What is EFT Tapping?

Often referred to as EFT Tapping or just Tapping, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a non-invasive energetic modality which helps to release blockages and ‘reprogram’ information that’s been locked away, often since early childhood.

One might liken it to a combination of acupuncture, without the needles, and brief talk therapy. The client taps on their own body on specific points while being guided with suggested words specific to their issue or situation. The process creates shifts in awareness of past events and current beliefs and allows for the information to be experienced in a new way, letting go of the emotional weight.

Created by Gary Craig, based upon older research and experiences with Thought Field Therapy (Dr. Roger Callahan), tapping can be used for almost any ailment or issue, from cravings and habits to physical pain and chronic conditions, anxiety and depression to PTSD and trauma responses. It’s based upon the idea that everything is energy, including emotions, and that energy can be stored in the body with the emotions in an unhelpful way, creating blockages in the system and an inability to access what we want. Tapping helps the body and energy system release these blocks and return to balance

Practitioners are able to guide clients through reprogramming of troubling or even traumatic events without triggering a trauma response, without the client needing to relive the trauma. The process can create shifts in a very short period of time…a handful of sessions rather than years of talk therapy. It can even be used when clients aren’t aware of the origin of their issues.

EFT tapping is so effective, the US Veterans Administration not only recognizes and supports it, but has trained many therapists to use it with veterans dealing with PTSD.

How Does EFT Tapping Work?

When a primary issue is recognized and released there can be a ‘domino effect,’ in which many other related issues also fall away along with the core issue. If the core is addressed and released the shift is generally permanent.

Because of this core issue idea, it’s helpful for people to work with trained practitioners who help to uncover these and guide in the right direction to release at a deeper level. It is possible, however, for people to tap on their own. While they may not go as deep, self-tapping can be very effective for decreasing anxiety and stress responses, eliminating unwanted habits and behaviors, decreasing pain, etc. There are myriad videos on the internet for tapping on every imaginable topic, including the above and manifesting money and positive relationships, improving health, making decisions, etc.

For those tired of talking at length in counseling sessions, wary of being triggered in a trauma response, or looking for something they can learn and be guided on while in session then be able to practice on their own at home, tapping is a great fit. And because of the power of intention, it can be used while in public by merely imagining tapping on the points. If there is discomfort with the light tapping (for example if tapping for a headache), it’s just as effective to massage or hold the points.

Tapping is versatile, non-invasive, easy to learn and practice and creates lasting effects in short time periods. If you’re dealing with trauma responses or significant events or emotions, it’s a good idea to work with a certified practitioner to help guide you through the session while minimizing emotional discomfort and avoiding re-traumatizing situations.