Clinical EFT, which stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, is an evidence-based clinical and self-help modality that combines elements of cognitive, somatic and exposure therapy with the manual stimulation of acupuncture points. It has been described as “an emotional acupuncture without needles” because it is based on the same theory of Chinese acupuncture, according to which our body has a map of meridians running throughout the body that carry energy through our system.

The principle behind EFT is that mind and body are intrinsically interconnected and are part of the same system. The “acupoints” are based on the face, hands and torso and by “tapping” on them, the unpleasant emotions associated with triggers, memories, thoughts or behaviours are decreased or released.

From a neuroscience perspective, this evidence-based technique appears to decrease stress and foster cognitive shifts by sending a calming signal to the amygdala, the stress centre of our brain. The tapping has been shown to deactivate the “threat response” that is triggered as a reaction to a stimulus perceived as unsafe and decreases the production of cortisol. This process appears to change the neural pathways, release individuals from their stressors and enable them to have a cognitive shift and make different choices. This allows the nervous system to feel safe again and to make the necessary physiological changes in our body to stop having that unpleasant reaction. Research also shows this technique produces quicker and more long-lasting results than talking therapy. These results have been documented using fMRI and neuroimaging equipment (please get in touch with me for links to these studies).

The success and beauty of EFT is that it brings together the ancient tradition of Chinese Medicine, the healing practices of the East and the modern principles and research of psychology and neuroscience.

What does EFT look like in a session?

EFT is done by stimulating some of the acupressure points on our upper body using our fingertips and by tuning in into the emotional, mental or physical problem that we want to resolve and clear.

Tapping on these points while we tune into the emotional, physical or mental issue, both verbally and energetically, decreases the fight or flight response and this enables us to experience shifts in our brain patterns.

Once you have identified a topic or event that you want to work with, I will be gently and slowly guiding you through the process.

The result of it has been described by my clients as “mindblowing” because it can really produce a cognitive shift and a profound transformative experience which has a direct beneficial effect on your emotional and physical wellbeing.

By freeing yourself from the negative emotion associated to that specific event or situation, you will be able to re-frame what happened and change your perception of it, which will have a ripple effect on both your present and your future.