Frequently Asked Questions about Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

No.

EFT shares constructs and strategies with cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) such as exposure, desensitisation, and cognitive reframing.

Procedurally it is very similar to 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 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, critical to progress in therapy.

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.

If your question is “How do I become a certified EFT practitioner?” or How do I get certified in EFT, or How do I become an EFT Practitioner, or anything to do with EFT Trainings, EFT Certificate or EFT Certification, click here for details of the EFT Practitioner Certification Training in Hong Kong. Falguni is an Accredited Certified EFT Trainer and Mentor with EFT International and teaches the Accredited EFT Training both online and in-person in Hong Kong.

There is a structured path to certification, complete details of which can be found here:

EFT tapping, Emotional Freedom Techniques