How to Find a Qualified EFT Tapping Therapist Near You

Understanding Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as "tapping", is an alternative therapy that involves gently tapping on specific meridian points on the body. Practitioners believe tapping can restore balance to the bodys energy system and treat physical and emotional problems.

The Origins of EFT Tapping

EFT was first developed in the 1990s by Stanford engineer Gary Craig. It builds upon existing energy psychology therapies like Thought Field Therapy and acupuncture.

The technique draws from the principles of acupuncture involving the bodys energy meridians and chi energy flow. However, instead of using needles, EFT uses fingertips to stimulate acupoints.

How EFT Tapping Works

EFT tapping sessions involve tapping on 12 major meridian endpoints located throughout the body. These include the forehead, eyebrows, under eyes, under nose, chin, collarbone, under arm, wrist, top of head, side of hand, karate chop point, and gamut spot.

As you tap each point, you focus on targeted negative emotions or physical symptoms and pair taping with verbal positive affirmations. The tapping aims to restore balance and flow in the bodys energy while affirmations help shift mindset.

The Benefits of EFT Tapping

EFT tapping enthusiasts and practitioners claim the technique can provide numerous mental, emotional, and physical benefits through correcting disturbances in the body's energy systems. Some reported benefits include:

• Reducing anxiety, depression, PTSD
• Improving stress management
• Boosting self-esteem and confidence
• Lessening chronic pain
• Alleviating headaches, migraines
• Minimizing cravings and addictions
• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving sleep quality

Common Conditions Treated by EFT

While clinical research is still limited, EFT has been used by tapping practitioners to treat many conditions including:

Anxiety Disorders

Tapping may alleviate anxiety from PTSD, OCD, phobias, social anxiety, generalized anxiety (GAD), separation anxiety, and more by calming the amygdala response in the brain.

Depression

Studies show EFT decreases symptoms of depression, likely by lowering cortisol levels and regulating hormones.

Addictions

The tapping technique may reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with addictions to nicotine, alcohol, drugs, caffeine, sugar, carbohydrates, etc.

Trauma

By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, EFT may help process and release emotionally traumatic memories and experiences.

Insomnia

Tappings relaxing effect helps improve sleep quality in those with insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or frequent nighttime awakenings.

Chronic Pain

EFT shows promise for relieving chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, back pain, injuries, etc. by lowering inflammation and cortisol.

Weight Loss

Tapping may reduce emotional eating and cravings for unhealthy foods, aiding sustainable weight loss, especially when paired with positive affirmations.

Phobias

Fear and anxiety associated with phobias like flying, heights, spiders, social settings, etc. may improve through tapping.

What to Expect in an EFT Session

A typical EFT tapping session takes about 15-60 minutes and can be performed alone or with an EFT practitioner. Sessions involve four main steps:

Assessment

The practitioner will discuss your emotional and/or physical issues to determine the tapping focus. For self-treatment, reflect on your major symptoms and causes of distress.

Setup

This initiates the energy flow. It involves stating the issue you want to address while using two fingertips to tap the karate chop point on the side of the hand.

Tapping Sequence

Using two fingertips, tap firmly 5-7 times on each of the 12 meridian endpoints from head to torso as you repeat verbal affirmations tailored to your specific issue.

Reassessment

Notice any improvements in your emotional state or physical symptoms. Additional tapping rounds can further improve results.

How to Find an EFT Practitioner

To find a qualified EFT tapping therapist in your area:

• Search EFT certification directories - Organizations like EFT International, AAMET International, and The Tapping Solution have directories for certified practitioners.
• Look for EFT specialty and training - Search psychology and therapy professional profiles for EFT credentials, specializations, case studies, etc.
• Ask for referrals - Friends, therapists, doctors, and natural health providers may be able to recommend reputable EFT practitioners.
• Contact integrative medicine clinics - Many holistic health centers offer EFT as part of their services or can direct you to EFT providers.
• Search online reviews - Client reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and tapping websites can help choose an experienced, highly-rated practitioner.

When contacting potential EFT tapping therapists, ask about their training, certifications, experience, specializations, treatment methods, and pricing to find the best fit.

Questions to Ask a Prospective EFT Practitioner

Some key questions to ask during your initial consultation with an EFT tapping therapist include:

• - How long have you been practicing EFT?
• - What is your training background?
• - Do you have any EFT certifications or credentials?
• - How many clients have you successfully treated with EFT?
• - What issues or conditions do you commonly treat with tapping?
• - What is your treatment approach?
• - Do you combine EFT with any other therapies?
• - How many sessions do clients typically need?
• - What are your rates and payment policies?

A quality EFT practitioner should make you feel comfortable and address all your questions and concerns before beginning treatment.

Tips for Making the Most of EFT Sessions

To increase the effectiveness of your EFT tapping sessions:

• Drink water - Proper hydration supports the flow of energy and release of emotions.
• Focus your thoughts - Concentrate intently on the feelings and phrases during tapping.
• Be patient - It may take multiple rounds of tapping to experience results.
• Try meditation afterward - Quiet reflection enhances EFT's calming benefits.
• Keep a journal - Note physical and emotional changes between sessions.
• Reduce caffeine - Caffeine can disrupt the body's energy flow.
• Limit distractions - Turn off screens and reduce noise interference during tapping.

Implementing EFT with consistency while engaging fully in the process often produces optimal, lasting improvements.

The Future of EFT Tapping Therapy

While still considered an alternative therapy, EFT tapping techniques continue to gain recognition for their demonstrated ability to rapidly reduce anxiety, stress, fear, trauma, cravings, pain, and more.

Ongoing research aims to further validate EFTs effectiveness across psychological and physiological domains. However, many practitioners already actively incorporate tapping into their treatment protocols with undeniable anecdotal reports of benefits.

Finding an EFT therapist near you gives you access to this revolutionary energy psychology tool that may hold the key to resolving both mental and physical complaints holistically.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.