asked me to demonstrate my treatment
with his teenage daughter who had been quite bothered about something for some years, which we did
not go into. I guided her through some treatments and took her from a SUD level of 10 to a 1. She was, quite
naturally, pleased by this result. Captain Andy then accused her of lying. Many TFT-trained therapists record
therapy sessions because some clients “forget” that they had a problem after the rapid successful therapy.
We call this phenomenon the “apex problem” since the mind is not operating at the apex or top level. When
confronted with something as strange and revolutionary as TFT, the mind has trouble shifting out of the
inertia gear. Mental work at the apex of the mind is required to grasp and understand these new treatments.
Most of us attempt to avoid such work and mistakenly attempt to fit our observation into something we
believe we understand. As mentioned, many therapists who witness dramatic, rapid changes appear to be
compelled to give an “explanation.” It is the rare and, we must add, wise therapist who asks, “Why?” The
identification of the apex problem has scientific utility in that it refines prediction, i.e., we predict that the
client will report improvement, and we further predict that the client is not likely to credit the therapy for the
improvement. The apex problem is a form of cognitive dissonance, or “left-brain interpreter,” which is common
in split-brain research.
AMYGDALA
An almond-shaped portion of the brain that is receiving much attention from some of the most accomplished
researchers in psychology. They believe that this portion of the brain will ultimately be shown to be
the basis for controlling anxiety and other problems (LeDoux). There is no current support for this promise
of ultimate control, and there is not likely to be any since, like the chemical theory, the researchers, we
believe, are looking in the wrong place. The meridian system can be readily shown to be the fundamental
control system for the negative emotions.
ATAVISM
A term in biology that refers to a throwback to an earlier ancestral form, e.g., a human baby born with a
tail or extra nipples. In TFT, the term refers to the return of a psychological problem, within the individual’s
lifetime, that has been eliminated by therapy or has been subsumed naturally because the person has matured
(see NEOTENY). Biological atavisms have been shown to occur under toxic influence, radiation,
anaesthesia, etc. In a similar fashion, we find that toxins can generate the return of a problem that has either
been successfully treated or eliminated through maturation. An example of the latter is a person who,
through normal development, outgrew the fear of heights, which is universal in crawling infants (indeed, is
universal in all land-based chordates), but the fear suddenly returns at some later point in life. This is analogous
to a successful treatment that is undone.
CAUSALITY
“The most practical and the only foolproof method of scientifically testing a causal connection between A
and B is ‘wiggling’ one of them and watching the response of the other. We are not interested here in what
might be called ‘historical causality’ (establishing a causal connection in a single chain of events) but in
‘scientific causality’ (establishing such a connection in repeatable events). . . . It is the external control of A
together with the correlation with B that establishes, in a good Humean sense, the causal connection between
them, as well as the fact that A is the cause and B, the effect.”
Newton, R. (1970). Particles that travel faster than light? Science, 167(3925), 1569-74.
This principle illustrates the fundamental TFT finding of the isomorphic and causal relationship between the
perturbations in the thought field and their bodily counterparts as revealed by TFT diagnosis and the powerful,
and almost always immediate treatment results that are achieved when proper TFT tapping is done.
CHEMICAL THEORY
The theory that holds that chemical changes in the brain and body are the basic or fundamental causes of
disturbed emotions. Although there are certainly chemical hormonal facts concurrent with negative emotions,
I propose that the chemistry is secondary or tertiary to the more fundamental perturbations or healing
data (see below). The positive treatment effects in TFT are too rapid to be fundamentally chemical.
COMPULSION
A powerful urge or desire that is extremely
difficult or impossible to resist.
CONCATENATION
To link together in a link or chain. Codes or
healing data for subsumption or elimination of
perturbations are concatenated (determined) by
diagnosis. This is a big word that accurately
describes what is done in TFT causal diagnosis.
CONTROL SYSTEM
A small system that governs or controls a larger
system. The control systems on an automobile
consist, for example, of the accelerator, the
steering wheel, the gears, and the brake. The
control system for the negative emotions and
much healing resides in the body’s little known
but demonstrably palpable and real energy or
meridian system.
CURE
The eradication or significant reduction of a
problem. A complete cure means that no
symptoms or aspects of the problem remain after
treatment. After a cure, it is relevant to track for
endurance. If there is no toxic exposure or other
extreme stress, the cure will likely endure. A
very important discovery of mine is that a cure
can be undone by a toxin or Individual Energy
Toxin, IET, to be more specific.
DIAGNOSIS
The art of discovering the fundamental causal
conditions responsible for a problem.
Conventional psychological diagnosis is
typically nosological*, directed toward
classifying a person according to symptoms with
little or no direct implication for treatment.
Diagnosis in TFT is directed toward identifying
the specific causes of the problem for the purpose
of treatment (p’s—see perturbations below).
TFT diagnosis does not consist of bestowing
descriptive terms but rather is a dynamic
revelation of causal constituents. Diagnosis may
be considered to be a translation of the encoded
language of the negative emotions and healing
(information) into a form that can be addressed
in treatment. (See Language Of Negative
Emotions below.) [*Nosology (from Ancient
Greek νόσος (nosos), meaning 'disease', and
-λογία (-logia), meaning 'study of-') is a branch
of medicine that deals with classification of diseases.]
ENERGY SYSTEM
A palpable, tangible series of electric or electro-
magnetic circuitry or meridians throughout the
whole body that acts as a transport system for
information, the governing force in healing and
growth. These electric systems have been
scientifically established at various research
centers. The energy or meridian system acts as a
control system for healing by hypothesis. The
reality and powerful relevance of these systems
becomes apparent with TFT.
FEAR
A highly focused unpleasant emotion that
provokes avoidance. It is a natural capacity of
higher chordates that helps protect the individual
by influencing the avoidance of danger (see
Anxiety and Phobia).
FIELD
The (regular) dictionary defines field as “a
complex of forces that serve as causative agents
in human behaviour.” More generally, a field is
an invisible non-material structure in space that
has an effect upon matter. “Field” was introduced
to science by Michael Faraday, the brilliant self-
educated genius of science. Einstein gave credit
to Faraday in his Nobel acceptance speech. He
stated that if Faraday had gone to college, he
probably never would have been able to invent
the revolutionary concept of field, which is
fundamental to Einstein’s and (also) Maxwell’s
work in physics. For example, the gravity field is
seen to cause the ocean to curve around the
gravity-curved earth. In the psychological realm,
the thought field is considered to be more like an
electromagnetic pattern on video or recording
tape, i.e., it is neither chemical nor cognitive in
its basic constituency. Today, many scientists
consider that everything is composed of fields.
“The visible world is neither matter nor spirit but
the invisible organization of energy” (Heinz
Pagels, physicist). The term, “morphic field,”
was introduced into biology to explain the shape
and form of living things by Alexander
Gurwitsch (Russia) in 1922 and independently in
1925 by Paul Weiss (Vienna). In the 1950’s,
Waddington in England added the concept of the
“chreode” (necessary path) to the biological field
, which incorporated time in embryological
development. Rupert Sheldrake introduced the
concept of morphic resonance between similar
fields, which can account for how instinctual
information is transmitted. Such information
cannot be contained in the DNA but can only be
learned in interaction with the environment. In
1991, I introduced the concept of perturbation
(see below) to account for the fundamental
causal aspect of negative emotions.
GAMUT SPOT
A commonly used treatment spot in TFT that is
located on the back of either hand in the
indentation between the bones of the ring finger
and the tiny finger.
GAMUT TREATMENTS
A series of nine treatments that are done while
tapping the gamut spot on the back of the hand.
This series of treatments, which is useful to see
as a unit, is used for treating most problems. The
nine treatments were originally conceived
separately and later added into a new unit now
known as the “nine gamut treatments.”
HABIT
An automatic behavioural routine carried out
without conscious awareness. Habits allow us to
focus our attention on other issues. Sometimes,
they are confused with addictions. They can be
distinguished from addictions because they are
relatively easy to change if a person focuses
conscious attention on the issue. Addictions are
difficult to change, and habits are easier to
change; however, habits require continuing
conscious attention over a period of time in order
to be modified.
HEART RATE VARIABILITY (HRV)
HRV is a very important medical test that
measures the variation of intervals between heart
beats and yields information that gives an index
of the person’s general health or risk of mortality.
It is the best predictor of death there is. For
example, a big problem is the death of seemingly
healthy people who suddenly dropdead with no warning. In a special study carried out in the famous Framingham collection of studies, the
researchers found that HRV was the only test that could predict those who succumb to sudden death with no
other warning. It measures the variation of the intervals between heartbeats in milliseconds and gives a score
called SDNN. SDNN means standard deviation in the intervals from normal to normal, meaning that the
program omits very atypical beats from the computation. HRV was discovered about 40 years ago at Yale
University Hospital by a Dr. Hon in the maternity ward. Dr. Hon discovered, much to the surprise of cardiologists,
that if the variation of intervals between heartbeats became less and less, it was a sign that the baby
may be born dead. When doctors checked on HRV in geriatric wards, they found the same result. When the
variation of intervals between heartbeats in older people became more and more even, this was also a sign of
danger. I believe that HRV is the very best measure of health that we have, and it is known as a means of assessing
the degree of success of different therapeutic interventions. The results with TFT in improving HRV
are unprecedented. Nothing else, so far, shows a more immediate and significant impact on HRV than TFT.
HOLON
Holon refers to an architectural feature of TFT that refers to the structure of the therapy sequence: majors -
9 gamut - majors. Most problems require but one holon; however, some complex problems may require 40
or more holons before relief is experienced. Each holon is like a 9 Gamut sandwhich and defines a holon.
HOW LONG WILL THE TREATMENT LAST?
This is a relevant question that can only be answered with the passage of time for an individual. Interestingly
enough, prior to doing TFT, no one ever asked me how long a treatment would last, since not much was
taking place in the treatments—in other words, there was nothing to last. The question, whether intended
or not, is always an implied compliment, since it acknowledges by implication that something significant
happened. Orville Wright’s first controlled flight in an aircraft lasted but 12 seconds and travelled but 40
yards, but it was the start of a radical revolution in transportation. Interestingly, a week before the brothers
developed a control device, Orville had a terrible crash, and in despair, echoing his many critics, cried out in
deep frustration, “Man will never fly in a thousand years!” This shows the natural tendency for discouragement,
which the brothers overcame. In order to make important discoveries, people must break through the
obstacle of discouragement, as did the Wright brothers. For a therapist who is trained in TFT, the undoing of
a cure is not a tragedy but is an opportunity to discover the cause of why the cure has been undone. Through
diagnosis, the toxin can be discovered, treated, and avoided until the cure is stabilized for over two months.
IET (Individual Energy Toxin)
IET’s are distinguished from the more general toxins such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic by the
fact that they represent an individual’s sensitivity to certain common substances, such as wheat, milk, eggs,
perfume, laundry detergent, etc. It can be demonstrated that such substances affect the energy system first.
IET’s can be treated (usually not cured) by treating the individual. This appears to temporarily boost the
bodies ability to handle the toxin. See Seven Second Treatment and the Seven Second Plus treatments.
INERTIAL DELAY
This term refers to an unusual situation in TFT treatment where the client shows no further perturbations in
diagnosis, and yet the problem or some degree of the problem remains. After the passage of time, varying
from minutes to hours, the client then reports that the problem is gone. Toxins can cause inertial delay. It can
also occur when we are treating the person for pain, or physical problems as more time can be required for
the treatment to go through the body’s mass. Since we expect a problem to be gone almost instantly in TFT,
we take special notice of delays. It is audacious that we expect problems to be completely gone so quickly,
but that is our common experience.
INSTINCT
Sometimes called “knowledge at a distance.” The distance is usually expressed in time. Instinct is the only
way to account for the complex navigational skills used by butterflies, salmon, and birds. Instinct is a set of
complex behaviours that have not been learned by the individual but which obviously required learning in
interaction with the environment by living creatures over a period of millions of years. I have evidence to
believe that the DNA does not carry this kind of complex information (see Stop the Nightmares of Trauma).
The theory of morphic resonance of Rupert Sheldrake offers the most likely explanation of the transmission
of information over great distances of time and space.
ISOMORPHISM
Isomorphism is defined in dictionaries (math) as a one-to-one relation onto the map between two sets,
which preserves the relations existing between elements in its domain; something identical with or similar
to something else in form or structure. This term in TFT clearly summarizes and expresses the basic finding
that there is a strong one-to-one relationship between the perturbations (which are diagnosed or assumed to
exist) in the thought field and specific meridian points on the body. A “wiggling” or tapping of the appropriate
meridian point or points (in proper order) will result in an immediate reduction or elimination of the
disturbing emotion. It is from this strong relationship that we derive our causal notions.
LANGUAGE OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS
The causal aspect of the negative emotions exists in encoded form. This refers to the particular perturbations
(p’s), in their specific discrete order, which generate negative emotions. The requirement for specific order
is similar to a combination lock; if the wrong order is offered, it doesn’t work. P’s are often contained in
certain common orders for specific problems, which makes it possible to determine algorithms or common
recipes for many psychological problems. Each negative emotion exists in encoded form, which accurate
TFT causal diagnosis reveals. Another language appearing in nature is that of DNA, which determines the
structure of proteins.
LEVELS OF TFT PROFICIENCY
The lowest level is the algorithm level, which is quite simple and can be learned by reading and studying
Tapping the Healer Within (Callahan & Trubo, 2001). It is also beneficial to take an approved algorithm
training seminar by a certified TFT instructor. We also recommend that anyone who works with people
study the Introduction to TFT DVD, which is available at www.tftrx.com. The next higher level is what we
call the diagnostic level where the individual is trained in the more complex TFT diagnostic procedures and
becomes certified after completion of diagnostic training. At this level, the practitioner learns to diagnose
and treat problems with greater success, and to address a much greater number of problems in the office than
can be done with the algorithm level. Training at the diagnostic level is done through a combination of DVD
and CD instruction, writings, and hands-on live instruction and supervision. The certified diagnostic level
practitioner also gains a much higher degree of understanding of theory and is empowered to causally diagnose
and treat most psychological problems with a high degree of success. Practitioners desiring to become
algorithm trainers need to devote six months to learning TFT. They also receive six months of VT support
in working with difficult cases. The highest level is Voice Technology, which requires training beyond the
diagnostic level. This level is a significant advance above the previous two levels. The Voice Technology
training is now accomplished in a three day live course and is open only to those who are certified at the
diagnostic level. Voice Technology has the highest precision and success rate and allows one to treat effectively
by telephone, which opens up world-wide potential markets for practice and consultations. As in all
professions, those who practice the treatments gain the highest degree of competence.
MAGNETITE
Joseph L. Kirschvink, Professor of Geobiology at Caltech, surprisingly discovered the presence of magnetite
throughout the human brain. Magnetite is an oxide of iron, and, like iron, it responds to a magnet. On
November 5, 1992, Joanne and I saw him demonstrate this startling fact in a lecture. A magnet brought near
brain samples under the microscope clearly showed the particles of magnetite. Keeping in mind that nature
is rarely frivolous, one wonders: what is magnetite doing in the human brain? Could it be there to be responsive
to electromagnetic fields? We don’t know, but it is an interesting, little known, and surprising indisputable
fact.
MAJORS
A term that refers to the tapping sequences that use standard meridian points such as under the eye, under
the arm, beginning of eyebrow, etc. The term, “majors,” distinguishes this aspect of the protocol from the 9
gamut, floor to ceiling eye roll, and the psychological reversal treatments. The major tapping points occur
before and are typically repeated after the 9 gamut procedure.
NEOTENY
A problem or condition due to immaturity or the lack of full development. For example, all infants (and all
land-based chordates) are born with an instinctive fear of heights, which ripens when the neonate begins to
crawl or move under its own power. The fear (acrophobia) is usually outgrown with normal development.
A person who has been afraid of heights since childhood is considered “neotenous.” A fear of heights that
suddenly develops (returns) in adulthood would be considered atavistic (see definition above). I believe that
such an atavistic phobia is very similar in principle to a person who has a phobia cured, but sometime later,
it returns. The cause in all instances, I believe, is the presence of what I call an IET, or “toxin.”
PERTURBATION (P)
A perturbation (p) is an entity in the thought
field. The p is viewed as the fundamental and
basic cause of all negative emotions. A
perturbation is the unit of fundamental causation
of a negative emotion and correlates in a
spectacular isomorphic* relationship with
specific alarm and treatment points on the body.
[*Isomorphic, is an adjective; corresponding or
similar in form and relations; having the same
crystalline form.] Successful therapy subsumes
or reduces the impact of p’s in the thought field
(see below). A p is a subtle, but clearly isolable
aspect of a thought field that is responsible for
triggering all negative emotions. Without a P, no
negative emotion is present. The p is the
generating structure that determines the
chemical, hormonal, nervous system, cognitive,
and brain activity commonly associated with,
and an intrinsic and necessary part (but not the
fundamental cause), of the negative emotions.
The perturbation contains the active information
(see Bohm and Hiley, 1993), which triggers
negative emotions. Bohm and Hiley described
their pivotal concept in quantum physics: “We
have . . . introduced a concept that is new in the
context of physics—a concept that we shall call
active information. The basic idea of active
information is that a form having very little
energy enters into and directs a much greater
energy. The activity of the latter is in this way
given a form similar to that of the smaller
energy” (Bohm & Hiley, p. 35). The process
described here for quantum theory appears to fit
the notions of numerous investigators in the bio-
energy realm as the process by which biological
control systems operate. One may understand the
relevance of the TFT usage of “active
information,” in that the micro-state of the
perturbations generate the macro state results of
the person feeling depressed, angry, anxious, etc.
Successful psychotherapy is the transformation
(or subsumption) of this active informational microstate (perturbation), which results in the commonly observed and successfully predicted
elimination of the negative emotions in TFT. A perturbation (p) is the fundamental and easily modifiable
trigger containing specific active information that sets off and guides and controls the physiological, neurological,
hormonal, chemical, and cognitive events, which result in the experience of specific negative emotions.
The need for, and the evidence supporting the concept of perturbation is demonstrated, e.g., in my television
treatment of a woman in Baltimore who was terrified of driving on freeways and over bridges. Every person
who is treated will demonstrate this, but the TV demo dramatically reveals the process and can be seen
by everyone. First, she is calm and speaking to me in a highly relaxed manner that is appropriate for a mild
social encounter in the comfort of her own home. She shows no signs of anxiety; however, in preparation for
my treatment, I ask her to think about the driving situation. Immediately, she is intensely anxious and breaks
down with tears and is obviously upset. Next, you see her driving a car on a freeway with no trace of fear.
She then goes over a bridge with no problem. What happened? In order to answer this question seriously
and with depth, one needs to understand the concept of a perturbation. It obviously exists in the thought
field. Why is this obvious? Before tuning the problematic thought field, she had no anxiety. As soon as she
thought of driving, the perturbation generated the extreme fear. Obviously, the perturbation is not present
when she is actually driving. I saw the evidence of the collapse of the perturbation as I treated her. In a few
minutes, she could not get upset when she thought about the problem. This meant that since she got very
upset prior to this that the perturbation was completely subsumed. The acid test occurred as she was actually
driving with no trace of fear. This is a fairly representative case.
I knew for years that there was an entity in the thought field that caused emotional upset, and that this entity
could be completely collapsed with our typical powerful treatment. For years, I did not name this entity.
One day, it hit me all of a sudden that the name “perturbation” might be appropriate as a designation of
this causal entity. I immediately got out my (regular) dictionary, and the last definition thrilled me. It said,
“Perturbation is a cause of mental disquietude.” I jumped for joy because that is exactly what I was looking
for. I changed the “a” to THE cause of mental disquietude. Some assume that emotional and other problems
are caused by blockages in meridians. Psychological reversal can cause a blockage; however, a perturbation
is not some random disturbance in a meridian. Instead, it is a highly specific bundle of critical information,
healing data, that has the marvellous capacity to control all of the chemical, hormonal, and neurological
phenomena that we see and know take place in anxiety, depression, and other disturbing emotions and the
healing process. The term, “isolable,” refers to the amazing fact of nature that the problem is gone without
disturbing or removing necessary information from the thought field.
PHOBIA
A persistent fear of a harmless object or situation. Most people with phobias are very much aware of the
irrationality of the fear, which only adds to their difficulty. The knowledge that the fear makes no sense does
not reduce the fear but merely adds embarrassment to the bad feeling. The commonly held idea that the
problem is due to a lack of courage is without foundation and shows a fundamental lack of understanding.
PSYCHOLOGICAL REVERSAL (PR)
A state or condition that blocks natural healing and prevents otherwise effective treatments from working.
Evidence for the state of PR is revealed when an otherwise effective treatment does nothing. Then, after
the PR has been corrected, the same treatment, which did nothing the moment before, suddenly works. A
person may be fine in most domains of life and be psychologically reversed in just one or a selected few.
The PR state is usually accompanied by negative attitudes and self-sabotaging behaviour. A most interesting
symptom of PR is that concepts are reversed 180 degrees. In other words, people who are reversed will
say “South” when they mean “North,” but they will not say “East” or “West” when they mean “North.” The
implication of this reversal of concepts is quite profound and is in need of investigation. It seems to relate to
a fundamental aspect of direction (chirality, polarized light, etc.) in elemental reality. A similar and related
symptom of PR is getting numbers or letters out of order. A special proof reader’s mark exists for this type
of error, which illustrates how common it is. The upside down and backward writing of dyslexic people is
due to the PR. PR in most of us is a temporary condition. When we are PR and reverse concepts, letters, and
numbers, PR may be viewed as a kind of temporary “dyslexia.” A research study (Blaich, 1988) showed
that of a number of rather complicated and specialized treatments designed to improve human performance,
including my treatment for PR (tapping the side of the hand), the rapid (10 seconds) and simple treatment
for PR was by far the most effective, producing a 45% increase in reading comprehension. Today, the PR
treatments are routinely used in many elementary schools. We find the presence of PR on treatment effect to
be quite lawful and predictable. We have found a high correlation between presence of cancer and PR. In a
highly significant study done at Yale University back in the 1940’s, the researchers found that cancer patients
had an overwhelming disposition to show a literal polarity reversal (as compared to normals) as measured by
a sensitive instrument that measured body polarity (see Harold Saxton Burr, Blueprint for Immortality: The
electric patterns of life, Neville Spearman, London, 1972). The concept of PR is relevant to all applied fields.
The absence of PR is a vital prerequisite to successful treatment. My treatments would be significantly less
successful (by 20% to 40%) if we could not correct this condition. MASSIVE PR is a reversal in most areas
of life. MINI-PR is a block that kicks in during treatment and prevents the treatment from being complete.
RECURRING PR is a reversal that returns as soon as it is corrected. Each of these variations of PR requires
its own special treatment or action. We are now using voltmeters to show the presence of PR, and we have
robust evidence that when we treat the PR, the reversal on the voltmeter literally changes from negative to
positive before your very eyes! The introduction of the voltmeter to our work is resulting in better and more
thorough treatments. One of the treatments I found to help PR in 1979 was the use of the Bach Rescue Remedy.
Our recent use of voltmeters has resurrected my interest in and use of Rescue Remedy.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
A psychological trauma is an experience or event that engenders significant emotional upset. The upset
seems reasonably based. Examples of trauma are rape, robbery, murder of a friend, mugging, loss of a loved
one through death or perhaps even worse, loss of a loved one through rejection, loss of a job, kidnapping of
a child, etc. One of the worst traumas is when the person you love rejects or leaves you. These are the types
of experiences that we label traumas. It seems perfectly reasonable and appropriate for one to be upset in
response to such events. The appropriateness of the disturbing emotion accompanying the event appears to
be a hallmark of the notion of trauma. One might not expect trauma to be as responsive to therapy as it is to
TFT. This surprising fact carries important theoretical significance. If someone loses a pen and is obsessed
and very upset over this event, has nightmares, etc., it is not considered a trauma, though it is an obvious
psychological problem. In other words, it is not the upset per se that is relevant, but the appropriateness of
the emotion to the event that is relevant.
PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS
In the early days of psychotherapy, treatments were secretive. Even today, one can hear strong claims for
success, yet it is rare that public demonstrations are given. A gentleman in his late 80’s went for a physical
examination since he was losing interest in sex. His doctor pronounced him in good health and told him
that his decline was a normal function of aging. The man said, “But doctor, my friend Sam is 90 years old,
and he says that he has sex every night!” The doctor replied, “You can say that too!” In secrecy, it is safe
to make strong claims. I have done public demonstrations since I first discovered TFT. Recently, for the
first time, I read an acknowledgment recognizing the relevance of a public demonstration. The author of an
article in The Wall Street Journal on Monday, January 29, 1996, page A9A mentioned public demonstrations
in an article on the controversial subject of cold fusion. A new claim that purports to create more energy
than goes into a reaction (which, if true, will be revolutionary and doubtless nuclear in reaction) received the
attention of Jerry E. Bishop, a writer for The Wall Street Journal in the article, “A Bottle Rekindles Scientific
Debate About the Possibility of Cold Fusion.” The gadget was called the Patterson cell, after its inventor.
Bishop pointed out, “The Patterson cell might have been dismissed as easily as other reputed ‘cold fusion
apparatus.’ But Mr. Reding and his colleagues have been bold enough to demonstrate it at three technical
conferences in the last nine months. Most cold-fusionists are reluctant to show off their devices, because
they are never sure whether or when they will work.”
There it is—a statement, the first I have ever seen in print, that acknowledges the significance contained in
a willingness to publicly demonstrate one’s revolutionary claims. I have been doing such demonstrations on
behalf of TFT for over a decade and a half (see the Callahan/Leonoff data), and to all appearances, either the
professionals are unable to see what they are shown, or they do not realize the significance of being willing
to put one’s discoveries to a public test. The public, of course, is almost always skeptical.
QUANTUM LEAPS IN THERAPY
It was apparent from the outset with TFT that not only is the therapy rapid and effective, but the manner of
progress is unique, i.e., the progress takes place in large, definite leaps, with the client evidently not necessarily
passing through intermediate stages of the problem. My first case, Mary, for example, moved from
a 10 to a 0 instantly and did not pass through intermediate stages of the problem. One would expect that a
life-long and intense problem would not only be slow but might necessarily entail passing through a number
of intermediate stages on the way to getting well. The typical case that begins with a SUD of 10 progresses
with each stage of TFT therapy to a 7, then to a 4, and then to a 0 within minutes. The intermediate stages
are typically bypassed.
REPRESSION
A habit of avoidance of awareness of a painful emotion to the extent that the choice to be aware is lost. The
repressed person usually remains unaware of the extent of emotional pain present unless the pain is overwhelming.
People who are repressed are as easily diagnosed and treated as anyone else, except they do not
know how they are doing, e.g., as in a phobia, until they are in the phobic situation. The majority of people
are not repressed and are aware of emotional pain when they attune the relevant thought field. We have
demonstrated that a repressed person will show evidence of the repression through the use of HEART RATE
VARIABILITY. The pre-treatment score may be SDNN=80 as the person thinks of the terrible event over
which he/she feels nothing. Then, the traumatic event is treated, and the person’s SDNN jumps up to 120.
RESONANCE
The process that brings about attunement (see Tuning). Resonance is a kind of physical bond that is brought
about by a non-physical connection. It may be operative in memory and when a person tunes into a thought
field. The concept was proposed by Ninian Marshall in 1960 in the article, “ESP and Memory: A Physical
Approach.” It was published in The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, Vol. X, No. 40, pp.
265-286, in February, 1960. The concept provided the foundation for Rupert Sheldrake’s notion of morphic
resonance. Resonance is commonplace in the use of tuning forks and oscillating circuits used in radio and
television; the oscillating circuitry in the receiver is adjusted to that of the transmission. When they resonate,
the program enters the receiver. When people attune a perturbed thought field, they become disturbed. For
an excellent example, see the case of driving phobia demonstrated on the national television show called
“Evening Magazine.” When the poor woman thinks about driving on freeways or over bridges, she can be
seen to become immediately and severely upset (see Perturbation above).
REVOLUTIONARY EXPERIMENT
An experiment in science that reveals new facts that cannot be explained by conventional or accepted notions
that are current at the time of the experiment. For example, the clinical psychologist, Martin Seligman,
director of clinical training at the University of Pennsylvania, in his book, What You Can Change and What
You Can’t Change, stated on p. 253, “There are no quick fixes,” and “Optimism is necessary for change to
take place.” Our reproducible experiment (therapy) overturns both of these cherished commonsense notions,
as well as many others. It is absolutely impossible to explain the results of TFT with conventional ideas in
psychology. TFT may be seen as a repeatable revolutionary experiment in clinical psychology that many
people can carry out on their own by tapping the appropriate points on the body.
SCIENCE
The proper function of science is to respect facts and to revise theories in the light of new facts. Science is
by nature conservative and therefore slow in carrying out its proper function. It is typically difficult for conservative
scientists to be able to observe easily demonstrable new facts (see Apex Problem).
SEVEN SECOND PLUS TREATMENTS
These are treatments for toxins that have been added to what I initially called the “7 sec. treatment” but now
take a little longer and are far more powerful than 7 second treatment. The modifications include suggestions
by Joanne Callahan, including the addition of our reversal corrections, as well as the collarbone breathing
treatment for specific toxins.
SUD
SUD is an abbreviation for the useful term “subjective units of distress” (introduced by Wolpe), which is a
way to quantify the degree of stress, pain, or disturbing emotion experienced by the client. In TFT, the SUD
is considered the “bottom line” by which therapy is evaluated for success. SUD may be evaluated on a 0
to 10 scale or on a 1 to 10 scale. Behavioural indices may be quite misleading, since many people can do
things when pushed. If their suffering remains intense, however, we do not consider this to be therapy. Many
people in conventional therapies learn that they can withstand a great deal more suffering than they thought
they could. Successful therapy removes all traces of suffering.
THERAPY
Therapy, or rather effective therapy, results in the bottom line, which is dramatic improvement in the client.
The improvement referred to here is not merely behavioural change, which is relatively easy to obtain,
but the removal of all traces of a psychological problem. We believe that effective therapy is a result of
the subsumption (this appears to be the most appropriate term in this context), removal, collapse, elimination,
or reduction of p’s in a thought field, resulting in the elimination or reduction of negative emotions
or problems, whether relevant to reality (emotions that may be considered appropriate and normal) or not
(“neurotic”). The difference, after treatment, must be clinically, and not merely statistically, significant in
order to qualify as therapy. (See November, 1993, APA MONITOR, report of the Science Directorate, and
Psychology Today, March/April, 1994 issue with an article called, “Oops! A very embarrassing story.”) TFT
is typically saltatory in its progression (saltus is a leap) or discontinuous in movement; it develops in leaps.
This fact has led us to investigate quantum theory, since the jumps are quantum-like. We currently believe
that the actual treatment occurs at a quantum level. Presently, it seems likely that a molecular bond is either
broken or connected by the treatment or by natural maturation or healing. It is interesting that I discovered
how to cure phobias during a time when it was believed impossible.
THOUGHT FIELD (TF)
Albert Einstein, in his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, thanked Michael Faraday, the brilliant British scientist
who never went to college. Einstein conjectured that if Faraday had gone to college, he never would
have been able to come up with the concept of a field. Of course, Einstein used the concept in his theory of
relativity. The concept of thought field is the distinguishing characteristic of TFT. Professionals in other professions
such as acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, medicine, dentistry, etc., perform on the rather static
body or being of the person. The dynamic and limitless potential of the thought field is what makes TFT a
psychological treatment. When one is trained to diagnose TF’s, it becomes immediately apparent that the
structure of the TF creates dynamism in the individual. For example, it makes no difference to a dentist what
one is thinking about when working on the teeth. For the TFT clinical psychologist, it makes all the difference
in the world what is attuned. When the relevant TF is attuned, it brings to the fore the specific p’s and
related information that are active in a problem and vital to understanding what is called for in the treatment
situation. In order to diagnose and effectively treat a person, the person must tune into the appropriate TF.
Not attuning to the proper TF is equivalent to asking a tailor to alter your trousers without bringing the trousers.
The notion of a thought field is an imaginary scaffold upon which one may project or imagine causal
entities such as a perturbation. Empirical tests and clinical experience reveal the relevance and power of
such imaginings, i.e., we then discover whether our imaginings are “on-line” or “off-line” with reality. There
is overwhelming evidence for the “on-line” nature of our theoretical speculations. All human invention and
discovery are initially in the human imagination and must be tested in reality to determine ultimate status.
Young children and animals do not have the ability to volitionally attune a thought field, and for such cases,
the term, “perceptual field,” is appropriate. In order to treat young children or animals, they must be exposed
to the situation so that they can attune the appropriate perceptual field. As a result, the child or animal can be
treated.
TRACKING
Tracking is the procedure of observing the duration of a completely successful TFT treatment to see if any
part of the problem returns. It is extremely important that a client call the TFT-trained therapist immediately,
should a problem that has been eradicated return. We find that generally, these rare occasions are due to the
ingestion of or exposure to an exogenous substance. A therapist trained in TFT diagnostic procedures can
usually determine the substance. After the substance has been absent for a period of two months, giving the
person’s system a chance to heal, a repeat treatment will usually hold. Then, after that time, the offending
substance may no longer regenerate the psychological problem.
TRANQUILIZERS
A means of blocking awareness of anxiety without addressing the cause of the problem. Tranquilizers appear
to help by temporarily masking or hiding anxiety from awareness. It is my thesis that all addiction is
addiction to some form of tranquilizer, whether chemical or behavioural.
TRAUMA
A trauma is due either to a direct horrible experience leading to severe emotional upset (due to the generation
of perturbations) and/or pain, or it is due to witnessing a terrible experience of another or others. Trauma
entails certain sequalae, in addition to the direct pain and suffering. These sequalae consist of obsessive
thoughts regarding the incident, as well as repeated bad dreams, nightmares or flashbacks. If one is familiar
with Rupert Sheldrake’s theory of morphic resonance, TFT proposes that these sequalae are the central
source of relevant information fed into the morphic field (collective unconscious—Jung) that allows for the
inheritance of what we call phobias (McDougall). The sequalae fulfill the dictum of Shannon, who introduced
information theory, that a message will come across no matter how much background noise, as long
as sufficient repetition of the information is carried out.
TUNING
(see Resonance) The process of bringing a particular thought associated with a problem into awareness. For
example, a trauma victim will be asked to think about the trauma. Often, trauma victims and clients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, and anxiety have INTRUSIVE TF’s that enter under their own
power and require no attunement. There can be no diagnosis or therapy without appropriate tuning. Animals
or infants who have no choice in tuning must be in a situation that generates the appropriate TF in order to
be diagnosed and treated effectively.
VOICE TECHNOLOGY
The proprietary technology that allows for the rapid and precise diagnosis of p’s by telephone through an
objective and unique voice analysis technology. The relevant (p) information can be demonstrated to be contained
in holographic form within the voice. VT allows diagnosis to be done with only a fraction of a second
of the voice available. Language, inflection, and content are totally irrelevant to the process. The encoded
information is then decoded with precision, and the empirical effectiveness of the discoveries so obtained is
quite easy to demonstrate. This is not stress analysis, since stress is too vague to be useful in this context and
can be assumed when a client requires help. It is, rather, a rapid decoding process of the relevant p information
in the attuned thought field and contained within the voice. The VT allows the TFT trainee a unique
kind of experience wherein the trainee can obtain almost immediate consultation and help with difficult
clients, in the trainee’s office, through the medium of the Voice Technology. This on-the-spot availability of
supervisory help that is offered as a part of training is unprecedented.
VOLTMETER
Harold Saxton Burr, a former professor at Yale Medical School, did interesting experiments using a voltmeter
from the 1930’s through the 1950’s. One of his students, Louis Langman, went on to become a Professor
of Gynecology at NY University Medical School. Prof. Langman used the voltmeter on his patients
and found that cancer was highly associated with a negative polarity. This was a strikingly similar finding
to mine in 1979. I discovered what I called “psychological reversal” and found a high correlation between
this state and the presence of cancer. Interestingly, when surgery was carried out on the cancer patients,
Langman found that the polarity went back to positive. Evidently, he and his colleagues knew of no way to
correct the polarity reversal other than surgery. I believe that my methods of correcting reversal, which are
supported by voltmeter readings, may prove very helpful in the treatment of cancers. We owe a great debt
of gratitude to Ing Alvaro Hernández, TFT-Dx of Mexico City for discovering some voltmeters that work in
the TFT context!
WITHDRAWAL
The acute anxiety experienced by addicts when deprived of their preferred tranquilizer. Withdrawal can be
viewed as anxiety unmasked. Even heroin addicts may be totally relieved of all physiologic (and, of course,
psychological) symptoms with the TFT treatment for addiction. A chain-smoking cigarette smoker may be
entirely unaware of the anxiety that powers the need for cigarettes because the cigarette continually masks
the anxiety. The chain smoker never has a chance to experience withdrawal; however, when deprived of
a cigarette, the smoker becomes acutely aware of the underlying anxiety. One may, therefore, gauge the
degree of an anxiety problem by the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The same reasoning applies to
all addictions. The TFT algorithm for addiction withdrawal has a very high success rate. By this, we mean
that the treatment eliminates the desire to consume a substance or engage in a behavioural addiction about
90% of the time. The TFT treatment is very effective in helping individuals who are addicted to prescribed
tranquilizers; however, this should always be done under the supervision of a knowledgeable professional.
No comments:
Post a Comment