EFT is a form of energy therapy, a relatively new branch of psychology that adds the mind/body energy system into the relationship between emotion, thought and behaviour. It works within the context of established psychological principles such as the role of the conditioned response in human activity and the ways that early experiences shape current emotional and behavioural patterns. Positioning energy work within a therapeutic framework often provides healing where other therapies have not succeeded.

The bodies’ energy system underpins the theoretical basis of acupuncture, a successful and much researched therapeutic treatment. EFT is often described as an emotional healing version of acupuncture without needles. It is non-invasive, easy to learn and apply and has been proven to work in thousands of clinical cases. Relief is often immediate.

Emotional memories are stored in a part of the brain that responds slowly to language and reason. The emotional brain has a close relationship with the body so therapy that works with the body often directly affects the emotional brain. It is the emotion that is attached to our thoughts that usually causes us pain not the thoughts themselves.

Every thought we have changes the chemistry of the brain and sends electrochemical messengers throughout the body. The fingers are used to tap on acupuncture points which release electrochemical messengers. If this is done whilst ‘tuning in’ to a difficult or traumatic experience, the process detaches the emotional charge from the memory. After the treatment, the memory still exists but without the previous automatic emotion.

If the memory or event is particularly uncomfortable to recall, there are gentle techniques within EFT to ensure the process is as pain free as possible.

Sometimes, relief is instant with EFT so one or two sessions may be all that is needed. Deeper or more complex issues may take a little longer to uncover and heal but it would be unusual to have more than 4-8 sessions for one issue.

As EFT can be self-applied, it is ideally suited for telephone work. This can be especially helpful for people who are not located near a therapist or who are unable to travel to a specific location.