FAQs
What does EFT tapping entail? What can I expect from a session?
EFT tapping uses a tool you already have: your fingers. You will use your fingers to tap on various “acupoints” on your body, which I will lead you through. These points have been scientifically proven to help release stress, and each has an emotional and physical (part of the body) correlation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. While we tap, we will be talking through your issues, using a combination of exposure, trauma, and cognitive therapy to reduce intensity. If your issues are too traumatic to talk about, we’ll use other techniques to help release this pain. You may expect to cry or yawn — this is a great sign that you’re releasing emotions and memories stored in your body! Some people even hiccup or burp. You’ll likely feel very calm after the session.
How should I prepare for a session?
Make sure you drink a lot of water that day. Just like getting a massage, you easily become dehydrated while EFT tapping. It’s a good idea to have some tissues on hand as there's a chance that you'll release some tears. This is a good sign that EFT tapping is working and you're releasing your emotions! Make sure you are in a comfortable, quiet and private space.
How will this be different from a therapy session?
EFT tapping often works much faster than traditional talk therapy. I will not give you advice, and I do not make diagnoses. We’ll use tapping for almost the entire session versus just talking. We’ll likely get to the root of your issues pretty quickly. If there’s anything you don't feel comfortable talking about or sharing with me, I'll use a technique that doesn't require you to tell me what happened. If you don't feel comfortable accessing a memory, I'll use a technique to gently ease you into accessing the memory. We will always go at the pace and with the level of sharing that you're comfortable with.
Can I do this on myself?
Yes! You can certainly tap on yourself. However, working with a practitioner often helps solve issues more quickly. Practitioners give you a more specific, targeted approach that is unique to you. This especially true for issues rooted in trauma. Despite being a trained practitioner, I still prefer working with another practitioner. Having a guide helps keep me on track, holds space for me, and often takes me directions I wouldn’t have thought to go in myself! I’ve healed so much more working with practitioners versus just working on my issues alone.
Here are a few ways to tap on yourself:
Just start talking and tapping through whatever comes up!
Journal and then read back what you wrote while tapping (My favorite way to self-tap.)
Use the Tapping Solution app. Keep in mind that while very effective, their tapping meditations are very general. To go deeper on your own issues, you need to be specific to your own experiences and emotions.
Is it painful?
One of my favorite things about EFT tapping is that it's great for people who are afraid of needles. While its roots are in acupuncture, no needles are used. Tapping with your fingers should not hurt, but some people are sensitive to this sensation or experience pain trying to reach certain acupoints, depending on injuries and other factors. There are many alternative acupoints we can use and you can also just touch points without tapping them. Even imagining tapping on points has been scientifically proven to be as effective as physically tapping. Sometimes when I’m in public and about to do something nerve-wracking, such as public speaking or at bat while playing softball, I imagine I’m tapping. I'm always surprised by how well it works!
Will this replace working with a therapist or psychiatrist?
I am not a licensed therapist, and I can’t make diagnoses or prescribe medications. Depending on your goals, many people do find EFT tapping to be more effective in a shorter amount of time than traditional talk therapy. Please work with your licensed mental health professionals to determine if EFT tapping is right for you, and what may/may not be correct for you to work on in an EFT tapping session.