Exploring Emotional Freedom Techniques: Personal and Client Experiences
Introduction
In the realm of holistic therapies, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) often come across as a blend of ancient acupressure principles and modern psychology. EFT, also known as “tapping,” involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on particular negative emotions or physical sensations. The practice is aimed at balancing the energy system of the body and aids in alleviating various psychological stresses and physical pain. In this blog, I will delve into how EFT has been effective in my personal experience and with my clients, supported by anecdotal evidence and information that is important for some… scientific backing.
Personal Experience with EFT
I first discovered EFT in 2001, when I was told I would never be able to conceive. My reflexologist suggested I tapped on some points to help with anxiety, so I did. This was a complete ‘do as you are told’ situation because there was no advanced google to research. Fast forward to 2008, I did in fact get pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby girl. However, there were complications, I was very unwell and was diagnosed in January 2009 with PTSD. Struggling with my mental health I landed back in front of an EFT practitioner and six sessions that had me ‘comfortably uncomfortable’ on a plane ready on our first family holiday.
I stuck with the EFT and various other techniques but it was the EFT that would remain my consistent go to tool. In 2014, I went to a Hay House Conference and saw Nick Ortner in action and having certified in Kinesiology and Nutrition as that time and running an holistic business, I sat in the audience with an overwhelming sense of knowing…I need to do this with others!
EFT is a remarkable technique that promised to help individuals release emotional baggage and find peace within themselves. Nick and co piqued my interest to very high heights, and I decided to delve deeper into this seemingly unconventional method. Little did I know that this choice would alter the course of my life forever.
It became a tool I turned to before presentations, important meetings, and during personal crises and still do.
Effectiveness with Clients
As a therapist, integrating EFT into my practice was driven by my positive personal experience. I introduced EFT to clients who were open and observed varied positive outcomes. For example, a client with chronic anxiety reported significant reductions in their anxiety levels after several sessions of EFT. Another notable case involved a client who experienced PTSD symptoms; while EFT did not cure the PTSD, it helped the client manage their acute stress and flashbacks more effectively and they were able to return back to ‘normal’.
Don’t just take my word for it:
The Holistic coach (Rebecca) has been an incredibly kind, understanding, patient and compassionate coach who has given me the space I have needed for so many years to begin to tackle the root causes of a long-term eating disorder. Working with Rebecca has made me incredibly self-aware of how the eating disorder functions and why it developed in the first place. Week by week we have unraveled many years of unhelpful thinking patterns and thought processes that have kept the eating disorder going for so long. Before working with Rebecca, I had no hope in ever making a full recovery but I finally have hope that I can overcome my struggles with food, body image and self-worth and become the untamed, wild and free version of myself I was always meant to be! Amongst the sessions focusing on the eating disorder and other issues that have crept up, we have spent time using meditation, visualisations, breath work and EFT which have been incredibly useful tools. The holistic coach is more than just a place to chat, it’s a place to get to know the real you, a place to reconnect with yourself, take time to stop, breathe and grow into the human you were always meant to be. Forever grateful!” Z.T.
What Does the Research Say?
The scientific community has shown a growing interest in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and there is a body of research examining its efficacy. Here’s a summary of the evidence supporting the effectiveness of EFT, focusing on studies that explore its impact on various psychological conditions:
1. Anxiety Reduction
Several studies have assessed the effects of EFT on anxiety highlighting that EFT was significantly better at reducing anxiety compared to control conditions and maintained these improvements over time.
2. Impact on Depression
EFT has also been studied in the context of depression. A systematic review of multiple studies indicated that EFT could significantly reduce depression symptoms in a variety of populations, including college students, veterans, and individuals with chronic illnesses. These effects were found to be comparable to other evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
3. PTSD and Trauma
One of the most promising areas of EFT research is its application in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma. A randomised controlled trial involving veterans with PTSD showed that those who received EFT therapy reported significantly lower psychological distress and PTSD symptom levels compared to those in the control group. Follow-up sessions showed that these improvements were sustained over time, indicating lasting benefits.
4. Stress and Physiological Markers
Research has not only focused on psychological symptoms but also on physiological markers such as stress hormones. One study measured cortisol levels before and after EFT sessions and found a significant reduction in cortisol levels after the intervention. This provides a potential biological basis for the stress-reducing claims of EFT.
5. Pain Management
EFT has been explored as a method for managing various forms of physical pain. Research indicates that EFT can help reduce pain intensity in individuals dealing with chronic illnesses and conditions. This suggests a psychosomatic component where tapping on meridian points while focusing on pain can help alleviate it.
Emotional Freedom Techniques can be a valuable tool for both personal and professional use. For anyone considering EFT, I recommend approaching it with an open mind and consulting with a trained practitioner to guide the process effectively if you are seeking support with your mental health, limiting beliefs or pain etc.
Get in touch for a free clarity call if you would like to know more about how EFT may help you and/or your clients.
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