What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)?

EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, is a goal-oriented approach designed to address various emotional and physical challenges. It can help support anxious feelings, release fears and phobias, reduce stress, enhance self-esteem, alleviate toxic shame, eliminate unwanted habits, cultivate new habits, manage cravings, and even relieve pain. EFT taps into a person's innate capacity for healing and renewal, making it an effective tool for stress reduction and managing chronic conditions.

EFT is also known as Tapping, which aids in calming the body's stress response and fostering positive changes in emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. The technique was developed when a psychologist combined their expertise in psychology with the meridian system used in acupuncture, acupressure, and shiatsu. Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles, Tapping involves gently tapping or massaging the meridian points with the fingertips.

What Should I Expect From an EFT Session?

When we begin an EFT session together, we'll start with a thoughtful consultation to pinpoint the root of your concerns. This is a safe space where we'll explore your unique thoughts, feelings, and sensations. By identifying what you're experiencing, we can then use EFT tapping to gently release those emotions and physical sensations linked to anxiety, anger, fear, or frustration.

As we tap and discuss your experiences, we'll send a soothing message to the fear centre of your brain. This empowering process allows you to relax and feel a range of emotions, making it easier to let go of whatever's been holding you back—free from fear or shame.

Where Do We Tap?

How does EFT Tapping work?

When we tap on the meridian points located on the face and body, we send an electromagnetic signal across the skin to the amygdala, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. The amygdala is an almond-shaped gland in the brain's limbic system responsible for storing emotions and long-term memories. It's often referred to as 'the smoke detector' because it activates the body's fight-or-flight response when faced with perceived or real threats. By tapping, we signal to the amygdala that we are safe, which stops the production of stress hormones. In this calmer state, we can respond from a position of emotional safety, allowing us to overcome previous fears and establish healthier habits.

Is EFT Evidence-Based?

A growing number of therapists, medical professionals, and mental health practitioners are incorporating EFT into their practices as an emerging complementary therapy. Although EFT has not yet reached the gold standard required to be considered an evidence-based therapy, clinical trials and studies have demonstrated its effectiveness for trauma, cravings, phobias, stress relief, pain management, reducing cancer treatment side effects, and improving immune function. Notably, EFT is similar to Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), which has met the minimum criteria for designation as an evidence-based treatment. A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease in 2011 compared EMDR to EFT for post-traumatic stress disorder, finding that EFT was equally effective.

For further information, please visit www.eftandmindfulness.com.

I am trained to an Advanced Level and hold accreditation through the EFT and Mindfulness Centre, where members are required to attend supervision and continuing professional development (CPD) to maintain their practice.

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