If you are a psychotherapist, healer, or other practitioner learning EFT and beginning to use it with clients, you are already experiencing EFT’s power. For many people, EFT seems to peel away symptoms and problems quickly and painlessly.
But then there are the times when EFT doesn’t quite seem to work. This does not happen very often in my experience, but it can.
Here are a few things to try when the tapping doesn’t seem to be getting anywhere:
- Be persistent. We can get so used to EFT working quickly, we can even begin to take the one session “miracle cures” for granted. Keep trying – you may need multiple rounds of the full EFT protocol with someone before a stuck issue begins to shift.
- Be specific with your Set-up phrase. It can be tempting to tap on a broad issue, like “anxiety.” While that can be effective over time, it usually helps to find a situation in which your client might feel anxiety, and pick just one aspect of that to tap on first. The more specific the Set-up phrase, the more success you’ll have in less time.
- Be creative with your wording. Sometimes just the right phrase holds meaning, allowing the Set-up to finally “take” and the tapping to be effective. Follow your client’s lead: ask if the Set-up phrase feels right, and if not, what else might be more accurate. You’ll both know when you’ve landed on the right wording – the Set-up phrase will resonate more deeply for your client, and the tapping will begin to work.
For consultation about using EFT with your clients, visit Appointments »
Complex Cases
Occasionally when you start using EFT on a client’s problem, suddenly many feelings come up at once and your client becomes overwhelmed. If that happens, here are some important things to consider.
- If your client is very upset, helping your client feel more grounded and in control is key. EFT is not about catharsis or fully reliving painful memories, and it’s important that your client feel safe and in control as much as possible. Pick the strongest feeling (for instance “this overwhelm” or “It’s hard to breathe”) and do a few full rounds of tapping. Remind your client to keep the eyes open; that will help him or her stay in more fully in present time. When possible, you can remind your client to breathe slowly and deeply; that too can help lower the intensity of feelings while you tap.
- If your client’s upset and overwhelm are very strong and also persistent, it may be important that your client bring this to psychotherapy. If you are the person’s psychotherapist, be aware your client may have moved into the territory of trauma. EFT, with its ability to peel away layers, may bring up more than your client is ready for. If you are not trained or experienced in trauma work, it can be vital to seek out a consult from a more experienced psychotherapist to best support your client.
- If your client is not in psychotherapy, it may be a critical time to consider a referral. Trauma work can be complex. If you are not a psychotherapist and your client is not in therapy when intense overwhelm or flashbacks to traumatic events come up, it can be important to refer your client to a competent psychotherapist. It’s best not to try to do that level of healing work with EFT alone. EFT can be an excellent tool along with therapy, yes; but if it’s not within your training and experience, please be aware that working on trauma issues can retraumatize a client instead of helping them heal.
Not all psychotherapists are trained in working with trauma, however. If your client does look for a therapist, you can help him or her find someone appropriate and safe by suggesting the following kinds of questions to ask potential psychotherapists:
- Are they trained, experienced, and comfortable in working with trauma?
- Do they have experience with the kind(s) of trauma in your client’s history?
- How do they help a client feel emotionally safe? (Best answers for this involve starting slowly, pacing the therapy carefully, and making sure the client has the needed skills for grounding and self-care before doing more intense work.)
- What do they do if a client gets overwhelmed with past feelings in a session? (Best answers will include techniques for grounding, for staying in the body and in present time; creating a safe space; knowing the skills that a client can learn for him- or herself to get more centered again in the session and out in the world.)
By helping your client get appropriate help with complex issues such as trauma, your client will know that you have his or her best interests at heart. You’ll be demonstrating both your caring and your knowledge of clear boundaries – your client will then have the choice of continuing to use EFT with you as part of an effective team approach to deep emotional healing.
If you would like to schedule a consult about more complex EFT situations with your clients, visit Appointments »