In our work together, I always try to offer tools that are not only effective but also gentle, empowering, and easy to integrate into daily life. One of those tools is something called Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT for short. You might have heard it called “tapping,” and that’s exactly what it involves: lightly tapping on specific points on the body while tuning into what you are feeling.

While I am not yet formally certified in EFT, I use it as a self-regulation and emotional soothing technique, rather than as a standalone modality. Some clients find that it helps them feel more calm, centered, and connected to themselves, so I offer it as an optional resource for those who are interested.Whether you are completely new to EFT or just curious to learn more, I hope this gives you a gentle and clear introduction to how it works, and why I sometimes bring it into therapy sessions.

What Is EFT and How Does It Work?

EFT blends the physical act of tapping with focused emotional awareness. It draws from acupressure, which is similar to acupuncture but uses fingertip tapping instead of needles. At the same time, it encourages you to bring attention to what you are feeling, whether that is anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, or even a specific memory.

The idea is that emotional pain can create blockages in the body’s energy system. Tapping on certain points while speaking about what you are feeling helps release these blockages and restore a sense of flow and calm.

What Happens During a Tapping Session?

Here is a simple breakdown of how the EFT process typically works:

1. Identifying What You Are Feeling
   The first step is noticing the emotion, thought, or memory you want to work with. You do not have to understand it fully. Just naming what feels uncomfortable is enough to begin.

2. Acknowledging and Accepting
   Next comes a setup statement. This might sound like, “Even though I feel overwhelmed, I deeply and completely accept myself.” The idea is to acknowledge the issue without judgment, while affirming your sense of self-worth.

3. The Tapping Sequence
   Using your fingertips, you tap on a series of points along the body — places like the side of the hand, top of the head, eyebrow, under the eye, under the nose, and collarbone. These are points connected to the body’s energy system, similar to those used in acupuncture.

4. Expression and Release
   As you tap, you talk about what you are feeling. This can be as simple as repeating a phrase or letting your thoughts flow naturally. Tapping while expressing those feelings helps to shift the intensity and bring relief.

5. Checking In With Yourself
   After one or two rounds, you pause and notice how you feel. Has the intensity changed? Is there a shift in your body or mood? You can keep tapping until the emotion softens or becomes more manageable.

Why Try EFT?

EFT is gentle, practical, and adaptable. Many people find it helpful for a wide range of emotional and physical challenges. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Stress Relief
  Tapping can quickly calm the nervous system and reduce the physical symptoms of stress, such as tension in the body, shallow breathing, or a racing heart.

• Emotional Regulation
  EFT can help with managing strong emotions like anxiety, anger, grief, or frustration. Over time, it may make it easier to respond to challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

• Support for Trauma Healing
  Tapping has been shown to help reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, especially when used alongside professional therapy. It offers a way to approach pain without becoming overwhelmed by it.

• Improved Clarity and Focus
  Many people report feeling clearer and more grounded after tapping. When emotional clutter clears, the mind becomes more focused and decisions feel easier.

• A Tool You Can Use Anytime
  Once you learn how to use EFT, it becomes something you can return to whenever you need it. It does not require any special equipment and can be done in just a few minutes.

Is EFT Effective?

Research on EFT is still growing, but many people have experienced significant relief through this approach. It is not a cure-all, and it may not replace deeper therapeutic work, but it can be a valuable tool for emotional care.

Some people find it works best when guided by a therapist. Others learn to use it on their own and make it part of their daily routine. Either way, EFT offers a safe and non-invasive way to process emotions and feel more connected to yourself.

Getting Started

EFT is not just something I offer in therapy, it has become part of my own daily practice. Over time, I have noticed meaningful shifts in how I process emotions, relate to stress, and stay grounded in challenging moments. It has also helped me become more clear and connected to what truly matters to me. As I have continued this practice, I have found that people, opportunities, and experiences that feel more aligned with who I am have started to show up more naturally in my life. That is part of why I feel so passionate about sharing it with others.

If you are curious to try EFT, there is no need to prepare anything in advance. All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to check in with what you are feeling. Whether you want to explore it on your own or as part of your therapy process, tapping is something that meets you where you are.

It is a supportive, optional tool meant to complement therapy and self-care practices, helping you feel more at ease emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.