Emotional Freedom Techniques

Emotional Freedom Techniques is an emotional healing modality based on the idea that the cause of negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system.

Essentially, Emotional Freedom Techniques is a form of "psychological acupressure" - without the use of needles. The approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various body locations. This tapping balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience an emotionally disturbing circumstance. Once balanced, the upset is usually resolved - the memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the result is lasting and is also accompanied by positive changes in thinking. The technique is easy to learn and ideal for self-help.

Background:

Emotional Freedom Techniques evolved from Thought Field Therapy, which was created by US clinical psychologist Roger Callahan. Callahan discovered that stimulating acupressure / energy points lead to psychological relief for an anxious client, and through experimentation was able to discover a series of useful points.

Gary Craig, who studied with Callahan, identified a comprehensive set of "all purpose" energy points that could be applied to treat any emotional problem. He called this Emotional Freedom Techniques, and achieved excellent results with this approach on a wide range of emotional issues as well as physical conditions.

Emotional Freedom Techniques has been successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, anger, guilt, etc. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships. In relationships, EFT can help by reducing the emotional upsets towards our partner, many of which have their origins in our past. Using EFT, couples can overcome many of the barriers to friendship and closeness.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about EFT is that anyone can learn this approach and use it to help themselves. While some problems require persistence with the technique over a period of time, and some will require the intervention of a skilled therapist, many individuals can learn EFT and apply it successfully to the general problems and stresses of living.

Please note: While Emotional Freedom Techniques has achieved excellent results with many physical conditions the technique should not be seen as a substitute for appropriate medical care and should always be used in conjunction with medical consultation and intervention for such conditions.