Clinical EFT is an evidence-based clinical and self-help modality combining cognitive, somatic and exposure therapy elements with the manual stimulation of acupuncture points. It has been described as “an emotional acupuncture without needles” because it is based on the same theory of Chinese acupuncture according to which our body has a map of meridians running throughout the body that carry energy through our system. The principle behind EFT is that mind and body are intrinsically interconnected and are part of the same system. The “acupoints” are based on the face, hands and torso; by “tapping” on them, the unpleasant emotions associated with triggers, memories, thoughts or behaviours are decreased or released.

From a neuroscience perspective, this evidence-based technique appears to decrease stress and foster cognitive shifts by sending a calming signal to the amygdala, the stress centre of our brain. The tapping has been shown to deactivate the “threat response” that is triggered as a reaction to a stimulus perceived as unsafe and decreases the production of cortisol. This process appears to change the neural pathways, release individuals from their stressors and enable them to have a cognitive shift and make different choices. This allows the nervous system to feel safe again and to make the necessary physiological changes in our body to stop having that unpleasant reaction. Research also shows this technique produces quicker and more long-lasting results than talking therapy. These results have been documented using fMRI and neuroimaging equipment (please get in touch with me for links to these studies).

The success and beauty of EFT is that it brings together the ancient tradition of Chinese Medicine, the healing practices of the East and the modern principles and research of psychology and neuroscience. EFT has proved to help with a wide range of conditions, such as:

Stress
Anxiety
Trauma
Depression
Anger
Feelings of Isolation and Detachment
Phobias, i.e. claustrophobia, agoraphobia, fear of spiders, snakes, etc.
Sleeping Problems
Traumatic Memories and Events
PTSD
Dependency Issues, i.e. alcohol, food, gambling, nicotine, etc.
Chronic Pain

Important: unlike other therapies where the client is asked to relive the trauma, with EFT, this is avoided by putting in place strategies that allow the client to remain distanced throughout the work so that the risk of re-traumatisation is wholly removed.