EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT / Tapping, is a combination of 8 well-accepted mechanisms in psychology, plus Acupressure, that together facilitate rapid emotional, cognitive, and physical processing of distressing experiences.

Tapping works by calming the nervous system and results in improved emotional regulation. It is used by millions of people world-wide and continues to be be extensively researched.  It is effective for phobia, trauma, anxiety, cravings and addiction, reduction of physical symptoms and more.

EFT Tapping for Trauma

We all experience various forms of trauma in our lives. These range from day-to-day interactions that leave their mark on us, to large events that we all recognize easily. Regardless, the impact trauma has on our lives is considerable. By reprocessing distressing thoughts, feelings and experiences with Tapping, we eliminate cumulative stress on the nervous system.

Tapping can be a very effective coping skill. But it isn’t just about feeling better in the moment. It is about resolving sources of distress once and for all. In fact, Harvard Medical School Psychiatrist Eric Leskowitz, MD, says it’s “the most powerful intervention I’ve encountered in 25 years of work.” Meanwhile, trauma researcher Bessel van der Kolk, MD, has said, “I could not do my trauma work without Tapping.”

 

How Does EFT Work?

Research and clinical experience with EFT Tapping points to the following mechanisms at play:

• Imaginal Exposure
• Acupressure
• Somatic, Emotional and Cognitive Activation (CNS Activation)
• Amygdala/Prefrontal Cortex Rewiring & Deactivation
• Information Processing & Reprocessing
• Cognitive Restructuring
• Memory Re-consolidation and
• Eye Movement and Reprocessing

Chances are that you’ve heard of or been exposed to at least a few of these mechanisms. Tapping elegantly combines all of these into a seamless and intuitive process that is simple to learn. We can incorporate EFT Tapping apping into as much of our work as you like in order to provide you with as much relief as quickly as possible. EFT Tapping Intensives are available for anyone wanting an “individualized workshop” approach to achieve as much progress as possible in a short period of time.

If you have any questions about EFT Tapping, please feel free to email me.

The Science of Tapping

In a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of fifty veterans diagnosed with PTSD, 86% of them no longer met criteria for this diagnosis after only 6 sessions with EFT. (You can read the story of RM here in the National Center for Biotechnology Information.) The study participants sustained these results at 3 and 6 month follow ups.

Another study measured a dramatic reduction in participants’ cortisol levels (down 24-50%) after Tapping. Cortisol is a hormone that regulates stress in our bodies and contributes to the disease process.

To date there are over 100 research studies on EFT. The American Psychological Association has approved Energy Medicine (including EFT Tapping) for their members’ Continuing Education. They have not, however, approved Tapping as an ‘evidence-based’ therapy modality, in spite of EFT meeting the APA’s definition of “evidence-based.” For this reason, I am required to inform you that EFT / Tapping is still considered “experimental” in some circles.  I encourage everyone to try Tapping and make your own determination about its effectiveness based on your own experience.  I also encourage you to read the research for yourself at EFT International’s Research Page.

EFT Tapping Trainer (NQT)

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia and an approved Telehealth provider in Florida.  I am also an EFT Tapping Trainer (NQT) certified by EFT International. It has been my pleasure to have been mentored in EFT by master level trainers. I have worked with several EFT mentors including the originator of the first-ever training program in EFT, Ann Adams, LCSW.

I’d love to see you at my workshops, trainings, and other EFT activities.