Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT Tapping is an evidence-based technique that can be used therapeutically or as a self-help practice.
Simply put - by tapping on specific points on the body, while focusing on emotions or physical sensations, EFT helps to physiologically reduce stress, and restore a sense of peace & calm in the body.
Tapping is a gentle technique and, even better, it’s super easy to learn.
Specific EFT Tapping Points.
With EFT you use your fingers to tap on specific points on your body (outlined here in this graph). These points are part of what’s known as the primo-vascular system (PVS). These points, when tapped, are proven to physiologically soothe your body and bring you into a calm & regulated state. How incredible!
Physical Tapping Meets Emotion.
The tapping is paired with statements that reflect how you’re feeling in the present moment. Some of these statements will be framing your issues with acceptance for your current emotional experience. This might sound like: “even though I feel angry, thinking about what my boss said to me, I accept this is how I’m feeling”. Our statements will focus on what you’re feeling about the issue, and where you’re feeling this in your body. What we generally tend to find, is that the intensity of your distress comes down as we tap. In other words - you’re no longer triggered in the present by what’s occurred to you in the past.
Feels a little scary?
Totally understandable. Tapping can seem like a lot, but the great thing about it is that it’s an incredibly gentle and flexible approach. We have many different techniques we can use to ensure you’re feeling comfortable before, during, or after any tapping.
Elements of Modern Psychology.
EFT Tapping includes elements from many widely accepted traditional forms of therapy.
Exposure Therapy.
In EFT we gently (and oh so safely) approach feelings of discomfort. This might include thoughts, feelings, or sensations related to unpleasant experiences or memories. Tapping can help these feelings of discomfort ease, giving your body a felt sense of safety.
Mindfulness-based & Somatic Therapies.
Session focus will continually return to the here & now, and whatever is happening in your present experience. This involves regular check ins by yours truly, as we routinely track the felt sensations you’re noticing in your body.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
While engaging somatically, we also make space for the cognitive and how this relates to your body & felt sensations. This involves exploring your thoughts and beliefs, related to whatever you’re working on in session.
EFT can help with:
intense emotions, intrusive memories or thoughts
overwhelming stress
general anxiety, social anxiety, or specific phobias
painful feelings connected to rejection or abandonment
sleep issues
ambivalence, uncertainty, doubting yourself
feeling like behaviours are out of your control (e.g., binge eating, smoking, substance use)
trouble finding or maintaining healthy relationships
not feeling good enough, feeling alone, or feeling unloved
fatigue from being in therapy before & feeling like nothing changes
physical pain including chronic pain
(& lots more!)
The Science Behind EFT.
As a mind-body inclusive technique, the somatic (body) element of EFT is crucial. When we physically tap on the EFT points, a deactivating signal is generated that travels along our primo-vascular system all the way to our amygdala (the brain’s stress centre) and hippocampus (memory centre). This process is kind of like we’re “turning off the alarm” in our body’s response system. In session, this feels like moving out of a fight, flight, or freeze state, into a calm and regulated state.
While this shift in state doesn’t change our memories or experiences, it does organically help us to feel better about what we’re working with, open ourselves up to new perspectives, and generally move into a more positive and resourced state. Pretty damn amazing!
We also know that tapping significantly reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and significantly improves other physiological markers such as our immune functioning. New and exciting science continues to emerge related to EFT. To keep an eye on the science, I recommend following Australia’s leading EFT researcher, Dr. Peta Stapleton, here:
"I've done tapping before but never like this. First of all, Kelsey is exceptional at holding non-judgemental, open space, so that makes you feel comfortable from the start. It felt flowy, safe and activating to be in this session, and it moved so much for me, not just on the day but in the days after. Kels really helped some intense feelings move from my body and allowed me to move into trust and acceptance. The experience was so lovely + transformative."
Client Testimonial.
My EFT Tapping Story.
I first came across EFT in 2021 when I was personally very unwell following some pretty yucky events which had happened in my life. During this time, I engaged in traditional and specialised types of therapy, however it wasn’t until I discovered EFT that I finally started to thaw out and return to myself. I was so blown away by the effectiveness of EFT and the role it had played in helping me heal the way nothing else had. This led me to learning more about the science of this mind-body technique. Not long after, I decided to devote myself to becoming a practitioner. These days I’m thankfully very well, and what’s more I now get to share this amazing healing tool with my clients, too. I believe a large part of my passion comes from my own healing experience with tapping. Words can’t describe the joy I feel in sharing a tool that actually shifts things for my clients, helping them clear the cobwebs, build a better relationship with their body, and get closer to their authentic dreams.
~ Kels
FAQs
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Yes absolutely - sessions are conducted remotely via Zoom, so it's not a worry if you're out of region.
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Absolutely not! All things spoken about and tapped on in session are with your consent. You may feel like sharing more as your sense of trust develops, but it's more than okay if you would prefer not to.
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No, an advantage in using EFT is that we are able to utilise the technique, and often see lasting change, with very minimal information. I don't need to hear the ins and outs of your story, unless it would bring value for you to share it.
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Not at all. Sometimes it feels great and healing to give voice to our experience, but it's okay if you'd rather keep silent. There are a few EFT techniques that can be done in silence, which can help some of us to feel more comfortable.
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First of all, we don't have to go anywhere you don't want to.
It's very important to me that you feel safe during our sessions. There're many EFT techniques that enable us to move gently and slowly without re-traumatising you. We also make sure to "go as fast as your slowest part" - this means, if we are going toward the "big" stuff, we slow down & ensure you feel ready to go there.
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That's okay, we can always skip a point or use alternative points if we need to.
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Actually, I would say that it's very different. Following along to recordings can be very helpful, however we see the most benefit with EFT Tapping when we are specific. Being in a 1:1 session means we can unpack your unique experience and tap specifically to that. This is where we see powerful shifts.
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We sure can! If you're feeling the pull to a session, then I trust your judgement. "Free space" sessions are pretty fun in my experience - we can land together and see where your body and heart want to go.
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Accessibility is important to me. I do offer limited sliding scale appointments at a cheaper rate. Please do reach out and let's have a chat about it.