Emotional Freedom Techniques

           EFT Basics                                       Therapist: Joanna Trewartha
  • EFT is short for Emotional Freedom Techniques.
  • EFT are empowering (self) development techniques. They are effective, relatively easy to learn, and can benefit almost any issue.
  • EFT was developed in the US during the 1990’s by Gary Craig, a former student of psychotherapist Dr Roger Callahan (pioneer of Thought Field Therapy). 
  • Though still in its infancy EFT is a cousin of the established healing modalities of acupuncture, kinesiology and NLP.  EFT works at an energetic level within the body. It is often referred to as energy psychology, tapping or psychological acupressure. 

What kind of things can EFT be applied to?

The following list is by no means extensive but EFT has successfully helped clients with the following:

  • Food cravings, weight loss and body image problems
  • Emotions associated with chronic disease
  • Self-esteem including fear of public speaking
  • Sadness, grief and loss
  • Relationship issues
  • Learning difficulties
  • Fears and phobias
  • Cigarette addiction
  • Enhanced performance in sport
  • Procrastination                             

How does EFT work?

The underpinning belief in EFT is:

“The cause of all negative emotion is a disruption in the body’s energy system.”

Consider the stages of how a negative emotional or physical reaction occur:

Stage 1 – trauma

Stage 2 – disruption to the body’s energy system

Stage 3 – negative emotional or physical problem

Standard counselling and psychotherapy work focus on Stage 1 (traumatic memories) whereas modern medical procedures focus on Stage 3 (negative emotional or physical problems). Using EFT Stage 2 can be neutralised, thus destroying the link between the trauma and the negative emotional or physical problem. Do note here that the traumatic memory itself is not destroyed but the emotional intensity associated with the event is significantly reduced. When dealt with correctly the problem will not re-surface later on. Clever stuff!

Although EFT is still at the experimental stage scientific studies into the modality are most encouraging. Details can be found on the ACEP (Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology) website at www.energypsych.org. Locally, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust are successfully using EFT with NHS patients.

EFT clients are often amazed and delighted to gain relief from long-term issues within a short amount of time. EFT “Often works when nothing else will.”

Therapist: Joanna Trewartha

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