Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

EFT is a quick, effective process for relieving the body and mind of negative emotional energy.

How does it work? Like acupuncture, the EFT centers on the theory that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system. By correcting a problem in the body's energy, one correspondingly corrects the problem on the emotional level. The EFT process focuses on the subtle flow of energy through the body and attempts to clear energy blockages at certain "meridians," or energy channels. Instead of inserting needles like an acupuncturist, the EFT practitioner gently taps these points with a finger to help release the blockages, while the client focuses his or her mind on the problem. An analogy might be that the client thinks about what is wrong in order to "set up" the problem like a bowling pin, while the practitioner taps to "knock it down" like a bowling ball.

The history: Emotional Freedom Techniques were developed in part by engineer Gary Craig as a way of simplifying a more complex process called Thought Field Techniques (TFT).
      The basic theories behind both EFT and TFT are essentially the same, but EFT applies the concept of "total redundancy" to the TFT process so that the proper points are always tapped, no matter what the problem is. EFT is a reduction from TFT's 15 issue-specific tapping routines and multiple diagnostic processes to a single, comprehensive, diagnostic-free routine that is both fast and effective.

Effectiveness: EFT has been effective in ridding clients of a host of negative emotions including fear, anger, stress, anxiety, self-doubt, long-term negative behaviors, and unhealthy patterns of belief. The techniques have even been used to help rid war veterans of the emotional damage caused by the stress of combat, with great results! In addition, since the emotional state of the mind holds great consequence for the state of the body, EFT is also helpful in reducing or eliminating physical problems such as chronic pain, headaches, body pains, breathing difficulties, and more.
       It has been reported that 50-60% of people experience "important change" after their first encounter with EFT. An additional 20% experience "some change" and wish to continue with the technique in multiple sessions. Practiced users of EFT and those who undergo the technique with a certified practitioner report an 80-95% success rate.

EFT and hypnosis: We at the NYHC find that EFT combines well with hypnosis. EFT is very powerful in its own right, but it can be even more powerful to use this tapping process with a client who is under hypnosis. After completing the process and releasing the client's negative emotional energy, for example, the hypnotist might make suggestions that lead the client to see themselves behaving in completely new, emotionally healthy ways. Because the subconscious mind does not distinguish between visualizations and reality in the way the conscious mind does, the new behaviors can become a natural way of being for the client.