Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
“With tapping, we can change how we respond and think about life around us.”
Sherrie Smith
What are Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT/Tapping)?
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as “tapping,” is a mind-body therapeutic approach that combines elements of mindfulness, somatic therapy, exposure work, and cognitive techniques to help regulate the nervous system and reduce emotional distress.
EFT involves gently tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on thoughts, emotions, memories, or physical sensations connected to stress or discomfort. This process is believed to help calm the body’s stress response while creating new, healthier associations in the brain and nervous system.
Originally developed by Gary Craig, EFT is based on the understanding that emotional stress impacts both the mind and body. By combining body-based regulation with emotional processing, EFT can help individuals feel more grounded, calm, and emotionally balanced.
Many people find EFT especially helpful because it is gentle, approachable, and practical both inside and outside the therapy room.
How does EFT work?
Our nervous systems are constantly scanning for safety and danger. When we experience stress, trauma, overwhelm, or painful emotional experiences, the brain and body can begin reacting as though a threat is still present — even long after the original event has passed.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
Anxiety and panic
Emotional overwhelm
Hypervigilance
Intrusive thoughts
Physical tension
Emotional shutdown
Difficulty relaxing or feeling safe
EFT helps calm the nervous system by pairing focused awareness of emotional distress with rhythmic tapping on acupressure points. This process can help reduce emotional intensity while allowing the brain and body to process experiences differently.
Rather than avoiding painful thoughts or emotions, EFT supports clients in approaching them with greater regulation, safety, and self-awareness.
Over time, clients often notice:
Reduced emotional reactivity
Increased nervous system regulation
Improved emotional resilience
Greater body awareness
Decreased stress and overwhelm
More balanced thoughts and emotional responses
EFT/Tapping could be right for you if you experience or relate to any of the following...
- Anxiety or chronic worry
Panic attacks or heightened stress responses
Trauma or PTSD symptoms
Hypervigilance or feeling constantly “on edge”
Intrusive thoughts or rumination
Emotional overwhelm
Difficulty regulating emotions
Chronic stress or burnout
Phobias or fear-based responses
Physical tension or stress-related symptoms
Performance anxiety related to work, school, sports, or public speaking
Difficulty calming your mind or body
Feeling disconnected from your body or emotions
Depression or low mood
Feeling stuck in repetitive emotional patterns
What does EFT look like in therapy?
- During EFT sessions, therapists guide clients through specific tapping sequences while focusing on emotions, body sensations, beliefs, memories, or current stressors. Sessions are collaborative and paced carefully to support emotional safety and regulation.
EFT may include:
Tapping on acupressure points
Mindfulness and grounding techniques
Exploring emotional triggers
Processing stress, trauma, or anxiety
Identifying limiting beliefs or thought patterns
Nervous system regulation work
Somatic awareness and body connection
Self-compassion and emotional processing exercises
One of the unique aspects of EFT is that clients can often continue using tapping techniques on their own outside of therapy as a coping and regulation tool in daily life.
At Nashville Counseling Associates, we often integrate EFT with other trauma-informed and body-based approaches including EMDR, CBT, mindfulness practices, attachment-focused therapy, and somatic work depending on each client’s needs and goals.
-
Interested in healing under this therapeutic approach?
Reach out and we will connect you with a qualified therapist.
