What is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping?

Emotional Freedom Techniques otherwise known as ‘EFT Tapping’ is a mind + body tool under the blanket of Energy Psychology.

I have described it as follows - if modern-day psychotherapy had a love affair with ancient Chinese medicine/methodology they would produce EFT Tapping. While I doubt any of my mentors would endorse this explanation - this is how I often explain it!

EFT involves tapping on 8 or 9 acupressure points along the meridian channels on the face and body while tuning into a painful or uncomfortable emotion, thought, feeling, belief or physical sensation.

EFT can be utilized in two ways, the first as a self-regulation and self-help tool individuals can utilize on their own. Or, with a certified trained professional in a client-practitioner relationship and setting.

What is Conscious EFT™?

Conscious EFT™ is (in my opinion) a more elevated form of EFT developed by my mentor Nancy Forrester, Founder and Executive Director of the National EFT Training Institute in Canada.

Conscious EFT™ is a trauma-informed, 4-phased approach that emphasizes the importance of safety for the client, practitioner, and thus the client-practitioner container. The focus almost always remains between Phase 1: what’s happening in the present moment for client and Phase 4: reinforcing positive beliefs/feelings/thoughts that empower the client and thus expand their window of JOY!

The focus in Conscious EFT™ isn’t on going back to the source of the pain/trauma, but rather growing the authentic internal spark of goodness/joy that is innate in all of us and letting THAT be the source of healing.

What is Havening Touch Techniques?

Also known as Delta Waves Techniques, The Havening Touch Techniques® is another evidence-based psychosomatic/sensory tool rooted in science.

Developed by brothers Dr. Ronald A. Ruden and Dr. Steven Ruden, The Havening Techniques® was developed as a response to change individuals’ present-day response to past painful memories and events. This is done by de-potentiating the trauma encoding in the brain and thus removing its negative (and sometimes debilitating) impact on the individual.

Much like other psychosensory/somatic tools, The Havening Touch Techniques® uses human touch (solo or by a practitioner) as a therapeutic tool which is identified as Havening Touch®.

“Havening Touch involves a simple touch of the hands, upper arms and face. This touch generates a delta wave in the brain and as a consequence, we also refer to Havening Techniques® as Delta Techniques™.”

More can be found on Havening by visiting Havening.org.

What are Psychosomatic/sensory Tools?

Psychosensory or psychosomatic tools are modalities and techniques that integrate the brain, body, emotions, sensory information, and cognitions in a collaborative way.

Also referred to as mind + body/mind + body + spirit tools and in some cases Energy Psychology tools.

What are Acupressure Points?

Originating from ancient Chinese medicine and methodology, acupressure or acupuncture points are located along the meridian channels that run on either side and the middle of the body.

There are 361 professionally recognized acupressure/acupuncture points, however; many traditional Chinese and Eastern cultures recognize and work with over 2,000+ points on the body.

While a quick search on the internet can probably provide a lot of information in this area - here is a quick overview of acupressure/acupuncture points and meridians.

Are Energy Meridians Real?

Yes. Thanks to modern technology and the meridians have been confirmed as being a real system within the body called the Primo Vascular System. You can learn more about this on the ScienceDirect website as well as Dr. Peta Stapleton’s.

Where can I go to learn more about the science behind EFT & Havening?

I would highly recommend a few resources to access research around EFT and Havening Touch Techniques…please see below:

Research on the efficacy of EFT:

• Dr. Peta Stapleton

• EFT International

• National EFT Training Institute

• EFT Universe

Research on the efficacy of Havening Touch®:

• Havening Website

• Medical News Today Article

Can EFT & Havening help AD[H]D symptoms?

While there is currently no scientific evidence that EFT, Conscious EFT, Acupressure Tapping or Havening Touch Techniques are effective interventions for AD[H]D symptoms - through my own personal and professional experience the answer to that question is YES!

Using the current research available that shows the efficacy on many known comorbidities of AD[H]D and other Neurodivergent types, like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, physical pain, OCD…we can assume at the very least, psychosensory/somatic tools can support the often intense and painful emotions and mood swing associated with AD[H]D.

When we consider the similarity of symptoms of AD[H]D and trauma, again we can look at the current research and make some assumptions as to the impact these tools can potentially have on Neurodivergent folks.

While I am no professional researcher - I did do a very small study on the impact of Acupressure Tapping on symptoms of AD[H]D in adults. You can see the video I shared on the preliminary data collected here.

Are EFT & Havening a replacement for mental health services?

No. These tools are a beautiful compliment to the work you may already be doing with a trained mental health practitioner or psychotherapist but are certainly not a replacement.

If you are looking for professional support from a mental health expert in your area, please contact your local recognized health care service provider or medical health centre.

How long & often should I use these tools outside of sessions?

We have all heard “small steps, taken consistently over time lead to the biggest changes” and I wholeheartedly agree. Consistency is key to any long-term change.

Utilizing these tools as instruments for self-care and weaving them into your daily routine would be a proactive approach. Alternatively, an individual can also use them when triggered as a means to safely and efficiently regulate the nervous system in the moment.

It really is a personal choice as to how long, how often or when to utilize self-regulation tools. As a practitioner, I can not decide for my client what feels best or right to them and so I leave that in their hands.

Can’t find what you were searching for? Have a question that isn’t answered here? Feel free to reach out to me directly!