EFT -- The Basic Recipe

Please Note:  This is only a brief and limited introduction to EFT.  It should not be considered a substitute for training or therapy provided by a professional.  I encourage you to take advantage of any live opportunity to learn and experience these techniques. Information on working live with me privately or in teleclasses is available here. Also, look at the eTappings for more advanced applications of EFT.

After you've looked over this diagram, click here to be guided through the process:

This is the Basic Recipe of EFT.  To experience the more advanced version of EFT that I use with clients, check out the eTappings.

Example:

Think of some issue that is troubling you and give it a simple name (fear of public speaking, headache, anger at Bob, stiff neck, inability to take action, etc.) - this will be your Reminder Phrase. Rate your discomfort on a scale of 0-10 so that you can monitor your progress with each issue.

1. The Setup: While continuously tapping the Karate Chop point, repeat this affirmation three times: "Even though I have this ____ (fear, pain, issue with Bob, etc.), I deeply and completely accept myself."

2. The Sequence: Tap between 5 and 10 times on each of the following energy points while repeating the Reminder Phrase at each point:

Crown: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Eyebrow: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Side of eye: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Under eye: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Under nose: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Chin: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Collarbone: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."
Under arm: "Even though I have (this  issue), I deeply and completely accept myself."


3. Take a deep cleansing breath.

Now, check in with your body, and see if there is any remaining discomfort--then rate that again on a scale of 0-10.  Repeat this process until significant relief is gained - preferably bringing the discomfort down to a zero. It is very likely that you may feel clear about the specific issue you were focusing on, but it may have brought up another issue. In subsequent rounds the Setup affirmation and the Reminder Phrase are adjusted to new wording, if appropriate, or to reflect that you are addressing the remaining problem: "Even tough I still have this ______ (issue)."

Suggestions: Tapping is generally done with two fingers. You can tap on either side of the body, with either hand.  For the collar bone point, find the place where your collar bones almost meet at the top of your chest and tap that area with a fist.

This is a wonderful technique for removing the negative emotions that limit our success. Using this technique, you can gain the emotional freedom to truly pursue being, doing and having what you really want in life.

EFT is a meridian-based energy therapy developed by Gary Craig from the landmark discoveries of Dr. Roger Callahan. It is a simple technique that often provides rapid relief from physical-emotional issues (e.g. Trauma, PTSD, Phobias, Grief, Anger, Guilt, Anxiety, Addictive Cravings, Nightmares, Abandonment, Fear of Public Speaking, Fear of Flying, Love Pain, Depression, Pain, Headaches and much more). What follows is a brief introduction to this remarkable technique. For further information, including the EFT Manual and case-histories, please visit Gary Craig's website.

In 1980 Dr. Callahan was working with a patient, Mary, for an intense water phobia. She suffered from frequent headaches and terrifying nightmares, both of which were related to her fear of water. To seek help, she had been going from therapist to therapist for years....with no material improvement. Dr. Callahan tried to help her by conventional means for a year and a half. He didn't make much headway either.

Then one day he stepped outside the normal "boundaries" of psychotherapy. Out of curiosity, he had been studying the body's energy system and decided to tap with his fingertips under her eyes (an end point of the stomach meridian). This was prompted by her complaint of some stomach discomfort.

To his astonishment, she announced immediately that her phobia was gone and she raced down to a nearby swimming pool and began throwing water in her face. No fear. No headaches. It all went away....including the nightmares. And it has never returned. She is totally free of her water phobia. This incident lead to what is called the Discovery Statement:

Dr. Callahan has since refined and expanded his findings to a series of related routines. They encompass nearly every area of emotional improvement imaginable....from phobias to panic disorders to sports performance. And, along the way, he has also applied these techniques to physical problems and addictive cravings with notable success.

EFT is based on all these procedures. Gary Craig, a Stanford-trained engineer, reduced years of diligent research and endless trial and error to one practical procedure that is described here in brief.

Important note: While EFT has produced remarkable clinical results, it must still be considered to be in the experimental stage. Neither Gary Craig nor Brad Yates are licensed health practitioners, and certain issues should be addressed by such professionals. You must take complete responsibility for your physical and emotional well-being, and you must agree to hold harmless anyone involved with EFT from any claims made by anyone whom you seek to help with EFT.