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Learn more about EFT: Emotional freedom technique
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), commonly known as tapping, is a body-based therapeutic intervention that involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the face and body while focusing on a distressing thought, memory, or physical sensation. It combines elements of somatic stimulation, cognitive processing, and exposure to reduce the emotional charge associated with difficult material.
EFT was developed in the 1990s, drawing on earlier work in applied kinesiology and thought field therapy. Research into its effectiveness has grown in recent years, with a developing evidence base particularly for anxiety and trauma. EFT is used both as a standalone technique and integrated within broader therapeutic approaches.
Note: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is distinct from EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), which is a relational approach used primarily in couples work.
In an EFT session, the practitioner guides the client to identify a specific distressing thought, memory, or physical sensation and rate its intensity. The client then taps on a sequence of acupressure points, typically on the face, collarbone, and hands, while repeating a phrase that names the difficulty alongside a statement of self-acceptance.
This process is repeated across several rounds, with the intensity of distress typically reducing with each pass. Sessions may involve:
- Identifying and rating the emotional charge of a specific memory or concern
- Guided tapping sequences with verbal focus on the distressing material
- Tracking shifts in physical sensation and emotional intensity
- Integrating verbal reflection between rounds
EFT is particularly well-suited to presentations where a specific emotional charge, memory, or fear response is the primary target.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the most established application of EFT. Tapping has been shown to reduce the physiological stress response associated with anxious arousal, and is used both for generalised anxiety and for specific situational fears.
Trauma
EFT is used as part of trauma-focused therapeutic work, helping clients reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories in a titrated, manageable way. It is typically used alongside other trauma-informed approaches rather than as a standalone treatment.
Panic attacks
EFT is used to interrupt and reduce the intensity of panic responses. Clients learn tapping sequences they can apply themselves in moments of acute anxiety, making it a practical self-regulation tool as well as an in-session intervention.
Stress
For chronic or situational stress, EFT provides a body-based tool for reducing physiological arousal and shifting the emotional weight of specific stressors. Many people use it as a self-care practice between sessions.
Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched
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Finding a practitioner trained in EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) specifically, rather than in the many other approaches that share the EFT abbreviation, requires knowing what to ask for. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
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