Emotional Freedom Technique EFT to treat Trauma

Emotional Freedom Technique EFT to treat Trauma

April 15, 2015 Trauma 0

What if a simple technique could help you reduce the stress from trauma? Would you do it every day? If so, then you it is time to discover the emotional freedom technique, otherwise known as EFT.

EFT became popular in the United States in 1996 when Gary Craig released his seminal book on the topic. In it he discussed a process for tapping specific points on your body like acupuncture without the needles to remove certain pains and problems.

Since that time, millions of people around the world have used this technique to help themselves with a variety of physical, spiritual, and emotional needs. It is a simple technique that we discuss how to do in this article.

How does EFT work?EFT touch points infographic

While the process may be a little different from person to person, many similarities exist that must be present for it to work.

First, know what you want to change. With your therapist, or in a quiet space in your house think about what you want to change. For example, you might want to lose weight or defeat anxiety. Whatever the case is, have a clearly defined idea of what you want to change in your life.

Second, recite one of the many scripts to heal your emotional barriers.

  • “Even though I have this _____________,
  • I deeply and completely accept myself.”
  • You can also substitute this as the second part of the phrase:
  • “I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”

By reciting these scripts, you are transforming your view of who you are as a person. Every one of us has a certain perception about our identity. By using the scripts, we can define this identity through positive affirmations.

Third, start tapping your various tapping points on your body with your index and middle finger. Do so firmly enough to feel the tapping, but make sure it does not hurt or bruise you.

Here are some of the primary tapping points.

  • Karate Chop– the main tapping point is the outside of your hand, above your wrist. Called the karate chop, because this is where you chop blocks of wood in karate.
  • Top of Head- the next tapping is the exact center of the top of your head.
  • Eyebrow– the eyebrow has a few tapping points, including just above your eye, and on your eye brow by your nose.

Understand that different tapping points influence the release of negative thoughts and emotions in various parts of the body. Therefore, someone with cancer might want to tap a different tapping than a person suffering from trauma.

Why does EFT work?

EFT works, because it does two important things for your body and mind.

First, the process calms your mind, so you can focus on being responsible for your feelings. It is empowering when you control your feelings, instead of someone else. Trauma victims often feel out of control with their feelings and thoughts. EFT helps them regain their thoughts.

Second, EFT releases negative thoughts. EFT regulates your body’s electrical energy impulses, so you can fully connect your physical body to your emotions. As we discussed above, by using this technique you define your identity in a positive way.  This is crucial for trauma victims.

EFT Final Thoughts

EFT is an amazing tool that anyone can use throughout the day to deal with situations as they come up. Instead of stressing over the little stuff, you can pause for a second to tap your body as you repeat your affirmation. The more you do it, the more you can comfortably do this whenever the need arises. If you still have questions about how to use EFT for resolve your trauma, call 847-824-8366 for a discreet conversation about this the emotional freedom technique.