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, emotional, and 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 verbalising 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 also addresses the nervous system in terms of corresponding body sensations. EFT is a holistic 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.
It’s important to note that although EFT involves tapping, not all Tapping is EFT.
EFT is a treatment modality that is growing in popularity among counsellors and therapists in the field of psychology because of the rate at which improvements in clients are perceived. EFT has also been shown to be effective in treating complex issues (Feinstein, 2021). Numerous research studies also support these findings.
How it works:
During your session, you will be guided by your therapist to use your fingertips to tap on specific acupressure points.
The session begins by identifying and discussing the specific issue that is causing difficulty in your life, such as fear of public speaking, chronic pain, excessive anger, or recurring anxious thoughts.
We work together to put the sensations, thoughts or feelings associated with the issue into words. By using phrases that describe your experience, you will vocalise these statements while tapping on the meridian points. This process allows you to safely observe and experience your emotions. The session continues in this manner, clarifying and addressing the issue until the intensity of your distress decreases. We work together to resolve underlying layers that may contribute to current difficulties.
EFT works by recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind and body in the healing process. You may be asked to focus on bodily sensations as we tap. For example, when you feel worried, you may notice a racing heart, or when you experience sadness, you may feel a heaviness in your chest.
By noticing this mind-body connection, EFT allows us to acknowledge and resolve distressing emotions effectively.
EFT is a collaborative process, and the effectiveness of the technique may vary for each individual. However, many clients have reported positive outcomes and improved overall well-being through regular EFT sessions.
Evidence-based
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is considered an evidence-based practice as it fulfils the evidence-based criteria established by the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA sets forth principles and guidelines to be met in order to be considered evidence-based. Many clinical trials have been published, and EFT has been found to meet these criteria. EFT has demonstrated efficacy in various research studies and has been shown to be effective for a range of issues.
Research on EFT has revealed that the active ingredient in the therapy is the tapping on acupressure points. The specific acupressure points targeted during EFT tapping have a measurable impact on not only psychological and emotional change, but are also positively affecting the body at a biological level.
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 is not limited to addressing psychological issues; it can also assist with physical concerns, including acute or chronic pain.
Our negative experiences and the resulting emotions can have a significant impact not only on our mental state but also on our brain and body. EFT recognizes and works with the interconnectedness of the mind and body, acknowledging that pain is influenced by psychological factors as much as it is by physical ones. [read more here].
