What is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)?

What is Emotional Freedom Technique?

Emotional Freedom Technique is an amazingly effective tool for reducing and even eliminating distress and unresourceful patterns of behaviours.

It is very simple to use, and is something I teach to many of my clients as a way of continuing the progress made during sessions. Whilst EFT can be taught to virtually everyone, and therefore could be considered as a sort of mental or emotional First Aid tool.

What is EFT used for?

Emotional Freedom Technique is used for quite a wide range of issues, from PTST to nightmares.  Stress and anxiety to depression. Insomnia to back pain. Cravings to fears and phobias.

There isn’t a therapy in the world that will suit every issue, or every client, but EFT has brought benefits where other remarkable therapies have not. 

Where did it come from?

Emotional Freedom Technique is also known as EFT or Tapping. It was developed in the 90’s.  It has developed out of TFT, or Though Field Therapy created by Dr. Roger Callaghan.   Callaghan developed TFT because he was frustrated with the lack of results that conventional approaches to emotional and mental distress brought to his clients.  He developed a wide number protocols that he called “Algorithms” to resolve various issues, such as anger, anxiety, depression or phobia.  He taught Gary Craig who felt that this approach could be streamlined in respect of the algorithms and made more effective by introducing other aspects.
Craig simplified the algorithms into what he called The Basic Recipe. 

Energy Psychology?

EFT falls under the wide umbrella of “energy medicine” or “energy psychology” because it makes use of energy meridians that flow through the body.  These are the same meridians that are used in acupressure, and acupuncture. We mainly use “tapping” points  in the head and upper torso.

EFT Tapping Points.
1 – EB = Eyebrow.  2 – SE = Side of Eye.  3 – UE = Under Eye.  4 – UN = Under Nose.5 – Ch = Chin.  6 – CB = Collarbone.  7 – UA = Under Arm.
8. Th = Thumb.  9 – IF = Index Finger.  10 – MF = Middle Finger. 11 – BF = Baby Finger. 12 – KC = Karate Chop.

EFT Tapping Points & Acupuncture

In the same way that emotional and physical problems are treated in acupuncture by inserting needles into points along meridians, so EFT addresses issues of emotional and mental distress – even physical issues sometimes – by tapping on the end point of those meridians.
In the chart below you can see how the EFT tapping points correspond to some acupuncture points.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what’s the idea?

Well here is one theory and putting it very simply.

If you go to see a counsellor they might presume there is a connection between negative memories and negative feelings.  If you see a hypnotherapist they might presume a conflict between the conscious and the unconscious mind.
In EFT it is presumed that the flow of energy in the body is blocked or otherwise disrupted.  Where there is a natural flow of energy negative states cannot occur – explaining why some people are troubled by their memories and some are not. EFT has been described as “like acupuncture without needles”.  You can find out about some of the scientific theories in other blog posts.

How does this work?

It is very straight forward.  You make an appointment, either via video link (Skype Zoom of something else) or face to face and we take it from there.

1st You will tell me a little bit about your problem, when it started, why it bothers you, and  how you would like to be instead.  Some issues are totally straightforward, some have multiple aspect.  So we consider the aspects.

2nd We hone in on the real crux of the matter and then we get to work.

3rd Whilst we are working on your issue(s) I will also be teaching the method to you at the same time, so that you can carry on the process of self healing with EFT in between sessions. YOU DO THE TAPPING ON YOURSELF.

A lot of clients find that having this tool and being able to take responsibility for positive change in their life brings them a great sense of satisfaction, confidence and greater feelings of control.   So EFT is an excellent technique to use online, or here in Chigwell.

Help in between sessions? 

It doesn’t matter if you cannot take in everything on the first session because I provide a link to a video of me taking you through the process.  You will also receive a handout with detailed instructions, and appropriate support by email if required until the next session.

What do others say about EFT?

If you look up EFT on the internet “is EFT effective?” you will find as many results that say it is pseudoscience and bunkum as you will find glowing reviews and studies demonstrating its efficacy. 

Bruce Lipton PhD, developmental biologist and author of “The Biology of Belief” –

“EFT us a simple, powerful process the can profoundly influence gene activity, health and behaviour”.

Candace Pert PhD was a neuroscientist and pharmacologist.  She was medical pioneer discovering the opiate receptor that binds endorphins in the brain and wrote extensively about the effect of neuropeptides in the brain affecting the immune system.  Author of “Molecules of Emotion”

“EFT is at the forefront of the new healing movement”.

Deepak Chopra, MD – endocrinologist.  Author of many books he has studied the biological basis for thoughts and emotions, Author of “Quantum Healing” among many other books.

“EFT offers great healing benefits”.

What My Clients Say.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While EFT has produced remarkable clinical results, it must still be considered to be in the experimental stage.  It is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment, and you might want to contact your GP in the first instance.

Gavin Bowtell provide EFT in Chigwell, Essex, and EFT online.