EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. It is often referred to as ‘tapping’ because it combines the ancient wisdom of acupressure, in the form of fingertip tapping on meridian points, with elements of modern psychology.
EFT is a gentle, safe and evidence-based intervention that helps to manage anxiety, worry over future or past events, obsessive thoughts, low mood, pain, and phobias.
It can also be used positively to enhance performance and is increasingly popular with professional sports people and business executives.
Clinical EFT works on a physiological level to create changes in our brain and body. When we are stressed, our brain acts like it’s in danger. Our body is flooded with cortisol and adrenaline and we experience unwanted thoughts and feelings and unpleasant sensations in our bodies. Acupressure point tapping sends the message to our brain and body that everything is okay and it’s safe to relax.
EFT directly targets the amygdala, the part of your brain that is the alarm system for stress, fear and emotional responses. When you tap on specific acupressure points around the body during a session, you are essentially calming down and ‘turning off' this alarm system. The process of tapping sends calming signals to the amygdala, rewiring how we respond to the stressors and challenges of daily life.
the magic of EFT
When we combine this calming signal with elements of exposure and cognitive therapy, by repeating certain statements (in your own words), and practising specific exercises, we calm the nervous system and rewire the neural patterns in our brains. This creates a balanced, regulated internal environment where we can feel better and notice dramatic changes in our lives.
Once learned, EFT can be used as an effective self-help tool outside of the clinical setting.
Feel calmer, less stressed, more regulated and in control of your body and emotions with Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping.
"My 18 year old son had been strugglingly with anxiety, he met with Isabel, and her wonderfully compassionate and calming nature made it easy for him to open up and embrace EFT. After just a few sessions he noticed significant changes, he was feeling more relaxed and present, and his anxiety was dramatically reduced. The best part is that EFT has taught him how to manage his anxiety by himself so he feels able to face challenges with a new found confidence."
Annabelle, mother of teenager working on anxiety
Anyone, at any age, who is struggling with how they think or feel and would like to feel calmer, more regulated and in control of their body and emotions can benefit from the magic of EFT.
Most importantly it teaches you a self help tool that you can then use whenever you need support. It is now used by many clinicians and mental health professionals.
It is important to note that those with a more serious mental health diagnosis should seek treatment and/or advice from a qualified doctor or psychologist before starting EFT.
Over 100 peer-reviewed, published clinical trials have found that Clinical EFT is effective for reducing stress, anxiety, low mood and pain and in managing phobias and cravings amongst other issues. If you would like to read further around the scientific evidence base for Clinical EFT, EFT Universe has an extensive database which can be found here.
Clinical Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT ‘Tapping’) helps clients of all ages to find a better quality of life - more calm, more joy and more positivity day to day.
Anxiety, overwhelm, fears and phobias are often at their peak at this age and stage. These are particularly acute following the tumultuous last few years with covid lockdowns, increases in screen time and social media use, and changes in patterns of social interaction. These stressors, alongside racing hormones, academic pressure and world events beyond our control can feel utterly overwhelming to a young person.
In my own practice I have found EFT to be particularly successful for children, teens and young adults. Many have been reluctant, nervous or unwilling to try other therapies, or have not had success with other treatments. EFT tapping can help them successfully navigate away from negative or unhelpful thoughts and patterns of behaviour towards peace and regulation and a happier life experience. It equips them with a self-help tool they can use wherever they are, whenever they need calm or a boost.
Is your child or teenager struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or fear?
"My 15 year old son has had a long and genuine fear of flying, which he really struggles to deal with. This makes family holidays a very stressful time for all. Having tried various different approaches in the past I turned to Isabel for help. I can’t put into words how enormously grateful I am to her, through her Tapping sessions she has enabled my son to fly abroad this summer with absolutely no stress. Not only has Isabel enabled him to deal with his fear of flying but she has also given him the tools to deal with any other stressful situations that may arise in the future. Being an anxious child these will be invaluable to him going forward."
Kirsty, mother of teenager who managed phobia of flying in 3 sessions
Once stressful thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and integrated, we repeat the tapping sequence in a variety of exercises to reset your old emotional reactions. Your thoughts and memories remain, but no longer trigger the same limbic system stress response. You gain emotional freedom, becoming an observer of your emotions instead of being controlled by them.
Next, you create a contradictory experience in your body through tapping on acupressure points, guided by a practitioner. This sends a calming signal to your nervous system and helps the neural bundles in your brain and the cells of your body to ‘open up and come on line’. This enables us to re-programme their response away from stress towards calm. By combining self-acceptance and cognitive reframing, EFT frees you from limiting beliefs, emotional blocks, and negative patterns.
Instead of ignoring stress or anxiety, EFT encourages you gently to acknowledge and face it. By being aware of and calmly talking about your feelings and emotions around the issue at hand, we can target the parts of your brain holding on to distress and get it to release. The process starts with an acceptance statement, based on your own words, that recognises your current situation without judgment ‘Even though.. (insert your own words) I accept myself just as I am.'
contradictory exposure
repetition
For very acute issues, EFT tapping can be approached in a very gentle way and doesn’t have to involve discussion of the issue at hand. It is often used across a series of sessions to get at root causes by ‘tapping out’ stressful feelings and thoughts as they arise.
EFT uses a ‘Transformation Sequence’ to help you re-learn responses to stressful or upsetting events or unwanted thoughts and sensations.
what to expect & steps to transformation
Openness to the issue
If you feel that this may be of benefit to you or someone close to you, please get in touch
“I found Isabel incredibly easy to talk to and helpful. Her way of handling my problems and dealing with them was amazing.”
Oliver, 15 years old
eft discovery call
20 mins
emotional freedom technique (tapping) price list
free
EFT session
75 mins
£65
BUndle
4 treatments (within 1 year of payment)
£240
It is worth noting that many private healthcare plans now cover complementary therapies. My qualifications mean I am widely accepted as part of this list.
Gift vouchers are also available.
Please provide at least 24 hours notice for any changes to your appointment as it allows me time to rebook another client. Missed appointments or late cancellations will be charged at the full rate.
