Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping is a therapeutic tool which combines cognitive techniques and acupressure to reduce emotional distress and intensity.
What Is EFT Tapping For Anxiety And Stress?
EFT is a straightforward mind-body method and can be a particularly effective tool for helping to manage stress and anxiety. It can be used as both a self-help tool and in guided sessions with a qualified and experienced practitioner to quieten the noise from anxious thoughts, reduce the overwhelm everyday stress can bring, and ease physical tension.
How EFT Tapping Works In The Body And Brain
Tapping on specific acupressure points around the body may help to calm the nervous system and quieten the brain’s fear response. It’s thought that EFT for rapid stress relief may work by reducing the body’s production of stress hormones and enable you to quickly start to feel calmer, safer, and less overwhelmed.
Can EFT Tapping Really Work In Just Minutes?
Research into the scope of EFT is ongoing, however studies [1] have already shown that even short EFT tapping sessions can noticeably reduce stress and anxiety levels in many people. NICE has also recommended further research into EFT for rapid stress relief and supporting people with PTSD, as studies [2] have highlighted that its positive outcomes are aligned with other evidence-based therapies.
However, it’s important to note that while some people do feel calmer within just a few minutes, others may require repeated rounds or frequent practice over a period of days or weeks before deeper changes are noticed.
What The Research Says About EFT For Anxiety
Analyses and reviews [3] of research studies into EFT for anxiety show that this technique can offer significant reductions in anxiety-related symptoms, often offering better outcomes than muscle relaxation and breathing therapies.
EFT tapping is still developing as an evidence-based modality, which is why it’s recommended to use it as a complementary therapy and not as a replacement for psychological or medical care where needed.
Everyday Stress And Anxiety That EFT Tapping Can Help With
There are a number of common situations in which EFT tapping techniques can be useful, including work stress, health concerns, exam nerves, social anxiety, sleep issues, and the feeling of being on edge without there being a clear or identifiable reason.
These situations are all common amongst our clients and during our sessions, we work together to establish how and when to utilise tapping techniques to ease concerns, worries and stressors. As well as using tapping during difficult moments where feelings of stress and anxiety may be taking over, this technique can also be used ahead of stressful events to establish a sense of calm over what is about to happen.
A Simple EFT Tapping Sequence You Can Learn Quickly
If you’re interested in tapping to reduce anxiety, it can be helpful to understand what is involved in a guided tapping session with a qualified practitioner specialising in Emotional Freedom Technique in the UK.
Each session begins with me asking my clients to identify the particular issue or stressor that is bringing feelings of concern and rating the intensity of these feelings. From here, we will establish a set-up phrase before tapping through particular acupressure points whilst voicing these feelings out loud. We then re-evaluate these feelings and their intensity, which should be noticeably diminished and easier to process.
When To Work With An EFT Practitioner
As EFT tapping can evoke strong emotions and memories, working with an experienced practitioner who creates a safe and gentle environment in which to explore complex feelings is vital. The right practitioner will help you to find the right language to give voice to your feelings and establish a tapping practice at a pace that is right for you, ensuring that you’re ready to tackle the feelings that may come to the surface as you progress.
EFT tapping is a beautiful complementary therapy that can be used alongside mindfulness, breathwork, medication and talking therapies. In fact, many people find that tapping is an excellent practical tool that can be used between appointments to retain a sense of calm.
We always recommend communicating openly with your GP, mental health team or therapist, as they can also help to determine whether this technique is right for you. This will ensure that EFT becomes part of your treatment plan in a joined-up way, which will help to offer the best outcomes over the long term.
EFT Tapping For Stress And Anxiety FAQs
How quickly might I feel calmer when I use EFT tapping to reduce anxiety or stress?
Some people experience significant reductions in stress and anxiety within a few minutes. However, several rounds or multiple guided sessions produce more beneficial outcomes for others.
Is EFT tapping safe to try on my own if I live with long-term anxiety or past trauma?
If you have past trauma, a diagnosed mental health condition or you’ve lived with anxiety for a long time, working with a qualified practitioner specialising in the Emotional Freedom Technique in the UK is vital.
Can I use EFT tapping for anxiety alongside medication, counselling or other treatments I already have for anxiety?
Yes, EFT tapping for stress and anxiety can be an effective complementary therapy that may support other treatments.