Unlocking Emotional Freedom: Exploring the Power of EFT Therapy
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) has emerged as a transformative therapeutic approach, seamlessly blending cognitive and somatic elements to address a myriad of physiological and psychological symptoms. Originating in 1995, EFT has garnered widespread recognition for its efficacy and versatility in promoting emotional well-being.
Understanding EFT Therapy:
EFT, often referred to as “Tapping,” is a brief self-applied stress reduction technique that combines elements of cognitive therapy with physical stimulation of acupuncture points. Its effectiveness has been established for addressing phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and pain management, among other issues.
While EFT can tackle a range of complex emotional challenges, its basic protocol is straightforward and easily learnable. It revolves around two primary activities: verbalizing or thinking about the issue at hand, and tapping on specific acupuncture points on the body. By focusing on the concern, its historical roots, associated bodily sensations, and desired changes, individuals can effectively address emotional obstacles.
How to Tap:
Tapping involves stimulating acupoints on the face and upper body using two fingers, typically the index and middle fingers. The pressure applied should be firm yet comfortable. Each tapping point is targeted while stating short reminder phrases, allowing individuals to stay engaged with the issue while activating the body’s energy meridians. Tapping can help alleviate distressing feelings, negative thoughts, and self-limiting behaviors, while also fostering more positive emotional states and beliefs.
The EFT process involves five basic steps:
Recognize and Rate: Identify the issue and rate its distress level on a scale of 0 to 10 using the Subjective Units of Distress (SUD) rating.
Setup Statement: Formulate a setup statement acknowledging the problem while fostering self-acceptance, and repeat it while tapping on the side-of-the-hand point.
Tapping Sequence: Tap through all eight EFT points on the face and upper body while maintaining focus on the issue and using short reminder phrases.
Re-Rate Distress: Take a moment to reevaluate the distress level on the SUD scale after tapping.
Repeat if Necessary: Continue tapping through additional rounds until the distress level decreases to a low level, ideally 1 or 0.
Why Negative Statements?
While some may question the use of negative statements in the setup phase, it serves a crucial purpose in engaging the brain’s stress and emotional processing canters, such as the amygdala and limbic system. By acknowledging and briefly engaging with negative feelings or sensations, individuals can effectively release them through tapping, leading to a calmer physiological response and potential cognitive shifts.
Tapping to Reduce SUD and Calm the Amygdala:
The tapping sequence not only stimulates acupressure points but also plays a vital role in reducing distress levels. Research suggests that tapping may help calm the amygdala, responsible for processing emotions like fear and anxiety. By engaging in tapping, individuals may experience decreased amygdala activation, leading to a sense of calmness and emotional regulation.
Conditions Treated with EFT:
Research has demonstrated the efficacy of EFT in treating various conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, pain management, and weight management. Studies have shown promising results across diverse populations, highlighting EFT as an evidence-based practice.
EFT in Australia:
In Australia, EFT has gained traction as a valuable therapeutic modality, with figures like Peta Stapleton contributing to its promotion and research. Stapleton’s work has demonstrated EFT’s efficacy in improving psychological and physiological well-being among diverse populations.
Current Research and Studies:
Ongoing research continues to explore the effectiveness of EFT across different contexts and populations. Studies conducted in Australia and internationally have shown promising results, establishing EFT as an evidence-based practice for treating various psychological and physiological conditions.
Conclusion:
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) offers a holistic and effective approach to addressing a wide range of emotional and physical symptoms. With its simple yet powerful techniques, EFT empowers individuals to unlock emotional freedom and cultivate greater well-being.
Author: Ania Harnden, BSocialWork, AMHSW, EMDR Therapist
If you or someone you know wants to speak to a professional regarding EFT, don’t hesitate to book in with Ania Harnden.
To book an appointment with Ania, select Online Booking or call Vision Psychology Brisbane on (07) 3088 5422.
References:
Church, Dawson, et al. “Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health.” Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 2019.
Church, Dawson, et al. “Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review.” Frontiers in Psychology, 2022.
Bustamante-Paster, Araceli. “The Efficacy of EFT on the Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Basis for the Development of Psychological Acupuncture Intervention.” International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Analysis, July 2022.
Peta Stapleton, The Ultimate Tapping Guide, 2019.