Emotional Freedom Techniques – A Closer Look
Need an EFT therapist in Chicago? Have you heard that tapping, also known as the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) – can help with anxiety, fear, worry, and panic? Need a counselor trained in this technique?
If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place. That’s because I use the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) with many of my clients.
And you know what else? I even use tapping to help some folks reduce symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD).
I’ll share with you what I’ve shared with them. When combined with different forms of therapy, tapping can be a powerful tool to create lasting change.
Below, I’ve included a video that walks you through precisely what the EFT looks like.
What Is Tapping Therapy?
In truth, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is nothing more than a natural approach to wellness whereby a person taps on various endpoints of the body (known as energy meridians) to reduce emotional intensity. It is considered a form of energy psychology.
First introduced in the 1990s by Gary Craig, EFT borrows from the world of mind-body wellness and acupuncture. The major principle of tapping is simply this:
All thoughts and emotions are forms of energy.
It doesn’t matter if those thoughts are positive or negative. What does matter is the ultimate result of those thoughts, which often manifests in the body and mind as panic and fear.
While your body certainly has many healing powers, stress and emotional problems can act as barriers to wellness. That’s where tapping comes in.
Many folks who experience relief from anxiety using EFT have found that it helps to clear their mind, make them more focused, and empower their ability to live in the here and now.
In this way, tapping is similar to other mindfulness-based approaches to wellness, such as a quick body scan meditation or various forms of relaxation hypnotherapy.
What Can EFT Therapy Be Used For?
EFT has been used for several different life challenges. Its benefits have been well documented in the clinical literature and considered a meaningful approach to wellness. You may be wondering what kinds of situations it can be applied to?
Here is a quick rundown:
- Reducing short-term stress
- Ameliorating symptoms of pain
- Coping with anxiety, increasing confidence, and reducing symptoms of depression
- Improving athletic performance through focused thought
- Helping to work through insomnia and encourage meaningful sleep.
Is EFT A Stand-Alone Treatment?
The simple answer is no. EFT is a coping technique and should be thought of as an adjunct to therapy. In this way, it is similar to hypnosis.
Tapping works best when it is combined with traditional approaches to wellness, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Components of it are also used with EMDR.
How Do You Use Tapping With Clients?
I use tapping to help clients soften the intensity of their emotions while encouraging them to feel more empowered.
Part of counseling and coaching involves teaching clients new skills. In a nutshell, that’s exactly what happens with tapping. I teach clients how to tap as a powerful coping tool.
Will EFT Work For Me?
For many people, tapping has helped them to work through anxiety, panic, fear, and worry. When used in conjunction with CBT, the benefits of EFT become more apparent.
Having an open mind and a willingness to learn a new skill largely impact the outcome.
It is worth stating there are no guarantees. Tapping is not a replacement for medical treatments provided by a physician or for psychotherapy offered by a licensed professional.
It’s best to think of tapping as a tool that you can call on as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness.
How Can I Book An Appointment?
To inquire about an appointment, please send a private note using the online contact form. You can also call 773.704.5300.
Please note that my ability to schedule new appointments is very limited. If I am not able to book with you, I will likely refer you to Dr. AJ Sturges (also trained in EFT) or another professional.
