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ABOUT Emotional Freedom Techniques

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a relatively new concept when compared to other psychological therapies. It was first developed in the 1970s but extensive research on its efficacy started in the 1990s.​

 

The evidence based techniques that we use have been proven to work well with individuals who present with the following emotional challenges:

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  • Poor decision making

  • High levels of anger and shame 

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Self-harm, suicidal thoughts or attempts

  • Substance misuse and alcohol abuse  

  • Highly conflictual interpersonal relationships

  • High risk sexual behaviour 

  • Disordered eating

  • Emotional Trauma and  Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)

  • Phobias

  • Insomnia

  • Chronic pain and other physical symptoms

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The techniques are easy to learn and can be self-administered at any point. They combine an element of exposure therapy, acceptance and positive affirmation with a somatic element (tapping on the body itself).

Benefits of EFT

  • EFT (also known as ‘tapping’) technique is simple and involves gentle tapping with two fingers on particular parts of the body. It is sometimes described as psychological acupuncture as the tapping points are located on the same points which are used in traditional acupuncture. 

  • EFT has a calming effect on the amygdala (the stress centre of the brain) and the hippocampus (the brains memory centre), both play an important role in the decision-making process to determine if something is, or isn’t, a threat, and in the fight or flight response.

  • EFT also has a calming effect on cortisol – the stress hormone. High cortisol levels can be caused by a variety of things, including biological stressors, and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and psychological stress.

  • EFT is an incredibly powerful self-help tool. Once it has been taught, it can be used by that person to help them manage their anxiety and stress in any situation

  • Working with a trained EFT practitioner has been shown to be beneficial in processing emotional trauma, toxic stress and negative memories and removing associated stress ‘triggers’.

What is EFT and How Does it Work?
Dr Peta Stapleton 

Dr Peta Stapleton has 25 years of experience as a registered Clinical and Health Psychologist and is currently an Associate Professor in Psychology at Bond University (Australia). 

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She is a world leading researcher in EFT (or 'tapping' as it is also known) and has established herself as one of Australia’s leading Health Professionals. 

Evidence base for EFT

There is strong scientific support for the claim that EFT tapping works. This support comes from more than 100 peer-reviewed clinical studies.

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EFT Tapping has a number of systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a  significant number that have been published in reputable, mainstream scientific journals. These studies support the efficacy of EFT Tapping for many forms of psychological distress, physical pain, and performance. The strongest evidence for EFT tapping's effectiveness is for PTSD, depression and anxiety.

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For more information

Click on the links: 

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