Personal profile
Research interests
I have 30 years' experience as a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and academic in the Queensland, Australia. I am a world leading researcher in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT or Tapping) and have been awarded many accolades including the Harvey Baker Research Award for meticulous research and the greatest contribution to the field of Energy Psychology. In 2019 I was named Psychologist of the Year by the Australia Allied Health Awards. I have a particular interest in biochemistry changes after psychological interventions and have recently completed fMRI trials, cortisol studies and vagal tone measurement before and after energy psychology and meditation studies.
Statement for HDR students
I supervise my students who are engaged in clinical psychological research trials using innovative therapies such as energy psychology techniques. I am currently the Chair of Graduate Research at Bond University and am not presently available for primary supervision.
Education/Academic qualification
PhD, Family Functioning and Anorexia Nervosa: The Issue of Control, Griffith University
Award Date: 20 Mar 2003
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
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2025 FSD Research Project Grant – The roles of childhood adversity and the autism spectrum in alexithymia and its links to excessive alcohol use and binge eating.
Lyvers, M. (Chief Investigator), Watt, B. (Partner Investigator) & Stapleton, P. (Partner Investigator)
Project: Research
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The roles of childhood adversity and the autism spectrum in alexithymia and its links to excessive alcohol use and binge eating.
Lyvers, M. (Project Lead), Watt, B. (Partner Investigator) & Stapleton, P. (Partner Investigator)
Project: Research
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About Face: Is Virtual Group Delivery of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) as Effective as Face-to-Face Group Delivery in Improving Psychological and Physiological Markers of Health?
Boath, E., Church, D. & Stapleton, P. B., 20 Mar 2026, In: Healthcare. 14, 6, p. 1-14 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
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Awareness and Use of Reiki, Reiki Research, Energy Healing, and Complementary Medicine amongst Australian Health Professionals and the Community
Zadro, S. & Stapleton, P. B., 23 Mar 2026, In: Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. 15, p. 1-14 14 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
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The Effect of Posttraumatic Cognitions on PTSD in Nonoffending Parents of Child Sexual Abuse: The Aggravating Role of Negative Self-Compassion and Emotive Regulation
McGillivray, C., Brotto, G., Stapleton, P. B., Patching, A., Ronken, C. & Le Sech, K., 16 Mar 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. p. 1-10 10 p., PMID: 41843447.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
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Theoretical and clinical insights into the psychological mechanisms and active ingredients of emotional freedom techniques
Schwarz, R. & Stapleton, P. B., 7 Apr 2026, In: Frontiers in Psychology. 17, 2026, 17.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
Open AccessFile6 Downloads (Pure) -
A randomized clinical trial of emotional freedom techniques for chronic pain: Live versus self-paced delivery with 6-month follow-up
Stapleton, P., Wilson, C., Uechtritz, N., Stewart, M., McCosker, M., O'Keefe, T. & Blanchard, M., Mar 2025, In: European Journal of Pain. 29, 3, e4740.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
2 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)
Activities
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PGSA leadership workshop on AII was the panel moderator for 2 panels
Stapleton, P. (Participant)
1 Apr 2026Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participating in a conference, workshop, ... › Other
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PSAP Refresher
Stapleton, P. (Supervisor)
12 Mar 2026Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › HDR Supervisor Register › Principal Supervisor Doctoral
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Online Coaching Terms and Conditions for Health Practitioners
Stapleton, P. (Attendee)
26 Feb 2026Activity: Professional Development, Mentorship, Supervision and Other Activities › External Professional Development
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18th Tapping World Summit
Stapleton, P. (Speaker)
23 Feb 2026 → 5 Mar 2026Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk
Press/Media
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Could a Calmer, Happier Self Really Be Just a Tap Away? Welcome to the strange and wonderful world of Emotional Freedom Technique.
11/06/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment
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Emotional Freedom Technique Programs May Modulate Stress to Reduce Chronic Pain
12/11/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Emotional Freedom Technique Improves Chronic Pain Severity
22/10/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research