How does EFT work? – EFT works to clear such disruptions and eliminate the resulting emotional response or intensity to restore emotional harmony and offer relief from physical discomfort.

This is done by focusing on the specific problem while tapping with fingers on the end points of energy meridians. The combination of sending kinetic energy to our energy system, while uncovering and focusing on root causes, facilitates a "straightening out" of the energy system thereby eliminating the "short circuit" to the body's learned response or negative emotion. The diagram illustrates the meridian and acupressure points that are commonly used in EFT sessions.

Qualifications in practicing EFT – I have studied with the Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) and am currently a level 2 practitioner. ACEP is a premiere organization since 1999 that helps educate professionals on using the techniques of EFT in therapy. There is considerable research supporting the use of EFT, especially in the use of treating trauma, combined with traditional talk therapy. I plan to receive my full credential to practice EFT through furthering my training with ACEP.

What makes EFT different from other approaches? – The theory behind EFT says that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system. A distressing event or incident disrupts the energy system and leads to negative emotions giving you the high emotional intensity and beliefs that harm you.

Once the body's energy system is rebalanced, the emotional charge goes away. The underlying idea here is that you aren't "mentally blocked," rather you are “energy system blocked.” When you use EFT, it gives you relief by rewiring the energy system and bringing it back into balance, so you feel calmer, more at peace, and ready to let go and move on.

EFT is a less intense and invasive technique to help process trauma and traumatic memories than some other modalities. Tapping is taught to the client to utilize themselves in between sessions, if a trigger presents itself.

Deciding to choose EFT over other modalities in psychotherapy – There are several reasons why I personally chose EFT over other modalities as I feel it equips patients with a tool that they can utilize outside of our sessions, not just with the therapists. EFT can be used to decrease unwanted physiological or psychological symptoms present (palliative) and it also can be used to target past traumatic events that are causing these recurrent episodes. My intention continues to model our philosophy that you have the capacity to help yourself. The GRT team are here as guides to provide you with the tools and resources for you to live an emotionally balanced life in this world.

EFT is used in different ways as represented by these 6 polarities:

Palliative vs. Clinical

Symptom reducing vs. Getting to the root

Regulating emotion vs. Reparative

What's the scientific evidence that this works?
Great question. This is another reason I chose EFT is that the emerging research is impressive and I believe that this is only the beginning of more robust studies exhibiting its effectiveness on specific ailments.

You can find a lot online and I tend to go to the source, ACEP Energy Psychology Website as it is quick and robust. If you want something easier to digest you can download this.

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