by George Brooks and Falguni Mather.

Clients mostly come to counsellors and psychotherapists for traditional counselling & psychotherapy and not specifically for EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Researchers like Henry Hollanders (2001) have found that probably over 80-85% of therapists practice integratively, at least in the UK, and EFT, like any other approach, can be integrated into professional therapeutic practice.

We have noticed that integrating EFT can present a series of challenges for counsellors and psychotherapists, especially those with an existing practice. Many come to EFT training with real enthusiasm only to find this integrative process too complex and often end up not using EFT at all.

It is important to recognise that counsellors and psychotherapists have developed a set of therapeutic skills that make them well-equipped to work with EFT. Still, it is sometimes difficult to know how best to use them in this context.

As a Psychotherapist or Counsellor, integrating EFT into your practice can offer numerous benefits:

One of the primary advantages of EFT is its ability to quickly resolve deep-seated issues compared to traditional talk therapy. Many counsellors and psychotherapists using EFT in their practice regularly report this to trainers, mentors and supervisors.

This reported shorter time frame and effectiveness of EFT can be attributed to its ability to directly address the somatic aspect, which is often missing in traditional talk therapy. This can make EFT particularly beneficial for clients who have struggled with long-standing concerns and have not responded well to traditional talk therapy approaches.

Frequently, memories or past events can be rationalised to a degree where the client experiences improvement; however, when revisiting these events with EFT, clients may still experience uncomfortable bodily sensations. Body memory can show up in nervous system reactions to present circumstances, and EFT effectively facilitates the release of this aspect for long-term positive change.

EFT is gaining a reputation as a gentle approach, where difficult and even traumatic memories can be effectively resolved without having to relive them. Some research conducted by Masha Bennett, presented at one of Gwyneth Moss’s Gatherings, suggested that using EFT with difficult memories not only protects clients from overwhelming emotions but also reduces the risk of vicarious trauma amongst practitioners.

EFT can be a highly empowering tool for clients, allowing them to take an active role in their own healing process. By learning to tap by themselves between sessions or even after the conclusion of therapy, clients can gain a greater sense of control and self-efficacy.

Integrating EFT into professional psychotherapy and counselling can also pose various challenges:

• The ability to quickly resolve deep-seated issues with EFT compared to traditional talk therapy: many counsellors & psychotherapists have been taught that this kind of change takes time, and so are afraid that it may be wrong to think this.

• A lack of widespread acceptance and understanding of EFT within the traditional mental health community: many mental health professionals may be sceptical of the scientific validity of EFT, as it is considered a relatively new and unconventional approach compared to more established therapeutic modalities. This can lead to resistance from colleagues, as well as potential issues with insurance coverage and reimbursement for EFT-based services. Fortunately, we have a very strong evidence base for the efficacy of EFT with a range of problems from depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, pain, & performance issues. This evidence base is getting stronger each year.
• Time and Resources: Integrating a new technique into your practice requires training and certification, a significant investment of time and resources, which may be a barrier for some therapists.
• Ethical Considerations: There may be concerns about the potential risks or side effects of using a technique that involves physical touch. There may be issues of client consent, boundaries, and the potential for misunderstandings or inappropriate interactions.
• Psychotherapists and Counsellors may question the appropriate scope of practice and the need for additional licensing or credentials.

As a Psychotherapist or Counsellor, if you have completed an EFT training, regardless of your enthusiasm and recognition of EFT’s effectiveness, you may encounter several challenges when incorporating EFT into your existing practice:

• Concerns that you may appear silly or unprofessional.
• Unsure of how to introduce EFT to clients.
• Determining the right time to introduce EFT.
• Managing client uncertainty.
• How to teach clients EFT for self-regulation between sessions.
• Considering when to use EFT and when to return to traditional counselling & psychotherapy.
• Clarifying the relationship between using EFT and providing counselling & psychotherapy.
• Navigating differences if you work in a mental health clinic or have a solo practice.
• Working with an existing supervisor who doesn’t use EFT.

If you are interested in incorporating EFT into your professional practice as a psychotherapist or counsellor, there are some steps you can take for successful and ethical integration:

• Seek credentialled training and certification with an established body like EFT International.
• Develop a clear, informed consent process.
• Remember, you already have a set of therapeutic skills that lend themselves beautifully to the art of delivering EFT.
• Start slowly and integrate gradually so you become comfortable with the techniques and gauge the client’s receptiveness before fully integrating EFT into your practice.
• Educate clients to address any concerns or misconceptions they may have and create a collaborative approach.
• Collaborate with peers who are also integrating EFT into their practice.
• Get appropriate mentoring and supervision from accredited experts.
• Stay informed and adaptive, open to adapting your approach with the latest research, developments, and best practices in the field of EFT.

As the field of psychotherapy and counselling continues to evolve, integrating innovative, somatic approaches like EFT is becoming increasingly relevant. While there are challenges to navigate, there are significant benefits to incorporating EFT into your practice.

By embracing EFT and committing to the necessary training, accreditation and ongoing professional development, you can offer your clients a powerful and transformative therapeutic experience. As more mental health professionals recognise the value of EFT, the future of EFT within the field of professional psychotherapy and counselling looks bright.

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George Brooks and Falguni Mather, psychotherapists and EFT Trainers, offer mentoring and supervision for Counsellors and Psychotherapists who are interested in integrating EFT into their practice (see details here).