Frequently Asked Questions about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

No, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is much more than simply an energy-based approach. While EFT does involve tapping on specific points on the body that are associated with energy meridians (a concept rooted in Traditional Chinese medicine), it is much more than that.  EFT shares constructs and strategies with cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) such as exposure, desensitisation, and cognitive reframing. Procedurally it has elements in common with EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a therapy also developed within a cognitive-behavioural framework.
 
EFT incorporates aspects of acupressure, somatic awareness, talk therapy and modern psycho-therapeutic tools like NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming). The eye movements in the 9-Gamut procedure are similar to those used in EMDR.

EFT engages both the mind and body in a way that promotes relaxation and emotional release. EFT has been studied in clinical settings and has shown promising results for reducing anxiety, stress, and even trauma-related symptoms.
 
EFT also includes statements on self-acceptance – in therapy, the way we talk to ourselves is one of the most important tools in changing thought and behaviour patterns. By stating out loud where we are at in the moment, EFT helps to acknowledge the problem before finding a solution, opening a path to self-understanding, which is critical to progress in therapy.

EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, was created by Gary Craig in the 1990s. Craig’s work involved streamlining TFT (Thought Field Therapy), which was initially developed by Roger Callaghan, an American psychologist who specialised in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The roots of EFT’s development can be traced further back to the 1960s and 1970s when Dr. George Goodheart, a chiropractor, and John Diamond, a psychiatrist, were pioneers in integrating the principles of acupuncture with contemporary therapeutic approaches.

Yes. It is completely safe and there are no known negative side effects.

No, quite the opposite.

Distraction techniques work by directing your attention away from the problem – like counting backwards from 100 or focusing on your breath to avoid thinking about what’s bothering you.

EFT does the reverse. It asks you to stay with the problem, to keep your attention on it whilst you tap.
During an EFT session, when facilitated by a professional EFT Practitioner, we use your own words to describe what’s troubling you and repeat specific reminder phrases to keep you focused on the issue we’re working with. So rather than avoiding the difficult feeling or thought, you’re actively staying present with it, but in a way that feels safe and manageable.

This is a common question, especially for those who are new to EFT.

You can’t change what you can’t see. If you don’t acknowledge the problem, how do you resolve it? It’s as simple as if your bathroom is flooded, you have to acknowledge the leaking tap before you can call the plumber!

The same is true for our inner experience. Acknowledging our thoughts, emotions, and body sensations is the first step towards healing and change.

So rather than “focusing on the negative”, what we’re doing in EFT is simply acknowledging what’s there, as a starting point, to identify and clear any limiting beliefs and subconscious blocks.

When you tap on specific points on your body, like the side of your hand, your eyebrow, or under your collarbone, you’re stimulating what are called the meridian points. These particular points have special properties: they have more nerve receptors than other areas of your skin, and these receptors respond to physical touch like tapping, pressing, or holding.
 
When you stimulate these points through tapping, you send calming signals to the parts of your brain that control your stress response; the areas that light up when you’re anxious, scared, or overwhelmed. Brain imaging studies (fMRI scans) actually show this happening in real time. The result? The tapping helps to turn down the alarm system in your brain, creating a relaxation response. Your nervous system shifts from “threat” mode to “safe” mode, which allows you to think more clearly and respond to emotions with more calm and balance.
 
In essence, you’re using the body to speak directly to the brain’s stress centre, helping it to settle and find equilibrium.

While EFT incorporates tapping, not all tapping practices fall under the umbrella of EFT. Tapping has gained popularity as a calming and relaxation technique, with numerous videos available on the subject. However, EFT, which stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques (in plural form), encompasses a distinct set of techniques. When skillfully employed by a proficient practitioner, EFT can facilitate profound therapeutic work with clients. Read this article on the difference between Tapping and EFT.

When facilitated by a professionally certified and accredited practitioner, EFT has proven effective with a wide range of mental, emotional and physical issues, from anxiety, grief, and relationship problems to chronic pain and childhood trauma. See more on the About EFT page.

A substantial body of research is emerging, offering compelling evidence regarding the effectiveness of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). In recent years, EFT has gained wider recognition within the mainstream psychotherapy and medical community and as of 2021, over 200 studies, review articles and meta-analyses have been published in professional, peer-reviewed journals. See more articles and videos on the latest news, science and research on EFT in this section.

If you’re wondering how to become a certified EFT practitioner, how to get accredited as an EFT Practitioner, or anything to do with EFT Training, EFT Accreditation or Certification, see here for details of the EFT Practitioner Certification Training. Falguni is an Accredited Certified EFT Trainer and Mentor with EFT International and teaches Accredited EFT Training both online and in-person in Hong Kong. The accrediting organisation, EFT International, offers a structured path to certification. See complete details here:

EFT tapping, Emotional Freedom Techniques