FAQS
What can EFT treat?
EFT can treat both emotional and physical symptoms. As well as being clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), I have also successfully worked with clients to tackle the following issues -
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relationship difficulties
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traumatic memory
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fear of dentist
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redundancy worries
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negative self talk
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hip pain
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tennis elbow
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rheumatoid arthritis
For more information about the major benefits over mainstream talking therapies see my blogpost comparing EFT with other mainstream therapies.
How does EFT compare with CBT?
In scientific studies, EFT has been shown to deliver results of a similar quality to CBT but crucially it has been shown to get results more rapidly. The method of allowing the mind and body to communicate during an EFT session means that the words employed during the session are specifically targeted at the issues, which both the body and mind can then process.
EFT is therefore both effective and rapid; it also makes fewer demands on clients in terms of ‘homework’ e.g. forms to complete at a time when it can be hard to think straight anyway.
Will I have to reveal anything painful?
You don't have to reveal anything you're not ready to talk about, or do anything you don't want to do. Interestingly, during our session, even if you are willing and able to just think about the emotion or memory you want to release, EFT will still work. The ‘distancing’ measures I take during our sessions are designed to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout.
Is EFT a proven therapy?
There are actually over over 140 studies in the US, UK and Australia, proving that EFT is an effective treatment for a wide range of emotional issues. See here for more
It is fair to say that some early work was not of the most robust type, but more recent research by Harvard Medical School in the USA, Bond University in Queensland Australia, and Staffordshire University in the UK have produced high quality studies that show EFT both as an effective at rapidly calming the nervous system and lessening the stress hormone cortisol. See research here and here
EFT has also been scientifically proven both gentle and effective enough to work at such deep levels that it is now being used as an effective treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the USA, and in Rwanda in the years following the civil war.
If you would like to do your own reading and research, here are some links to several recent studies: The Science of EFT with Dr Peta Stapleton, The Neurochemistry of Counterconditioning, Clinical EFT Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (NICE guidelines).
I have also put together a useful Reading List together should you feel like exploring EFT further yourself. You can also out more on the EFT International Research Database.
What are EFT sessions like?
EFT sessions are conversation based where we both remain seated, it is however important to be as comfortable as possible, so it is helpful to wear loose comfortable indoor clothing during your session. I take a background history / personal and other relevant information to help me help you. See my Code of Conduct on the How to Book page for information on how I store data.
I shall be teaching you how to tap firmly at certain points located on your face head and upper body. I shall teach you the method, and we track progress throughout, so our results are measurable. People typically report a feeling of calm at the end of an EFT session.
Detailed information about tapping points and what a session looks like can be found in this EFT International visual guide.
How can I get the most out of an EFT session?
It is important to set the intention to be both kind to yourself and know you deserve to take time out for your own well-being. Here is a useful guide on preparing to work with an EFT Practitioner you can take a look at, and more tips below.
Journalling is helpful. Keeping a diary of your journey back to well-being can help you and your therapist discern patterns and recurring themes for discussion and help you to track progress for yourself.
Take something in with you to help you ground yourself, such as a treasured item or something you can fiddle with.
Have someone you trust nearby, if you want. It could help you relax if you know someone will be there for you when the session is finished.
It’s useful afterwards, at least at first to take time to just ‘be’ and not need to go straight back to a hectic list of tasks. A soak in the bath / a weekend, even, to pamper yourself / nourishing food / walks in nature can ease you into the work of actually processing stored emotions / trauma which somehow got ‘stuck’.
Contact me
Book a free 15 minute phone-call with me to see how I might help.
or
cotswoldmeridiantherapies@gmail.com
I am based in Stroud in Gloucestershire, UK. Clients are welcome to come to me or attend sessions virtually.