Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or “tapping,” is a powerful mind-body tool I’ve been integrating more into my practice. It involves tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on a distressing emotion, belief, or memory.
Let’s be honest: EFT can sound a little strange at first. But it works—and there’s a reason so many counselling therapists and psychologists are using it. Tapping helps downregulate the nervous system, while also supporting cognitive integration (reframing). It combines self-compassion, and mindfulness (a neutral observing of difficult memories) through setup statements. The secret sauce to EFT is tending to the somatic experience of the issue by tapping on acupressure points connected to our stress response. In other words, it helps reduce the emotional intensity of past experiences so they’re no longer as triggering—or sometimes, not triggering at all.
And the research is growing fast and it’s substantial:
- Over 200 studies have explored EFT’s effectiveness—including 103 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 9 meta-analyses, and 10 systematic reviews.
- A meta-analysis by Nelms et al. (2022) showed EFT significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and phobias.
- A 2022 study in Frontiers in Psychology highlighted both psychological improvements and biological changes, including shifts in stress markers.
- The comprehensive review Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice confirms effectiveness for a wide range of psychological and physiological conditions.
- A randomized controlled trial by Church, Yount & Brooks (2012) found a 24% reduction in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, in the EFT group.
For a quick overview, check out this Science Behind Energy Psychology Quick Facts summary (March 2025).
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is both a somatic and cognitive therapy—working from the body up. As trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk reminds us, trauma lives in the body, and talk therapy alone often isn’t enough. We need tools that help the body let go.
I’ve trained with the ACEP, the leading organization advancing EFT education and research. I’m passionate about offering this tool not because it’s trendy, but because it works—and because people deserve access to effective, evidence-informed options that support deep and lasting healing.
I work well with clients who are functioning okay in life, but want to grow, reflect, and understand themselves better. They’re the kind of folks who want to be more intentional and emotionally aware. So whether it’s a workplace injury, a bad boss, or an unexpected layoff – EFT can help process the emotions associated with these experiences. Curious to try it? You can book a free consultation here.