Emotional Freedom Technique

What is EFT?
By Kathryn Martyn

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is the name Gary Craig gave to his brand of TFT (Thought Field Therapy). TFT was developed by Roger Callahan, Ph.D which is taught at his site, TFTRX.com. Dr. Callahan believed there were specific protocols for each problem, and he teaches complex algorithms for each individual problem, so for instance if you wanted to lose weight, you would tap on certain specific areas in a certain order. Craig took the training then thought; why not just use all the tapping points, reasoning that you were bound to hit on the proper ones by default. Craig method was successful beyond his wildest dreams, and EFT has become a worldwide sensation.

There are many variations of energy therapy, starting from TFT, to EFT and beyond. The "alphabet soup" of different techniques (all based on the same premise) has created names such as TAT, TFT, EFT, BSFF and others.

EFT is an easy to learn, easy to use method of eliminating the blocked emotional passages, and interrupting your habitual thought patterns. This same technique is employed in NLP by interrupting your patterned behavior. Since most of our so called "phobic" responses, and triggered behaviors, including overeating, are based on patterns, or habits, this simple process which can interpret the patterns is very useful and effective.

If you drive a car but don't understand how an engine works, then you can use EFT. No Ph.D is required. There is nothing to be lost by trying it, and everything to be gained if it does work for you. No drugs, no needles, and no lifetime therapy needed!

Why Learn EFT

Because EFT is so easy to learn and so effective, I use it as a foundational approach in my weight loss work. Once you learn the technique you can use EFT on your own, to achieve release and freedom from old hurts, traumas, memories, conflicting desires, compulsions, habits, and more.

I use EFT daily. Whenever I realize I'm doing something that I'd rather not do (habits), or when I notice a recurring thought or emotion I'd prefer not to feel, I do a quick round of EFT and it usually works to either eliminate the problem or at least significantly reduce it. A round of EFT takes less than 30 seconds to complete.

Much of my work involving weight loss centers around the emotional aspects and doesn't directly address weight or food at all. Why we do what we don't want to do, why we reach for seconds when we're already full, why we can't seem to stop ourselves despite wanting to very badly. All of these are concerns are emotionally based, and can be helped with EFT.

EFT helps give you the control you desire. You can learn EFT in many ways. It is easy to learn and easy to use, which is why I'm so excited about it.

OR visit EMOFree.com, the site that started the EFT explosion. Many case studies, explanations.

Below you will find an example of how the set-up phrase is used in EFT:

Set-up Phrase: "Even though I don't believe I'll ever lose this weight, I deeply and completely accept myself."

Shortened Phrase: "Don't Believe"

Wait! That's not a positive affirmation!

How will that work? Won't that make me get what I don't want? I'm confused... Common questions and easily answered when you review the materials and/or take a class. By thinking of the issue while doing the tapping, you are effectively interrupting that old established neuro-pathway. The next time you think of the same issue, you'll notice the disturbance is either gone completely or greatly diminished.

This is how EFT and NLP can be so effective in the case of traumas and phobias (great fears). Thinking of the feared thing, while tapping, diffuses the emotional intensity and attachment -- effectively destroying that old pathway. You'll still be able to recall the event, but you won't have the emotional reaction anymore, at least not in the same intensity, and if you work it through the end, you'll be able to achieve peace.

How to Perform Basic EFT

EFT is easy to learn. Once you learn the basics, you will develop skill and get results as you practice and use EFT daily.

Basic EFT Worksheet Packet

Download and print the free Issues Packet (Opens in New Window).

Hints for Downloading: Right click on the above link, and choose Save As to download the file to your computer. Make a note of which directory the Save As dialog opens to, so you'll know where the file is located, or navigate to your desktop to place it there.

This packet has worksheets, diagrams and reminders to assist in your learning, and to use for your practice. The worksheets are great for a reminder of the process, keeping track of your issues, and having a journal of how the process is working for you. It is not necessary to purchase more materials to learn EFT. Once you have learned the technique, whether through a class or on your own, you can use the technique from that point forward.

Put EFT in your back pocket as a technique which will go a long way toward ending your weight issues forever.
Surprisingly many people, after using EFT, will claim they never had the problem they treated in the first place. The worksheets will show how something you once thought was important, is now eliminated as an issue, to the extent you don't recall it being an issue in the first place. That's a complicated way of saying this method can work amazingly well and that's real emotional freedom!

The Issues Packet contains four sheets,

1. Completed worksheet as example of how to fill in the worksheet
2. Instructions for how to do the EFT process
3. Diagram to the tapping points
4. Blank worksheet.

Tips For EFT Tapping

I remember this by thinking of drawing a big question mark on my face, starting from point No. 1, out to point No. 2, back to point No. 3, and then down from point No. 4. Once you go through the various tapping points a few times, it's very easy to remember the various points.

You'll be using a light tapping touch, hard enough to feel, but not so hard as to bruise yourself. Gentle, but not so gentle that you barely notice. Tap five to seven times on each point, about the same amount of time it takes to say your reminder phrase. This process is described in the packet referred to above.

Follow the instructions, read along as you practice tapping. Think of an issue, rate the level of distress, write it down on your worksheet, proceed through the process, then re-rate the level of distress. That's it! Simple.

Click here for the emotional freedom technique manual.
Click here for the changing beliefs ebook.