Dawson Church
Full Biography & Vitae
Dawson Church is a best-selling science writer and the author of three award-winning books. The Genie in Your Genes broke new ground by showing that gene expression is influenced by emotions. Mind to Matter is based on hundreds of studies showing that our brains play a key role in constructing the reality around us. In Bliss Brain, he demonstrates that as we cultivate peak states, our brains rapidly rewire themselves for happiness. He is the founder of the Veterans Stress Solution, which has offered free PTSD treatment to over 22,000 veterans. After retiring from active business management, Dawson has continued to teach and inspire through his presentations, podcasts, books and blog posts.
About Uplife
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Church’s second best-seller, Mind to Matter reviews the science behind the brain’s remarkable ability to create material reality, and was named “Best Health Book” by the American Book Fest. Church followed this with Bliss Brain, which analyzes the transcendent “flow” states found in meditation and peak performance, and how these rapidly remodel the brain for happiness.
Church has been involved in over 100 scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journals, many as Principal Investigator. He has collaborated with researchers from prestigious institutions including Harvard Medical School, California Pacific Medical Center, Emory, Columbia and Duke. He has edited several special issues for top-ranked journals such as Frontiers in Psychology.
Church spent some 20 years engaging in outcome studies focusing on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. He founded the peer-reviewed journal Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment and after earlier managing Aslan Publishing now serves as the general manager of Energy Psychology Press. To train professionals in evidence-based stress reduction methods such as meditation and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT acupressure tapping), in 2010 Church established EFT Universe, one of the most-visited alternative medicine sites on the web. He developed the EcoMeditation method to make meditation easy for novices.
Church’s academic journey began during his undergraduate and graduate studies at Baylor University. He became the first-ever graduate of the academically rigorous University Scholar’s program in 1979. He went on to earn his doctorate in Integrative Healthcare at Holos University under the mentorship of the eminent neurosurgeon, Dr. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, founder of the American Holistic Medical Association, and later a post doctorate in Natural Medicine. With Dr Shealy he co-authored the book Soul Medicine which reviews role of energy in healing throughout history.
In the 1990s, Church served as the president of the Family Connection, a nonprofit dedicated to placing homeless families in long-term housing. It was named as one of only 58 “Points of Light” by President Bill Clinton. Church is also a member of the Transformational Leadership Council, a group of cultural creatives and thought leaders.
To promote research and humanitarian work, in 2007 Church established the National Institute for Integrative Healthcare (NIIH), a nonprofit institution aimed at promoting evidence-based healing modalities. He has worked with over a thousand clients suffering from chronic pain, measuring average symptom reductions of 68% (Church & Brooks, 2010).
In 2008, NIIH initiated the Veterans Stress Solution, a pioneering project that connects veterans with PTSD to energy therapy practitioners. It has since provided free treatment to more than 22,000 veterans and their family members. Twice, Church has been invited to testify before US Congressional committees. His work has been referenced in many media outlets such as USA Today, CNN, BBC, the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and Parenting.
Church’s most recent research focuses on self-transcendent experiences, such as those found in deep meditation and “flow” states. fMRI research demonstrates that the EcoMeditation method he developed results in rapid brain remodeling, downregulating regions associated with suffering and increasing activity in brain areas linked to compassion and happiness.
Though Church retired from active business management in 2023, he continues his journey in science and mysticism with blogs, studies, podcasts and books. He splits his time between Nevada, Hawaii and California. He is married to Christine Church, a noted painter, and together they enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
Papers Published in Peer-Reviewed Journals
Church, D., Kip, K., Stapleton, P., Toussaint, L., Footman, J., Ballantyne, P., & O’Keefe, T. (2023) Emotional freedom techniques for treating post-traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1-36. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286.
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Church, D., Stapleton, P., & Raynor, D. (2022). Skinny Genes’ six-week, online, Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques program: Durable weight loss and improved psychological symptoms. Advances in Mind-body Medicine, 36(1), 13-21.
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Church, D., Stapleton, P., Vasudevan, A., & O’Keefe, T. (2022). Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1-40. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451
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Church, D., Yang, A., Fannin, J., & Blickheuser, K. (2022). The biological dimensions of transcendent states: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1-9. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.928123
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Hoss, R. J., Hoss, L. M., Church, D. (2022) Integrating the complementary therapies of Energy Psychology and Dreamwork – the Dream to Freedom Method. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 7(3), 27. doi:10.21926/obm.icm.2203024
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Stapleton, P., Church, D., Baumann, O., & Sabot, D. (2022). EcoMeditation modifies brain resting state network activity. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 19(7), 11-20.
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Church, D., Stapleton, P., & Sabot, D. (2020). Brief EcoMeditation associated with psychological improvements: A preliminary study. Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 9. doi:10.1177/2164956120984142
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Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) improves multiple physiological markers of health. Journal of Evidence-based Integrative Medicine, 24, 2515690X18823691.
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Church, D., & Clond, M. (2019). Is online treatment as effective as in-person treatment? Psychological change in two relationship skills groups. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 207(5), 315-319.
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Church, D., & David, I. (2019) Borrowing Benefits: Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) as an immediate stress reduction skill in the workplace. Psychology, 10, 941-952.
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Church, D., Stapleton, P. & Sabot, D. (2019). App-based delivery of Clinical EFT: Cross-sectional study of app user self-ratings. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(10), e18545.
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Yount, G., Church, D., Rachlin, K., Blickheuser, K., & Cardonna, I. (2019). Do noncoding RNAs mediate the efficacy of Energy Psychology? Global Advances in Health and Medicine, 8 , 2164956119832500.
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Church, D., & House, D. (2018). Borrowing benefits: Group treatment with Clinical EFT is associated with simultaneous reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 23, 2156587218756510.
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Church, D., Stapleton, P., Sheppard, L., & Carter, B. (2018). Naturally Thin You: Weight loss and psychological symptoms after a six-week online clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) course. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 14(2), 131-136.
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Church, D., Stapleton, P., Yang, A., & Gallo, F. (2018). Is tapping on acupuncture points an active ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)? A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 206(10), 783-793. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000878
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Groesbeck, G., Bach, D., Stapleton, P., Blickheuser, K., Church, D., & Sims, R. (2018). The interrelated physiological and psychological effects of EcoMeditation. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 23, 2515690X18759626
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Church, D., & Feinstein, D. (2017). The manual stimulation of acupuncture points in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: A review of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques. Medical Acupuncture, 29(4), 1-12. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1213
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Church, D., Stern, S., Boath, E., Stewart, A., Feinstein, D., & Clond, M. (2017). Emotional Freedom Techniques to treat posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans: Review of the evidence, survey of practitioners, and proposed clinical guidelines. Permanente Journal, 21(2), 16-23. doi:10.7812/TPP/16-100
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Church, D., & Nelms, J. (2016). Pain, range of motion, and psychological symptoms in a population with frozen shoulder: A randomized controlled dismantling study of clinical EFT (emotional freedom techniques). Archives of Scientific Psychology, 4(1), 38-48. doi:10.1037/arc0000028
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Church, D., Yount, G., Rachlin, K., Fox, L., & Nelms, J. (2016). Epigenetic effects of PTSD remediation in veterans using clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A randomized controlled pilot study. American Journal of Health Promotion, 1-11. doi:10.1177/0890117116661154
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Church, D., Sparks, T., & Clond, M. (2015). EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and resiliency in veterans at risk for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 12(5), 355-365. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2016.06.012
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Church, D. (2014). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) as single session therapy: Cases, research, indications, and cautions. In M. Hoyt & M. Talmon (Eds.), Capture the moment: Single session therapy and walk-in service. Bethel, CT: Crown House.
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Church, D. (2014). Reductions in pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms after PTSD remediation in veterans. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 10(3), 162-169.
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Church, D., & Brooks, A. J. (2014). CAM and energy psychology techniques remediate PTSD symptoms in veterans and spouses. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 10(1), 24-33. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2013.10.006
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Church, D., Feinstein, D., Palmer-Hoffman, J., Stein, P. K., & Tranguch, A. (2014). Empirically supported psychological treatments: The challenge of evaluating clinical innovations. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 202(10), 699-709. doi:10.1097/NMD.0000000000000188
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Church, D., & Palmer-Hoffman, J. (2014). TBI symptoms improve after PTSD remediation with Emotional Freedom Techniques. Traumatology, 20(3), 172-181.
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Church, D. (2013). Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions. Psychology, 4(8), 645-654. doi:10.4236/psych.2013.48092
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Church, D., & Brooks, A. J. (2013). The effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on psychological symptoms in addiction treatment: A pilot study. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 2(1), 315-323. doi:10.9734/JSRR/2013/3500
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Church, D, & Feinstein, D. (2013). Energy psychology in the treatment of PTSD: Psychobiology and clinical principles. In T. Van Leeuwen & M. Brouwer (Eds.), Psychology of trauma (pp. 211-224). Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science.
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Church, D., Hawk, C., Brooks, A. J., Toukolehto, O., Wren, M., Dinter, I., & Stein, P. (2013). Psychological trauma symptom improvement in veterans using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 201(2), 153-160. doi:10.1097/NMD.0b013e31827f6351
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Stapleton, P., Church, D., Sheldon, T., Porter, B., & Carlopio, C. (2013). Depression symptoms improve after successful weight loss with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A randomized controlled trial. ISRN Psychiatry, 2013, 573532. doi:10.1155/2013/573532
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Church, D., De Asis, M., & Brooks, A. J. (2012). Brief group intervention using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) for depression in college students: A randomized controlled trial. Depression Research and Treatment, 2012, 1-7. doi:10.1155/2012/257172
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Church, D., & Downs, D. (2012). Sports confidence and critical incident intensity after a brief application of Emotional Freedom Techniques: A pilot study. Sport Journal, 15(1).
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Church, D., Piña, O., Reategui, C., & Brooks, A. J. (2012). Single session reduction of the intensity of traumatic memories in abused adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Traumatology,18(3), 73-79. doi:10.1177/1534765611426788
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Church, D., Yount, G., & Brooks, A. J. (2012). The effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on stress biochemistry: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 200(10), 891-896. doi:10.1097/NMD.0b013e31826b9fc1
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Gurret, J-M., Caufour, C., Palmer-Hoffman, J., & Church, D. (2012). Post-earthquake rehabilitation of clinical PTSD in Haitian seminarians. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 4(2), 33-40. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2012.4.2.JPH
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Church, D. (2010). The treatment of combat trauma in veterans using EFT: A pilot protocol. Traumatology, 16(1), 45-55. doi:10.1177/1534765609347549
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Church, D. (2010). Your DNA is not your destiny: Behavioral epigenetics and the role of emotions in health. In R. Klatz & R. Goldman (Eds.), Anti-aging therapeutics (Vol. 13, pp. 35-42). Chicago, IL: A4m American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.
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Church, D., & Brooks, A. J. (2010). Application of Emotional Freedom Techniques. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 9(4), 46-48.
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Church, D., & Brooks, A. J. (2010). The effect of a brief EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) self-intervention on anxiety, depression, pain and cravings in healthcare workers. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 9(5), 40-44.
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Feinstein, D., & Church, D. (2010). Modulating gene expression through psychotherapy: The contribution of non-invasive somatic interventions. Review of General Psychology, 14(4), 283-295. doi:10.1037/a0021252
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Church, D. (2009). The effect of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) on athletic performance: A randomized controlled blind trial. Open Sports Sciences, 2, 94-99. doi:10.2174/1875399X00902010094
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Church, D., Geronilla, L., & Dinter, I. (2009). Psychological symptom change in veterans after six sessions of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An observational study. International Journal of Healing and Caring, 9(1).
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