What is EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)?

EFT is a mind-body therapy that combines tapping on specific acupuncture points with focused attention on the issue at hand, while you verbalise related words or phrases. Research has shown that negative emotions and chronic pain are linked to disruptions in the body’s energy system. By tapping on these acupuncture points, this helps to balance your system in relation to the issue leading to relief from emotional, mental, and physical distress. 

Our thoughts and emotions directly influence our nervous system, and our stress hormones, among other bodily and psychological responses. And so, by working with the mind-body connection as EFT Tapping does, we get effective and lasting results. 

With EFT Tapping, we have ways of getting to the root of the problem and working to release the effect it has on you. We can start with what you are experiencing on the surface and then follow that as we talk and tap, and then the underlying deeper issues start to come to the surface. We can then work through these deeper underlying issues with the tapping. We use gentle techniques when needed, so that you don’t get too overwhelmed with emotions. 

The creator of EFT, Gary Craig named it ‘techniques’ in the plural because it is made up of a number of techniques integrated into how we use the tapping. There is really an art in how to use EFT for the most deep and lasting results, however, the basic procedure is easy to learn and apply for self-help. 

The Science Behind EFT

Numerous studies have shown EFT to be highly effective for many issues, including conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and chronic physical pain. It has been shown that it can reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and improve emotional regulation among other significant beneficial biological effects.  

If you are interested in reading more about the science behind EFT there are many resources available online. EFT International is the main governing body for EFT, and they have a page here on EFT Science and Research. Another website, not directly related to EFT that has a good article about the science of EFT is The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. They have an informative article called The Science Behind Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Cortisol Reduction.  

The Benefits of EFT

EFT can help with a wide range of issues on an emotional, mental, and physical level. Compared to conventional talk therapy, EFT works faster and more deeply, providing relief by addressing both the emotional charge and the psychological blocks associated with an issue. 

Some key benefits of EFT Tapping include: 

• Rapid relief from emotional distress – With EFT, we can work to process and resolve emotional issues, gently and effectively, from everyday worries to deep-seated trauma. 

• Healing trauma and PTSD – EFT is a gentle and non-retraumatizing way to release trauma. 

• Overcoming fears, phobias – EFT can help you to overcome fears and phobias in a gentle and non-retraumatizing way. 

• Overcoming the psychological blocks that hold you back – You can overcome blocks to success such as fears of failure in your career, or issues that get in the way of having healthy relationships. 

• Relief from physical pain – EFT can be effective for reducing and sometimes even eliminating chronic physical pain. 

• You can keep issues private – if you don’t feel comfortable talking about a certain issue, or specific details, you can just focus on how you feel while tapping and have significant shifts. This makes it especially valuable for people who find it difficult to discuss certain experiences. 

• Faster results compared to traditional therapy – Clients often start to feel better from the first session, although deeper more lasting work typically requires a number of sessions. However, the process is generally faster, deeper, with long lasting results and requires fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy. 

• Shifts in perception – Once emotional charges are released, people often find they see past issues in a new, more positive light. 

Even those who are sceptical at first can be surprised at how effective it is, turning them into advocates of EFT. 

Issues That EFT Can Help With

Issues that EFT can help with include: 

• Anxiety issues
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Trauma
• Physical pain
• Stress & overwhelm
• Grief
• Fears and phobias
• Addictions
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• PTSD
• Weight issues & body confidence
• Food issues and eating disorders
• Confidence
• Feeling stuck
• And so much more…… 

How You Can Benefit from EFT Tapping

EFT is an effective self-help tool for many issues. However, for deeper and more lasting results, working with an experienced EFT practitioner is highly recommended. This is especially important when working with potentially traumatic issues so that you can safely and can effectively work through those issues without being too overwhelmed or retraumatised. 

I offer EFT sessions face to face in Luton, Bedfordhsire, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and also through online EFT sessions.

In my work with clients, I tailor each session to the individual, integrating EFT with other techniques such as hypnotherapy and NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) to maximize effectiveness. 

If you have any questions, I’m happy to chat. I offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute consultation. If you’d like to discuss any issues you are struggling, feel free to get in touch to arrange a complimentary call. 

Disclaimer: This website does not provide medical advice. This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. Consult your GP or otherwise medically qualified health professional regarding any medical issues you have, changes to your treatment or medication.