The Background of TFT and EFT

EFT or Emotional Freedom Techniques, is an offshoot of the Callahan Techniques®, also known as Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Thought Field Therapy was developed by Roger Callahan, Ph.D. over 22 years ago. The premise behind TFT is that our emotions affect our energy system. Often during a really good massage a person will experience an emotional release in addition to the release of muscular tension. The muscles store the emotions.

And in a similar way, so does our energy system. In a healthy energy system, the energy flows easily and effortlessly throughout the body. However, as a result of an intense emotional experience or repetitive "negative" emotions, the flow of energy can stagnate and even become blocked.

What Makes EFT Unique

This is where EFT veers away from TFT. According to TFT, there are specific meridian points which must be tapped in a specific sequence known. There is a different sequence, or algorithm for each treatment. Through some trial and error, Gary Craig, the founder of EFT, concluded that the sequence was irrelevant and tapping on all the points (13 to be exact) was just as effective. This overhaul approach has made EFT easier to learn and just as effective as Thought Field Therapy. No longer does a person have to remember a unique algorithm. Anyone can now tap away their negative emotions!

Specifically, EFT is an emotional healing technique (trauma, PTSD, phobias, grief, anger, guilt, anxiety, etc.) which is also capable of dramatically relieving many physical symptoms (pain, headaches, asthma and more). It often does the job in minutes and its results are usually long lasting. It frequently provides relief where other techniques fail and has a high success rate (typically 80% or better). Side effects are almost always positive.

The Mechanics of EFT

EFT relieves symptoms by tapping with the fingertips on various body locations. This tapping serves to balance energy meridians which become disrupted when the client thinks about or becomes involved in an emotionally disturbing circumstance. The actual memory stays but the charge is gone. Typically, this result is lasting. Cognition often changes in a healthy direction as a natural consequence of the healing.

More complicated issues often have a number of different aspects to them. For instance, we may be sad, angry, and hurt about the breakup of a relationship. Each of these aspects needs to be balanced. When working with long standing patterns, you may find that more aspects show up over the course of the day or week. It is important to address each aspect as it arises.

The Benefits of EFT

Here are just some of the issues that I use EFT with:

Anxiety
Fears
Grief
Sadness
Anger
Resentment
Jealousy
Shyness
Phobias
Traumatic memories
PTSD
Addictions
Compulsions
Insomnia
Peak performance
Headaches

This technique can also relieve physical pain. Often, when the emotional issues are addressed with this process, the physical component heals spontaneously. After all, we are a mind and body along one continuum. One unit which works together; what affects one affects the other. Conversely, relieving physical pain often releases past emotional traumas.

As I have learned more about EFT and used it with my clients I am continually in awe at its effectiveness. I have seen clients who went from crying with heart wrenching sobs to feeling calm and peaceful in a matter of minutes as their emotional distress disappeared.

If you are interested specifically in Emotional Freedom Techniques, you will find getting Gary Craig's EFT videos a wise investment. From time to time, I also conduct EFT workshops for both beginners and more advanced practitioners. If you are currently dealing with an important issue and would like to explore further as to how EFT could benefit you, then please email me or give me a call, and let me know what I can do for you.

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