Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an energy-psychology technique used for reducing stress and the intensity of negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, anger, prolonged or exacerbated grief and traumatic memory. It reduces the psychological pain associated with stressful experiences, mood disorders and the negative thought and/or behavior patterns that typically prompt people to seek psychotherapy. It can also be beneficial for the relief of physical symptoms and the management of chronic pain.
EFT was developed by Gary Craig in 2003 out of several fields, most notably Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Kinesiology, quantum physics and Chinese meridian therapies. Most simply explained, it relies on neuro-linguistic programming (using language to focus the thoughts) and acupressure (performed by the client and led by the clinician) to relieve the negative emotional intensity associated with painful experiences which may be contributing to unwanted thoughts, feelings, behaviors and in some cases physical ailments. It utilizes some of the same principles as traditional psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but has the advantage of usually bringing about more rapid change, often immediately or shortly after treatment is initiated. Once learned, clients can apply the technique to a wide range of situations in their everyday lives to reduce stress and improve their overall sense of wellbeing.
Because EFT is relatively new, it is still being researched. In the meantime, client testimonials have been extremely encouraging and there are no known cases where a result has been considered detrimental. However, as with any treatment, individual results are variable. As with traditional talk therapy, you may experience the surfacing of painful emotions that have been buried, but EFT is designed to address and relieve these underlying issues as well and produce greater overall emotional resilience. As with psychotherapy, EFT is a collaborative effort between client and clinician, such that client investment is essential to the final result. If you feel the need to do so, please check with your health care professional about the advisability of this type of meridian based therapy.
If you wish to learn more about EFT, visit: www.emofree.com