What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)?

EFT is a goal-oriented way to address whatever is coming up for you. It can be used to support anxious feelings; to let go of fear and phobias; to reduce stress; to develop self-esteem; to reduce toxic shame; to let go of unwanted habits; to build new habits; to deal with cravings; and to manage pain. EFT draws upon a person's innate capacity for healing and renewal. EFT is an effective tool for reducing stress and managing chronic conditions. Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as Tapping) is a tool to calm the stress response in the body and brain and help create positive changes in emotions, thoughts and behaviours. EFT was created when a psychologist combined their training in psychology with the meridian system used in acupuncture, acupressure, and shiatsu. Tapping is akin to acupuncture but instead of using needles, the meridian points are gently tapped or massaged with the fingertips.

What can I expect from an EFT Session?

At the beginning of an EFT session, we have a consultation to get to the root of the issue and choose words to acknowledge the feelings and sensations you are experiencing. During tapping you safely release specific emotions and body sensations like anxiety, anger, fear, or cravings. While tapping and talking about your issue, you send a calming message to the fear centre in your brain so you are able to relax and let go. When the body has stored emotions or beliefs during times of trauma, stress, oppression, or illness, they can be worked through with tapping, so their emotional intensity is reduced, and you are able to let go of any limiting beliefs you hold about yourself. EFT can be used as a standalone treatment, or we can combine it with therapeutic art-making during your session.

Where do we tap?

How does EFT Tapping work?

When we tap on the meridian points of the face and body, we send an electromagnetic signal across the skin to the amygdala and this has a calming effect on the nervous system. The amygdala is an almond-shaped gland in the limbic system of the brain that is responsible for storing emotions and our long-term memory. The amygdala is often nicknamed ‘the smoke detector’ because it is responsible for mobilising the body’s fight or flight mechanism in response to a perceived or real threat. When we tap, we signal to the amygdala that we are safe so it can stop producing stress hormones, and when are in a calmer state, we are more able to respond from a place of emotional safety, so we are able to overcome previous fears and create new healthier habits.

Is EFT Evidence-Based?

Many therapists, and medical and mental health professionals, are using EFT as an emerging complementary therapy in their practice as we work towards achieving evidence-based therapy standards. Clinical trials and studies have shown EFT is effective for trauma, cravings, phobias, stress, pain relief, reduction in the side effects of cancer treatments, and the ability to improve immune function. EFT has not yet passed the gold standard threshold to be considered an evidence-based therapy. However, EFT is akin to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprogramming (EMDR) which has reached the minimum threshold to be designated as an evidence-based treatment. The latest NHS-based clinical trial published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (2011) compared EMDR to EFT for post-traumatic stress, and EFT was shown to be as effective. Please visit www.eftandmindfulness.com for more information.

I am trained to Advanced Level and have accreditation through the EFT and Mindfulness Centre where members must attend supervision and CPD to maintain their practice.

If you would like to hear more please get in touch to book a consultation.