EFT is an evidence-based therapeutic technique that uses acupressure points to modify the stress response in the body.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of therapy that addresses all aspects of the problem: mental and emotional as well as physical. For example, noticing a heaviness in the heart when expressing sadness, or tightness in the stomach when speaking of anxious feelings. All of the above reflects the state of our nervous system. We tap on acupressure points on the body and focus on the emotions while talking about the problem.
In EFT, we process negative feelings by noticing the limitations, patterns and beliefs held in our subconscious mind. We notice and acknowledge emotions, thoughts and beliefs including the corresponding physiological sensations.
Combining the physical benefits of acupressure with the cognitive and linguistic benefits of conventional talk therapy, EFT is a mind-body modality that is safe, gentle, and non-invasive.
EFT is also known as ‘tapping’ because we tap on and stimulate various pressure points on the face, collarbone and hands as we verbalise our thoughts and feelings. We use EFT to work with any area of life that is currently difficult, to alleviate psychological concerns and to find calm and harmony in the mind and body.
EFT is a treatment modality that is growing in popularity among counsellors and therapists in the field of psychology due to the speed with which improvements in clients are perceived and the enhanced effectiveness in the treatment of complex issues (Feinstein, 2021).
How it works:
During your session, you use your fingertips to tap on specific acupressure points as your therapist guides you through the process.
We start by getting specific about the issue that is presenting as a difficulty in your life. It might be an emotion or a particular thought, for example, fear of public speaking, excessive anger or cyclic anxious thoughts.
We work together to put the sensations, thoughts or feelings associated with the issue into words. We use phrases which describe your experience and say them out loud while tapping on meridian points. This allows you to safely notice and experience your emotions. We continue in this manner, clarifying as we go, till the experienced intensity on the current difficulty is low.
It might seem unconventional to process thoughts and emotions in this way. EFT works on the premise that our present is often informed by our past experience, and we work to resolve underlying layers that may be contributing to current difficulties.
Through EFT we connect with more than the mind – we use information (sensations) from the body as well. For example, when you are worried, you may experience a racing heart or with sadness, a heaviness in your chest.
Through this simple and effective process, we can acknowledge our current distress and allow clarity and resolution of the issue.
EFT has proven effective with a wide range of both physical and emotional issues. When professionally applied by a certified practitioner, EFT can help to:
- Relieve stress, diminish anxiety and anxious feelings.
- Process and transform painful, uncomfortable emotions like anger, guilt, grief, fear, etc.
- Process grief and loss.
- Heal the effects of emotional trauma, including PTSD symptoms.
- Diminish cravings for foods and addictive substances.
- Resolve emotional eating and weight issues.
- Address relationship problems.
- Gain clarity to make decisions.
- Relieve symptoms of insomnia.
- Safely and effectively process acute or complex trauma.
- Increase self-esteem, self-empowerment and confidence.
- Find emotional balance after a diagnosis or during a serious illness.
- Improve or even eliminate chronic physical discomfort or pain.
- Enhance performance in any area; public speaking, sports, musical, artistic, professional, sexual, etc.
- Increase energy and productivity.
- Empower children, parents and families.
- Move us beyond negative, self-limiting thoughts and beliefs toward positive change.
EFT can also be used to help with physical issues, including acute or chronic pain. Our negative experiences and subsequent emotions don’t only affect our mind – they have a profound impact on the brain and body too. EFT works with the psychology of the body, as pain is as much psychological as it is physical [read more here].
