EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)

This is an emotional freedom technique, also known as needle-free acupuncture, which consists of unblocking the energy channels called meridians while the individual tunes into a problem. These are the very same meridians studied for millennia by acupuncture, and EFT can be described as an "emotional version" of that technique, without, however, requiring the use of any needles. The unblocking is done through light tapping with the fingertips on the endpoints of these meridians, while the patient tunes into the problem by repeating reminder phrases (phrases that indicate to the energy system what is being addressed). This process is simple yet very powerful, bringing deep, fast and lasting results, and promoting physical and emotional health.

It was developed from discoveries made by American psychologist Dr. Roger Callahan, PhD, a practitioner of acupressure (needle-free acupuncture) and other energy techniques (applied kinesiology). Combining and simplifying this knowledge gave rise to EFT. There's no need for any knowledge of acupuncture to learn EFT. The technique is simple, usually produces quite surprising results, and you can self-apply it (or apply it to others). It is not massage, shiatsu, or any other technique.

EFT is a method of its own, and its application has particular features that give it above-average effectiveness while remaining simple to learn. The method's key differentiator is that emotional blockages are brought to the surface during the session through memories stimulated by speech and thought, so they can be eliminated and permanently unblocked through tapping on the endpoints of the energy channels. This considerably increases the technique's effectiveness compared to other processes. In other words, the method always combines speaking about and thinking of emotional issues while simultaneously unblocking the meridians.

The results of applying this technique include the resolution of emotional problems, sometimes within just a few minutes, even in cases that appear difficult and deeply rooted. A single session (lasting 50 minutes, conducted by an experienced practitioner) is usually enough to completely eliminate a phobia, or to remove the pain of a traumatic memory, a grief, among many other specific problems. Some issues, however, may require persistence and dedication, depending on the amount of energetic blockages a person carries. In EFT, we learn that negative emotions are linked to a disruption in the energy flow of our system, and once this flow is restored, the negative feeling disappears. EFT is perhaps the most effective technique for restoring this flow, and it does so within minutes — which is why the results are simply astonishing.

What Can Be Treated

Basically, any negative feeling: anger, grief, sadness, guilt, frustration, fear, claustrophobia, fear of heights, of crowds, fear of public speaking, fear of driving, fear of animals and insects, any and all phobias not listed here, traumatic memories (from accidents, violence, kidnapping, robbery, war...), post-traumatic stress disorder, among others. It can also successfully treat cases such as: anxiety, obesity, addictions (smoking, drinking, drugs, chocolate, food...), nail biting, depression, panic syndrome, among others. It can address pain: chronic or otherwise, migraines and all types of headaches, back pain, joint pain, tendon pain, menstrual cramps, pain due to new or old physical trauma, pain caused by other illnesses (cancer, arthritis, etc.) and all pain not listed here.

It generally produces very fast results in relieving pain in general. It's also possible to treat physical conditions: high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, allergies of all kinds, among others. You might ask how it's possible to improve physical ailments if EFT is meant for emotional problems? It turns out there's an inseparable link between physical illnesses and emotional issues, something that is becoming increasingly accepted by doctors and scientists. As time goes by, we're noticing that this link is much stronger than previously thought. When we relieve negative feelings with EFT, physical ailments ease, partially or fully. Even when we direct EFT at a physical problem, the results are very good, because, in truth, the technique is working on the emotional factor behind the illness, even when that factor is unknown to both the therapist and the client.

Advantages of EFT

• Low learning cost;
• Self-applicable tool (you can apply it to yourself);
• Extremely effective;
• Simple and easy to learn;
• Non-invasive method that requires no equipment;
• Can be used whenever and as often as you like.

EFT in Our Sessions

During sessions, we may choose to run a few rounds of EFT whenever a quick energetic release is needed. We typically work with patients to identify the main emotional issues to be addressed, so we can build a specific plan to be applied together in subsequent sessions.