Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
What is EFT?
Emotional Freedom Technique, commonly referred to as EFT or tapping, is a form of acupressure. While EFT and acupressure share similarities, they also have distinct differences. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that has been around for over 4000 years, focusing on applying continuous pressure to specific points or meridians on the body using fingers, palms, elbows, or special devices. This helps to stimulate the body's natural self-healing abilities by removing blockages and promoting the flow of qi (life energy) along these meridians..
EFT, also known as tapping, is a more modern adaptation of acupressure. Rather than applying continuous pressure, EFT involves gently tapping specific meridian points while concentrating on a particular issue, thought, or emotion. This technique was developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig and is designed to alleviate physical and emotional stress, balance the body's energy system, and facilitate psychological healing.
While both acupressure and EFT aim to restore the body's energy balance and promote well-being, EFT incorporates a psychological component, directly addressing emotional issues with verbal statements combined with tapping. This dual approach makes EFT a versatile and user-friendly method for addressing a wide range of emotional and physical problems and is designed to reduce physical and emotional stress and promote psychological healing.
EFT is designed to balance the body's energy system and reduce the emotional charge associated with the issue. It can also be used to recognise, explore, and overcome limiting beliefs and behavioural patterns.
What can it treat?
EFT is used to treat a variety of emotional and physical problems, such as:
- Releasing and transforming difficult emotions such as anxiety, stress, depression, sadness, anger, guilt, and frustration
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Phobias
- Physical pain (Do not use if the pain is needed to help your Doctor make a diagnosis)
- Weight loss, food cravings and body image issues
- Performance anxiety (e.g., public speaking, sports)
- Self-esteem and confidence issues
- Addictions and cravings
By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of these conditions, EFT can help individuals achieve greater emotional freedom and overall well-being. Sessions can be purely EFT based, or EFT can also a great addition to your therapy session, helping you address your difficulties quicker.
EFT is best done in person or by video call. I demonstrate the tapping points on myself and you mirror me as we go through the rounds. Before we begin, we discuss the set-up statement and reminder phrases wording to ensure they resonate with your own personal experience. Those who are willing to engage with the process are likely to find EFT useful.
How does it work?
EFT reprogrammes the brain's response to psychological distress by memory reconsolidation.
When we experience stress or trauma, our brain forms strong neural connections associated with those negative feelings. Over time, these connections can become deeply ingrained, leading to persistent anxiety, fear, or other emotional disturbances.
EFT tapping disrupts these established neural pathways. By tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on negative emotions or traumatic memories, individuals can send calming signals to the brain. This dual activity helps to weaken the strength of the negative neural connections and reduces the intensity of the emotional response.
As old, negative neural pathways are weakened through EFT, new, positive pathways can be established. This process is known as neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections. By practicing EFT, individuals can reprogramme their brain to respond to stressors with calmness and clarity rather than anxiety or fear.
EFT has also been shown to influence the production of stress hormones like cortisol. By reducing cortisol levels, EFT helps to bring the body's hormonal balance back to a more harmonious state. This balance is crucial for emotional regulation and overall well-being. Lower cortisol levels are associated with reduced anxiety, improved mood, and better emotional resilience.
EFT V EMDR
Similarities
Both EFT and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) are used to treat emotional and psychological issues, such as anxiety, trauma, and depression.
Both techniques involve the client focusing on a specific issue or memory while engaging in a physical process (tapping for EFT and eye movements for EMDR).
Both methods aim to reduce the emotional intensity associated with distressing memories or emotions.
Differences
Methodology: EFT involves tapping on meridian points, whereas EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements.
Theoretical Basis: EFT is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and energy psychology, while EMDR is grounded in the adaptive information processing model.
Structure: EMDR follows a structured eight-phase approach, whereas EFT is more flexible in its application.
Both EFT and EMDR have been supported by research and clinical practice and are shown to be equally effective. However, EFT can be gentler on the client and may be quicker at resolving issues.
To read more about EFT read this article.
If you would like to book in for an EFT session, please click here or see the get in touch at the bottom of each page if you have any questions I can help you with before you book in.
Disclaimer
EFT should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.
It is not intended to diagnose or treat any particular individual or condition.
You should not stop or change your medication without consulting your doctor.
EFT should not be used for pain or other issues that may be pending diagnosis e.g. your Doctor may need to understand/locate your pain to make a diagnosis.
Get in touch
Please click here to make a booking. Or use this form to contact me with any questions you may have.
You can call me on 07488312784 if you would prefer to speak to me first.
I am happy to discuss any questions you may have prior to arranging your first appointment.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours Monday to Thursday. If I haven't gotten back to you within this timescale, please don't hesitate to chase me up again through this contact form.
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