EFT Tapping Therapy

What Is EFT Tapping?

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) also known as EFT Tapping is a body-centered approach for physical pain and emotional distress. The technique was founded by Gary Craig in the 1990’s. It involves using your fingertips to lightly tap on acupressure points on the face and body while also making verbal statements.

For mental health professionals, the goal is to provide relief from distressing thoughts, disturbing memories, limiting beliefs and physical pain. These include phobias, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, memories of traumatic events, and dissociation. In many cases, tapping will eliminate distress permanently.

Tapping on the points creates a physical switch to turn down the fight or flight reaction which lowers cortisol and adrenaline in the body. The fight or flight response is at the root of the fears and worries which keep many people stuck and unhappy.

EFT Is Influenced by Eastern Medicine

The origins of tapping draw on the Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a technique where practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles through the skin. There are over 400 identified acupuncture points on the body.

Gary Craig simplified down to just 13 tapping points. EFT works by stimulating the body’s energy meridian points by tapping them continuously in order to relieve problems.

Rather than using acupuncture needles, EFT practitioners teach their clients to self-stimulate acupuncture points by tapping on them with their fingertips.


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woman tapping fingers next to bridge of nose

How Does EFT Tapping Work?

EFT operates on four fundamental elements:

  1. Exposure to past memory or difficult current situation.

  2. Mindful compassion and self-awareness.

  3. Self-activation of the body-energy system by gently pressing or tapping on acupressure points.

  4. Specific ways of structuring the session to help clear distress of emotional charge.

What Is The General Format And Structure Of An EFT Session?

  1. We identify the target for treatment such as a negative belief, a difficult memory, or a physical complaint.

  2. Client rates the intensity of this issue on a scale of 0-10.

  3. We spend time finding the right words to describe the thoughts or feelings you’re having about the issue you’re working on.

  4. Then we start tapping through all the points. By tapping on these points on the face and body, we start to engage the body and the mind in this process while simultaneously making identified verbal statements.

  5. We do this until the intensity is at a 1 or zero.

Is EFT Tapping Right For Me?

EFT is a very simple approach known for providing rapid and effective relief. The ease of EFT is such that it is widely used by professionals in numerous fields including teachers, physicians, athletic trainers, nurses, life coaches, and disaster relief workers.

EFT is especially helpful for individuals who are:

  • Open minded, curious, and willing to explore alternative approaches beyond traditional talk therapy.

  • Introspective and self-aware. This approach often involves identifying and addressing underlying emotional issues so those who are comfortable exploring their inner world and delving into deeper emotions (or who want to learn how to!) may find EFT a valuable tool for self-exploration and healing.

  • Practical and solution-focused. Individuals who value practical solutions and results-oriented approaches to problem-solving may appreciate the tangible benefits and quick results often associated with EFT tapping.

  • Busy professionals. People with busy lifestyles who appreciate practices that are quick, accessible, and can be done independently may appreciate the convenience of EFT tapping, which can be practiced virtually anywhere and at any time.

  • Looking for ease and simplicity. EFT is such a simple approach that even children can be taught basic self-tapping techniques.

What Issues Can EFT Tapping Help With

EFT can help with a number of issues including insomnia, pain, PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, negative thinking, and other psychological issues. It is also effective for many physical ailments. These include headaches, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, muscle tension, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, inflammation, psoriasis, and others. 

woman tapping shoulder with finger with butterfly on her hand

How Effective Is EFT Tapping?

EFT is considered an evidence-based therapeutic method with over 100 studies demonstrating its effectiveness in numerous areas affecting mental health.

One study conducted from 2005-2015 found that EFT resulted in a 41% decrease in depression. 

Another study which tracked 658 participants struggling with anxiety and who were treated with EFT found a significant decrease in anxiety scores. 

A 2022 study of chronic pain sufferers found significant relief in a 6-week EFT intervention. 

And lastly, a recently published metanalysis study in 2023 revealed EFT has significant benefits for people with PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder). Furthermore, EFT produces symptom reduction similar to that of other evidence-based approaches. Meta-analyses are the highest level of evidence on hierarchies of evidence. 

Why I Got Trained In EFT Tapping Therapy And Why I Love Using This Approach With Clients

I became a Certified EFT Tapping Professional because I wanted to offer clients a tool which worked rapidly and effectively. So many individuals come to therapy who have spent years in pain and uncertainty and EFT quickly provides hope that it is possible to heal and recover from the range of issues that bring people into therapy. 

I also appreciate that EFT offers a way to lighten the therapeutic process which can at times feel heavy for some. The process of EFT is energetic, creative, and is a whole-body approach that engages the physical, mental, emotional, and energetic systems.

Are You Ready To Reclaim Your Sense Of Peace, Joy, And Resilience, As You Tap Away The Barriers Holding You Back From Living A Life Filled With Vitality And Purpose?

To schedule your first appointment or to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation, please reach out at 210.802.2697.