What is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)?

A mind-body modality that is safe, gentle, and non-invasive, EFT is an evidence-based therapeutic technique which uses acupressure points to modify the stress response in the body. Combining the physical benefits of acupressure with the cognitive and linguistic benefits of conventional talk therapy, EFT promotes somatic awareness while enabling positive cognitive shifts.

EFT operates on the premise that no matter what part of your life needs to change for the better, there are unresolved emotional issues in the way. Tapping as we verbalise the problem allows an acknowledgement, flow and release of uncomfortable feelings like anger, hurt, guilt, fear or grief which may be negatively affecting our daily lives. Using this technique helps us to become aware of the negative thoughts and beliefs behind our emotional experiences; we use EFT to clear any specific distressing or negative aspects before opening up to more positive possibilities in that area.

EFT is a form of Energy Psychology, the name for a broad range of psychological treatments that utilise the human energy system.
: Energy Psychology in the Age of Covid-19: What does the research say? Research demonstrates, time and again, that energy psychology methods can very effectively address anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. Even more strikingly, recent research suggests that energy psychology can boost our immunity, and thus may help keep us from getting sick. [Read more…]
: The Science and Research Behind EFT Tapping [Watch videos + Read more…]

: Press Release from EFT International: Tapping “Can Reduce Coronavirus Anxiety” – New research suggests EFT tapping can reduce stress hormone levels [PDF of press release… ]

EFT helps with emotional as well as physical pain. Unresolved negative experiences reside as triggers and disruptions in our mind and body. The physical symptoms we feel from those disruptions (for example, tight chest, clenched stomach, racing heart, etc), become attached to the memory of that experience and affect the way we see the world until we clear that disruption. Properly applied, EFT balances our autonomic nervous system and realigns our neural pathways; this disconnects the physical discomfort that we attach to negative feelings and memories, which often helps to remove the physical symptoms.

EFT has yielded remarkable results for relieving emotional as well as physical distress and often works when nothing else will. Since it does not involve drugs or other medical interventions, it is different from conventional medical approaches. EFT continues to gain a wider recognition within the mainstream psychotherapy and medical community.

Watch Professor Tony Stewart, a specialist in public health, talking about EFT on BBC News:

EFT has proven effective with a wide range of both physical and emotional issues. EFT Can Help to:

Relieve stress
Diminish anxiety and anxious fears and feelings
Release and transform painful, uncomfortable feelings like anger, guilt, grief, fear, etc.
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
Increase self-esteem, self-empowerment and confidence
Improve or even eliminate chronic physical discomfort or pain
Enhance performance in any area; sports, musical, artistic, professional, sexual, etc.
Resolve financial blocks
Increase energy and productivity
Empower children, parents and families
Benefit the lives of animals
Move us beyond negative, self-limiting thoughts and beliefs toward positive change

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor Frankl

EFT: News, Science and Research

A small sample:

Questions? Read the EFT FAQ here.

Demo of the EFT tapping points

A short video introducing myself and a demonstration of the tapping points used in EFT