Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an awesome breakthrough in psychotherapy that is helping to change attitudes to creating health and happiness. EFT is a type of Energy Psychology. Energy Psychology encompasses techniques that are simple to learn to help you grow, initiate change that lead to empowerment. These techniques can shift the brain's electrochemistry to help overcome emotions, behaviours and attitudes that keep us stuck in our present situation. Techniques such as EFT are controversial within the mental health field, yet there is mounting research showing that EFT and other energy techniques are powerful tools for self help.

EFT has also been called a type of psychological acupressure as it involves tapping on certain meridian points while focusing on the emotional issue. Gary Craig, founder of EFT believes that: "The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system". We have all had incidents in our life that we have felt are traumatic. This creates an energy disturbance. The memory of that incident also contributes to that disturbance leading to negative emotions. This in turn creates not only emotional pain but can also manifest as physical pain and "dis-ease".

EFT does not delete the incident from our memory, but smoothes out the disturbance and releases the negative emotional association and accompanying chaos which is creates in our body and life. The results are often long lasting, even permanent and can bring about a positive change in thought, attitude and behaviour. This technique is easy to learn for self healing, however there are many issues that are multifaceted and it would be advised that you consult a practitioner, take a workshop, or invest in the awesome DVDs that Gary Craig, the founder of EFT has put out.

History of EFT

Gary Craig, founder of EFT developed the modality after training in Thought Field Therapy with Roger Callahan. TFT involves stimulating acupressure points in a specific sequence or algorithm. Gary Craig found that by using a set of "all purpose" points, he got great results and the technique was much simpler to learn and use. EFT has excellent results for a wide range of emotional problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anger, grief, shame, poor self-esteem as well as can enhance performance and help remove blocks to abundance. Many people have also had improvement in their physical health. There are many case studies on his website: www.emofree.com

Vibrational Essences and EFT

Vibrational Essences and EFT work in very similar ways by replacing disturbances in our energy system with balance and harmony. Each modality on its is very powerful, and when combined, create a synergistic effect. I find that the essences often help bring the underlying core issues to the surface which can then be tapped on with EFT. The results are amazing. Through out a consultation I use both these tools, often interchanging as we go and different issues come up.

The Basic How To of EFT

Start by tapping on the Karate Chop point (see chart below), focus on a problem and state the set up statement, which combines the name of the problem and an affirmation. Say this 3 times.

For example: Even though I have this problem (ie: anxiety), I deeply and completely love and accept myself"

This allows your body to accept the rest of the treatment. Tap on the points on the rest of your head, face and torso while stating the problem (ie: "this anxiety"). Take a deep breath and notice is there has been a shift in your discomfort or the intensity of the problem.

Most people notice a decrease in the intensity of discomfort. If you do not, try rephrasing the issue. Try getting to what is the real cause of the disruption if you can - your results will improve! If the discomfort decreases but does not disappear, don't give up. Try another round or try rephrasing the problem. And remember that this is just the basics. You may want to take a workshop, see an EFT practitioner or learn from the founder by ordering his awesome DVD's. See links top right of this page.