Life happens. Sometimes around you, sometimes to you. It unfolds in ways you can influence and in ways you cannot. That’s difficult. There are plenty of actions we take, decisions made, consequences faced, but then there are other forces, beyond our control, that still impact us and those we love. For someone who is extra sensitive and deeply compassionate, like myself, this weight can feel overwhelming. That is why I highly encourage and embrace therapy.
Therapy has been a crucial tool in helping me navigate these challenges. My therapist has guided me through various techniques, but recently, she introduced me to something new: EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique). At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but as I explored it, I realized it might be exactly what I need, especially with her guided coaching.
What Is EFT Tapping?
EFT tapping is a mind-body technique that blends psychology with acupressure. It involves tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on an emotional challenge, helping to release stress and rewire thought patterns. The idea behind it is simple: emotional distress creates disruptions in the body’s energy system, and tapping on these points helps restore balance.
How EFT Works
The process follows these steps:
- Identify the Issue – Acknowledge what’s bothering you (stress, anxiety, fear, grief, etc.).
- Rate the Intensity – On a scale of 0 to 10, determine how strongly you feel the emotion.
- Set Up a Statement – This follows the format:
“Even though I feel [emotion] about [issue], I deeply and completely accept myself.” - Tap on Meridian Points – Using two fingers, gently tap on 9 key points:
- Top of the head
- Eyebrow
- Side of the eye
- Under the eye
- Under the nose
- Chin
- Collarbone
- Under the arm
- Side of the hand (also called the “karate chop” point)
- Reassess Intensity – After a round of tapping, reassess how intense the emotion feels. Often, it decreases.
Why It Works
When life’s uncertainties pile up, they activate the amygdala—the brain’s fear center—triggering the body’s fight-or-flight response. EFT tapping is believed to signal safety to the brain, helping reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and calming the nervous system.
What EFT Can Help With
✅ Anxiety & Stress
✅ PTSD & Trauma
✅ Chronic Pain
✅ Phobias & Fears
✅ Emotional Eating
✅ Self-Limiting Beliefs
Science & EFT: Does It Hold Up?
Yes! Several studies show EFT reduces stress and improves emotional well-being. The American Psychological Association recognizes it as a promising therapy, especially for anxiety and PTSD. While more research is ongoing, many people – myself included – find it to be a powerful tool for navigating life’s unpredictability.
For someone like me, who feels things deeply and often carries the emotions of others, EFT tapping offers a sense of release. It’s a way to regain some control in a world that can often feel uncontrollable. If you’re looking for something to help ground you in the midst of life’s chaos, it might be worth a try.
At the very least, you’ll walk away having given yourself permission to pause, breathe, and acknowledge what you’re feeling, something we all need more of.
Insight into my EFT therapy
Therapy is deeply personal, and while I am open to being vulnerable and sharing, I will not be sharing the full script my therapist has used with me. However, I want to share part of it because it deeply resonated, and I wonder if it could help other parents.
“Even though I have not yet fully embraced supporting myself as much as I support my children, I choose to allow it to unfold in its own time.”
“Even though it’s new and unfamiliar, I am open to the idea that I am worthy of my own care and kindness.”
“Even though I’ve been focused on my role as the adult, I can still allow myself to grow and evolve alongside my children.”
I appreciate that the statements above honor where I am now while gently guiding me toward self-compassion and self-support.
