This is a body-energy technique that has profound psychological effects in the exciting new field of Energy Psychology. Deirdre with her background in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine became fascinated with these Emotional Freedom Techniques.
Essentially, EFT is a form of
"psychological acupressure" - except that needles are not used. The
approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various body locations. This tapping
balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience
an emotionally disturbing circumstance. Once balanced, the upset is usually
resolved - the memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the
result is lasting and is also accompanied by positive changes in thinking. The
technique is easy to learn and ideal for self-help.
EFT has been successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, anger and guilt. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships.
Using EFT, many problems can be resolved very quickly and most general anxiety-based problems respond to the technique in from 1 to 4 sessions. Other problems may require persistence over a number of sessions with the client doing the tapping at home on a daily basis. This persistence frequently results in complete relief - although results with addictions and depression are often less spectacular.
EFT can be helpful for many of the negative emotions related to many different conditions experienced by our clients.
EFT does not require extensive verbal skills, emotional expressiveness or experience of psychotherapeutic processes. Since EFT works physiologically it can be useful for neurological as well as emotional conditions. EFT is very safe - it either works or it doesn't, and it does not make conditions worse. The technique allows clients to manage their own emotions and, with adequate training and practice, this can give lasting freedom, autonomy and self control. It appears to be effective 90% of the time. Sometimes the results are almost magical!
EFT seems to produce permanent effects for many conditions. If a condition returns, repeated EFT sessions will usually release the condition and treating all "aspects" of the problem stabilises the results.