FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gateway University Celebrates Rev. Velma Alford, Ph.D., a Pioneer in Energy Psychology, for Groundbreaking Research on Anxiety Reduction in Breast Cancer Patients Using TAT®
Port Angeles, WA — November 19, 2025 — Gateway University proudly announces the graduation of Rev. Dr. Velma Alford, Ph.D., a pioneer in the rapidly expanding academic field of Energy Psychology and a long-standing practitioner of the Tapas Acupressure Technique® (TAT®). Her doctoral dissertation represents the first scientific study examining the efficacy of TAT® in reducing anxiety in a woman with breast cancer—a milestone contribution to integrative health research.
Velma’s leadership in the field is recognized and supported by the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP), which champions research, professional standards, and the advancement of Energy Psychology worldwide.
Ordained as an Interfaith Angel Minister in 2009—one of the first in the inaugural class—Velma embodies what Gateway University founder Judith Larkin Reno affirmed: “the strongest ones come first.” Her journey through ministerial training, personalized bachelor's and master’s studies, and now doctoral scholarship reflects a lifetime of service, heart, and devotion to healing.
A Historic First in TAT® Research
Velma’s dissertation, “Exploring the Efficacy of TAT®, in Reducing Anxiety in a Female Breast Cancer Patient,” addresses one of the most urgent emotional challenges a woman faces during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment: anxiety.
Her research achieved several groundbreaking milestones:
First documented scientific study of TAT® applied to a breast cancer patient
A pioneering contribution to the academic field of Energy Psychology
Supported by ACEP-aligned methodology and research standards
A rigorous single-subject case study with mixed quantitative and qualitative analysis
Quantitative results revealed a 71.4% reduction in anxiety after six TAT® intervention sessions
These findings provide compelling evidence that TAT®—a gentle, non-invasive, energy-based modality—holds significant promise as a complementary method for emotional support in oncology care.
A Dissertation Guided by Distinguished Leaders in Healing and Research
Velma’s research committee reflects excellence across psychology, trauma recovery, oncology nursing, and spiritual counseling:
Research Committee
Dr. Jan Warner, LISW-S
Licensed Independent Social Worker and clinical psychologist; former VA Cleveland Medical Center clinician; ACEP Research Committee member with extensive trauma and integrative mental health experience.
Dr. Lisha Antiqua, Ph.D.
Transformational speaker, trauma-informed educator, healer, and mentor featured on FOX, ABC, and NBC. Founder of the Amazing You and Reclaim Intimacy healing systems; author of five books; creator of the Divine in 9 Yoga Teacher Training Program. A key consultant for Gateway’s doctoral cohort, admissions, and curriculum development.
Content Advisors
Dawn LeCoq, MSN, RN, OCN
Director of Inpatient Oncology, nursing leader, and expert in trauma-informed cancer care.
Jenni Coppola, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in trauma recovery, anxiety reduction, and somatic-integrative therapeutic practice.
This distinguished team ensured Velma’s work met the highest standards of scholarship, clinical insight, and holistic integrity.
A Culmination of Service, Scholarship, and Soul
Velma completed her dissertation defense on November 7, 2025 delivering a compelling and heartfelt presentation that integrated clinical knowledge, spiritual dedication, and evidence-based practice. Her research stands as a significant contribution to the evolution of Energy Psychology and holistic oncology support.
Gateway University will honor this achievement during its virtual commencement ceremony to be held Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm Pacific Time on Zoom.
Tapas Fleming, founder of TAT® and Velma’s long-time mentor, will deliver the Commencement Address in recognition of her groundbreaking work and service to the global TAT® community.
About Rev. Dr. Velma Alford, Ph.D.
A senior TAT® Professional Practitioner, Interfaith Angel Minister, and devoted spiritual healer, Rev. Dr. Velma Alford has spent decades supporting emotional liberation, energetic balance, and personal transformation. As a pioneering scholar in Energy Psychology, her work contributes needed research, legitimacy, and hope to the integrative health and cancer-support communities.
About Gateway University
Gateway University is a private, nonprofit, soul-centered institution dedicated to higher consciousness, transformative education, and spiritually grounded scholarship.
Its personalized master’s and doctoral degree programs include:
Energy Psychology
Transpersonal Psychology
Consciousness & Human Potential
Conscious and Sustainable Enterprise Leadership
Innovation, Social Change, & Conscious Enterprise
Sustainable Leadership & Regenerative Systems
Spiritual Psychology
Gateway equips leaders, healers, visionaries, and changemakers to bring their soul’s work into the world through academically rigorous, spiritually aligned, and personally transformative learning pathways.
