What to Expect in a Typical EFT Tapping Session

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as Tapping, is a psychosomatic therapeutic method that combines cognitive restructuring with acupressure. It involves tapping on specific acupoints on the body while focusing on emotional or psychological issues. Developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, EFT has since gained popularity worldwide for its simplicity and effectiveness. EFTInternational has been founded 1999, as a non profit organization based in the UK, setting the standards of training and practice across the world. Dr. Peta Stapleton, a leading researcher in EFT, has contributed extensively to the understanding and validation of this technique through her research and educational content, including her YouTube channel and publications.

The Structure of a Typical EFT Tapping Session

An EFT Tapping session typically follows a structured process designed to identify and alleviate emotional distress or physical discomfort. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical session might look like:

1. Initial Discussion and Setup

The session usually begins with a discussion between the client and the practitioner. This is an essential step where the client explains the issue they want to address, whether it’s anxiety, stress, pain, or another emotional challenge. The practitioner may ask the client to rate the intensity of their discomfort on a scale of 0 to 10, which helps in tracking progress throughout the session.

  • Identifying the Issue: The practitioner helps the client narrow down the specific issue or emotion they want to work on. This could be a recent stressful event, a persistent worry, or even physical pain.
  • Setup Statement: Once the issue is identified, the practitioner guides the client in creating a setup statement. This is a phrase that acknowledges the issue and combines it with an affirmation of self-acceptance, such as, “Even though I have this anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

2. The Tapping Sequence

With the setup statement in mind, the client begins the actual tapping sequence. This involves tapping on a series of acupoints while repeating the setup statement or aspects of the issue. The points are typically on the face, upper body, and hands.

  • The Tapping Points: According to the EFT International Manual and Dr. Stapleton’s teachings, the primary points are:
    • The top of the head (crown)
    • Eyebrow (beginning of the eyebrow)
    • Side of the eye (on the bone)
    • Under the eye (on the bone)
    • Under the nose
    • Chin (midway between the lower lip and the bottom of the chin)
    • Collarbone (just below the collarbone)
    • Under the arm (about 4 inches below the armpit)
    • The Karate chop point (on the side of the hand)
  • Tapping Process: The practitioner guides the client through tapping each point several times while stating a reminder phrase related to the issue, such as “this anxiety” or “this pain.” The client continues to tap on these points in a sequence, focusing on the issue at hand.

3. Assessing the Intensity

After completing a few rounds of tapping, the practitioner will ask the client to reassess the intensity of their discomfort or distress. Ideally, the intensity should decrease as the session progresses. If there is still significant discomfort, the practitioner may guide the client through additional rounds of tapping, possibly altering the setup statement or focusing on different aspects of the issue.

4. Exploration and Reframing

As the intensity of the issue decreases, the session may shift to exploring underlying emotions or memories connected to the issue. The practitioner might ask questions to uncover deeper layers of the problem, which can then be addressed through further tapping. This process often leads to reframing negative thoughts or emotions into more positive, empowering beliefs.

5. Closure and Reflection

Towards the end of the session, the practitioner helps the client bring the session to a close. This might involve a final round of tapping focused on positive affirmations or simply a discussion about the client’s experience during the session. The client may also receive guidance on how to continue tapping on their own for ongoing support.

The Role of the Practitioner

A skilled EFT practitioner, like those trained under EFT International guidelines, is essential in guiding the client through this process. Practitioners are trained to create a safe, supportive environment, helping clients feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions. They also tailor the tapping process to the client’s specific needs, ensuring that the session is both effective and personalized.

Conclusion

A typical EFT Tapping session is a collaborative and dynamic process designed to help clients address emotional and physical issues by focusing on specific concerns and using tapping to release associated stress or discomfort. With the guidance of a trained practitioner (preferably in more modalities than tapping), EFT can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and healing.

For further learning, consider exploring the EFT International Manual and Dr. Stapleton’s YouTube channel, both of which offer comprehensive information and practical demonstrations of EFT Tapping.

 

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