WHAT IS EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES (EFT)?
Helaine Z. Harris, MA, MFT

What is EFT?
In 1999, I went to the Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP) Conference in Las Vegas. I had already been using Thought Field Therapy (TFT) for several years, and was excited to participate in a workshop led by Gary Craig, a Stanford-educated engineer and the originator of EFT. This brilliant yet simple method is so versatile that it can be easily adapted to a wide range of emotional issues. This system has often been referred to as emotional or psychological acupuncture, as it utilizes 14 of the acupuncture points found in Chinese medicine. What I particularly love about this technique is that it is safe, easy to learn, and can be used when there are only 10 minutes left in a session to help clients emotionally discharge. Even more, it is safe enough for clients to use to ease their distress at home.

EFT is effective in treating anxiety, mild depression, trauma, phobias, childhood traumas and emotional issues connected to physical pain and problems. I have used it on myself and with clients for breathing constriction due to asthma as well as the emotional component of pain from accidents and illnesses. Clients are often amazed at the rapid results.

How Does EFT Differ from Psychotherapy?
With traditional cognitive therapies, you talk about your issues yet you still experience the negative emotions and reactions that brought you to therapy in the first place. EFT and the related Meridian Therapies (such as Be Set Free Fast (BSFF), Tapas Acupuncture Technique (TAT), Healing From the Body Level Up (HBLU) and An Awakening Process) can often eliminate intense negative emotional reactions and in much less time than was previously believed.

It is so difficult for most people to experience strong negative emotions that they react by avoiding them and consequently do not get the needed therapy because tolerating these emotions is so painful. The traditional forms of therapy tend to move at a much slower pace. Clients often leave a session still hurting. Because the pain is relieved with EFT, clients feel more comfortable dealing with their issues. They know EFT can augment their therapy at home when negative emotions or situations arise. So EFT is safe, efficient, and effective!

Using EFT with Other Therapies
EFT is a marvelous adjunct to other types of therapies such as hypnosis, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprogramming), energy-body work, and An Awakening Process. EFT seems to give clients a sense of empowerment since they can use it by themselves. When we do it together, I am able to tune in more precisely and effectively to their core issues so the process frequently goes deeper.

© 2009-2010, Helaine Z. Harris

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Helaine Z. Harris, MA, MFT, is a marriage and family therapist, teacher, lecturer and founder of An Awakening Center™, which blends over 40 traditional and alternative psychotherapies. She has 30 years experience and is the author of Are You In Love with a Vampire? Healing the Relationship Drain Game. She specializes in empowerment, anxiety/depression, trauma, relationship and career creativity.  She teaches classes on Stress Release and Success and Abundance.

© Helaine Z. Harris, 2009

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