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03 / 07Complementary mind–body practice

Focused attention with rhythmic tapping

Emotional Freedom Technique

EFT—often called tapping—pairs focused attention on an emotion or memory with gentle fingertip tapping on a sequence of points on the face and upper body. I use it to help you stay connected to an experience while also giving the body a steady, rhythmic task.

Ask about this approach

What it is—and what it is not.

We name one specific concern, notice its current intensity, and use a short phrase while tapping through a sequence. We then pause and check what changed—emotionally, physically or in the way you see the situation.

How we may work with it.

This is a flexible map, not a script. I adapt the process to your comfort, goals and response in the room.

  1. 01

    Name one focus

    We choose a manageable emotion, thought, body sensation or moment rather than trying to address everything at once.

  2. 02

    Set a baseline

    You describe the feeling in your own words and may rate its intensity so we can notice change without demanding it.

  3. 03

    Tap and stay present

    I guide a gentle tapping sequence while you repeat a phrase that acknowledges the experience with compassion.

  4. 04

    Pause, notice, adapt

    We re-rate, reflect and either repeat, shift focus or stop. Your response—not a fixed script—guides the next step.

Places this conversation can go.

EFT may suit you if you appreciate an active, structured exercise and are comfortable using both words and gentle self-tapping during a session.

  • 01Everyday stress and emotional overwhelm
  • 02Anxiety-related feelings
  • 03Specific fears or anticipatory worry
  • 04The emotional charge around a memory
  • 05Self-criticism and limiting beliefs

What the research says

Useful context, without overselling.

Systematic reviews report promising reductions in stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms, but the literature varies in quality. Recent reviews still identify risk-of-bias concerns, small samples and the need for stronger independent trials. EFT is best presented as a complementary option rather than a universal or first-line treatment.

My care boundary

Your wellbeing comes before the method.

You can slow down or stop at any time. For significant trauma or PTSD, established trauma-focused treatments delivered by suitably trained clinicians should be considered; tapping is not emergency or crisis care.

Before you decide.

Do the tapping points have to be exact?

No perfection is required. I guide the sequence clearly, and we keep attention on comfort, consent and what you notice rather than technical performance.

Will I have to describe a traumatic event in detail?

Not necessarily. We can begin with present sensations or a broad title for the experience. You choose how much detail to share and when to pause.

Can I use EFT between sessions?

For mild, familiar stress, I may suggest a simple practice. Intense or destabilising material is better explored with appropriate professional support.

Go beyond the summary.

I believe you deserve enough context to make an informed choice. These links include original method descriptions and independent research where it is available.

  1. 01Clinical EFT for psychological and physiological stressPubMed · 2026 systematic review
  2. 02EFT for anxiety disordersPubMed · 2025 systematic review
  3. 03Acupoint tapping as an active ingredientPubMed · 2018 systematic review
  4. 04Recommended psychological care for PTSDNICE

Still wondering whether this is right for you?

You do not have to choose a method before we speak.

Start a private enquiry