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. Distraction is “a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else”. EFT requires a complete focus on the problem or issue throughout the session. The actual words of the client’s presenting problem are used during the process and reminder phrases are also used to keep a focus on the specific issue.

Sometimes people are resistant to focusing on the negative while tapping. Either for fear of feeling the feeling or the fear that this will attract more negativity. But the feelings are there regardless of whether they are consciously addressed.  Acknowledging our felt sense is the first step to healing and change. By identifying and then vocalising our emotions, we bring up that energy in the body and clear the negative, preventing these negative thoughts and beliefs from subconsciously running our lives. Once we clear the negative blocks, that’s when change happens.

Tapping on specific meridian points on the body induces a relaxation response. The tapping points used in EFT have a lowered electrical resistance to conductivity and have a high proportion of mechanoreceptors. These are specialised receptors that respond to mechanical stimuli such as tapping, massaging or holding. Stimulating these points is found to send electrochemical impulses to areas of the brain that govern fear and the stress response (as demonstrated in fMRI studies). The impulses reduce the stress response in these limbic and cortical regions, allowing for calm and coherent emotional responses.

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.

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