EFT/tapping

I first trained in clinical EFT/tapping in 2018, through Dr Peta Stapleton from Bond University. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and is also referred to as ‘tapping’.

I was drawn to it as I was looking for an additional somatic or body focused tool outside of talk therapy. Sometimes EFT is just what is needed to get a further shift with more sticky issues.

Psychological acupuncture

Also described as ‘psychological acupuncture’, we use two fingers to tap on the body’s energy meridian points, the same ones used in traditional acupuncture. The method seems to affect the amygdala (stress centre in the brain) and hippocampus (memory centre in the brain).

Studies show that this decreases production of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, leading to feelings of calmness and relaxation.

EFT has its roots are in the exposure and cognitive-based therapies, but I feel it is gentler and more effective.

I have been impressed with the results. Not only is there evidence of substantial relief from various traumas, insomnia, pain and anxiety – I like the way it can be taught to clients as a self-help tool so that they can practise it on their own, or share it with others. 

Some Gold Coast schools are already using it, as are dental surgeries and hospitals.

Tapping sessions include a blend of psychotherapy and tapping, to best pinpoint the emotions that need to be tapped on.

*Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6381429/