EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

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EFT is the acronym for Emotional Freedom Technique. Introduced by Gary Craig in 1993 and developed through his EFT therapy handbook, EFT is an alternative form of counseling that draws on acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and thought field therapy.

What Is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)?

EFT tapping is an adaptation of the stimulation of acupuncture points on the human body, through self-administered acupressure. Called “energy psychology” by its proponents, EFT tapping and EFT treatment are used to address both physical and psychological disorders. By utilizing the EFT tapping techniques on specific points of energy in the body, EFT therapy was developed as a self-administered modality.

Professionals have asked, “Does EFT work?” A pertinent question, since EFT tapping as a therapeutic practice is often seen as pseudoscience. From a therapeutic perspective, Emotional Freedom Technique is not supported in most clinical psychology academic circles. Moreover, many scientists claim that EFT tapping has no benefit as a therapy beyond the placebo effect.

Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield supports EFT tapping as a simple technique for healing that resides somewhere between hypnosis, meditation, and acupressure. Furthermore, proponents see EFT tapping as a holistic healing approach that makes full use of the mind-body connection. However, detractors warn that EFT therapy promises too much but delivers too little.

Sources: Tapping.com, The Tapping Solution, Scientific Research—Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice