What is EFT?

EFT is a simple to use stress reduction technique that can be self applied to calm the mind and body.  Some people call it emotional acupuncture without needles.  You use your fingertips to physically tap on acupoints on the hands face and upper body.  While tapping you focus on a negative emotion, which sends a calming signal to the brain ... despite the negative emotion. 

The practice is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This healing approach focuses on blockages in the body’s energy channels, or meridians, that can disrupt physical and emotional well-being — similar to a short circuit in an electrical grid. 

Strange as it might sound, tapping on these points helps to remove these blocks and restore these systems — including our moods and attitudes — to a more balanced state.

EFT is a way to regulate the fight, flight and freeze response.  The technique allows you to safely talk about a fear while identifying where it is felt in the body.  Tapping simulateously while talking about this emotion and the physical sensation sends a different, calming signal to the brain. 

YES !  It is very simple, flexible and portable.  I encourage clients to develop their own simple daily tapping routine.  

EFT is a tool for everyone. It can be easily learned and practiced by anyone effectively if you learn the basics. There is a wealth of free resources available on a wide range of topics which is amazing.  Many people find these very useful as part of their self care.

So why work with a practitioner? 

1.  A practitioner will work on YOUR specific issues with you.  As Gary Craig, the founder of EFT said 'The more specific you get,

the more precise your results AND the closer you come to the core of your issues'.

2.  If  are you working with intense emotional issues, traumas and don’t feel safe accessing those issues, the safest way to work with those issues will be to work with a practitioner.

3.  Sometimes you just need help, and a guide.  Working on issues can be challenging.   If you find that you are procrastinating you may want to consider working with a practitioner who will work with you to set goals so that you can start seeing progress. 

EFT works beautifully with hypnosis !! 

Hypnosis induces a deeply relaxed state, where the mind becomes highly receptive to positive suggestions. In this place you can start visualizing your new reality - your new way of being.  When EFT tapping is incorporated into a session the relaxation response can be further enhanced, making it easier to connect to this state.  The combination of the techniques combines and harnesses the power of each to powerfully create your new reality. 

This is something that might puzzle a lot of people, especially newcomers to EFT. 

EFT tapping acknowledges that the issue is there. That there is a problem. And it works beautifully to clear it, while pairing it with self-acceptance.  Saying that despite the difficulties going on I can still love and support myself can be powerfully therapeutic.

My favorite analogy on this topic is 'you can't clean your house properly unless you see the dirt'.