Is there any research on the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques?
What does a typical EFT session look like?
Will I have to talk about all my problems or tell you my whole life story?
I’m not into new-age or woo-woo kinds of things. Do I have to believe in EFT for it to work for me?
How many EFT sessions will I need?
Does health insurance pay for your services?
What is EFT (tapping)?
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and is commonly known as tapping. It is a mind-body practice that can reduce negative physical and emotional sensations. It belongs to a family of modalities known as cognitive-somatic energy practices.
How does EFT tapping work?
Research into the exact mechanism of how Emotional Freedom Techniques and other cognitive-somatic energy methods work is ongoing. For a comprehensive explanation of the existing theory behind EFT with a list of references, click here.
EFT uses techniques that combine exposure to an issue (by recalling a memory, image, words, or other sensory experience) with a reframing statement and stimulation of specific acupuncture points on the face and body (by tapping lightly on them) to reduce unwanted feelings, reactions, or patterns.
Tapping the acupuncture points helps to unlink the thought in your mind from the negative emotional charge your brain has associated with it, so your body no longer reacts to the thought the same way. In this way, tapping reduces stress in the body.
Studies also show that, over time, tapping helps “rewire” your brain by altering how it processes the information related to the issue on which you’re focusing. These changes in brain activity patterns can be seen in imaging studies (e.g., EEG, fMRI).
By changing the pathways in the brain, you affect how the brain functions. This results in the potential to positively alter your body’s biochemistry, long-standing patterns, and limiting beliefs. Over time, the cumulative effect of these shifts can be life changing.
Is there any research on the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques?
Yes. There are over 100 clinical studies showing EFT to be an effective modality in addressing a variety of issues. These issues include pain, anxiety, burnout, cravings, weight loss, and post-traumatic stress.
Research has found that EFT affects the physical body in ways that include reducing cortisol levels (a main stress hormone) in the blood, improving immune system function, and producing changes in patterns of brain activity (seen on fMRI studies).
Click the link to read more about EFT research and see a list of studies.
What does a typical EFT tapping session look like?
During an EFT session, I will guide you through a process where you will lightly tap on specific acupuncture points on your face and body with your fingertips while holding in mind a memory, thought, sensation, or feeling.
Typically, you’ll be repeating various phrases while you tap. I will lead you through this process and tailor these phrases to your individual circumstances. The phrases will change throughout the session as well as from one session to the next. Don’t worry about the details of this. You don’t have to prepare anything in advance.
The process may sound a bit unusual, but I’ll guide you through each session the entire time.
Other techniques such as shorter guided meditation processes also may be included during a session as needed.
Will I have to talk about all my problems or tell you my whole life story?
No. EFT is not traditional talk therapy. While talking about your issue is usually involved to some extent, EFT is body-based, and the amount of detail about your problem that you choose to share during a session is always up to you.
In fact, there are techniques within the framework of EFT that don’t require you to talk about the details of your problem at all for you to get relief and experience a shift.
I’m not into new-age or woo-woo kinds of things. Do I have to believe in EFT for it to work for me?
No. EFT is not a spiritual or faith-based practice. It is an evidence-based method that addresses the roots of an unresolved problem at the nervous system level. Belief is not required to see results.
I am being treated for a physical condition and/or mental health issue. Can I come to you instead of seeing my doctor or therapist?
No. I am not a doctor, psychotherapist, or counselor, and EFT is not a substitute for formal medical or psychological care.
EFT is an excellent complement to treatments you receive from your healthcare providers. It’s particularly helpful if your healing process seems stuck and you can’t figure out why.
Are your sessions virtual?
Yes. All EFT sessions currently are virtual and are conducted over video conference.
How long is each session?
The free consultation phone call is 20 minutes long to see if your needs and my services are an appropriate fit.
New client sessions (includes an initial assessment, instruction in proper technique, and EFT tapping session) are 90 minutes long.
Follow-up appointments can be scheduled for either 60 minutes or 90 minutes.
How many EFT sessions will I need?
It depends both on the scope of the issue and your willingness to work on it. Sometimes a few sessions are enough to address an issue effectively; others require more time. There is no prescribed formula for determining the number of sessions a person needs.
We’ll work together to come up with a plan, but you ultimately decide what feels right for you.
Does health insurance pay for your services?
No. Health insurance does not cover EFT tapping sessions.
How much does a session cost?
The new client 90-minute visit (includes an initial assessment, instruction in proper technique, and EFT tapping session) is $225.
Options for follow-up sessions start at $155 for a 60-minute session. Longer sessions and package options are available. Please see the services page for details.
Can I watch a tapping video or use an app and get the same results as having an EFT session with a practitioner?
There are many people who find a tapping video or app to be helpful for immediate symptom relief. However, videos and apps can’t take your individual life circumstances into account or provide the guidance to address the deeper issues that may be involved with an unresolved problem.
Working with a skilled, certified practitioner will get you where you want to be faster and more effectively with a higher likelihood of producing long-term change.