Copyright: Tania A Prince 29/11/06 version 6

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2 EFT Level 1 Course Manual Tania A Prince EFT Master 1

3 DISCLAIMER While it has been reported that alternative health techniques have been quite effective in stress management, the studies are yet at an experimental stage. Hence, the authors do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any of the techniques narrated in this e-book nor do they guarantee or represent that your fitness or health will measurably improve as a result of practicing the ideas contained therein. The contents presented in this book are the views and opinions of the authors, and are not prescriptions of a medical doctor for treatment of mental or physical problems, hence, not intended to substitute for proper medical advice. The intent of the authors is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. As always, the advice of a competent medical professional should be sought. You take complete responsibility for the results, injury or other losses arising as a result of any such personal injury after practicing the techniques suggested in this e-book and the authors are in no way responsible for any consequences after trying out the ideas contained in the book. You also acknowledge that you suffer from no medical ailment, mental or physical, that you might aggravate as a result of practicing the ideas contained in the book. This e-book and program is solely for educational purposes. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Copyright by Tania A Prince The moral rights of the author have been asserted. All rights in the materials created in this e-book, including but not limited to their rights as the owners of the copyright in those materials are reserved by the Authors, worldwide. Permission is not given for any commercial use or sale of this material. No other material anywhere on this EFT Level 1 Manual may be copied, downloaded, stored in a retrieval system, changed in any format, transmitted, used or further disseminated in any way for a private, public or commercial purpose, other than fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews, under any circumstances without prior written permission from the author. 2

4 Contents EFT Level 1 Training Course Chapter 1 Introduction... 6 EFT 6 Evolution of Energy Therapies.. 6 Evolution of EFT.. 6 The Use of EFT.. 7 What is EFT?.. 8 How Does EFT Work.. 9 Building Bridges: Introducing the Concept of EFT to Clients 10 Chapter 2 EFT Session.. 13 Structure of an EFT Session. 13 Structure of a Session Breakdown. 13 Chapter 3 How to Do EFT? EFT How to Do it?.. 20 Classic EFT Structure of Classic EFT Chapter 4 Shortened EFT Protocol.. 25 Chapter 5 Mind Tuning and Words Finding.. 28 Tuning into the Problem Finding the Words in EFT.. 28 Another Method For Finding the Words Chapter 6 Global to Specific Treatment of Issues Aspects Shifting Aspects Keys to Success Abreactions / Intense Emotional Reactions 36 Dealing with Specific Issues 38 Chapter 7 Associated and Dissociated Perspectives Associated Perspective Dissociated Perspective EFT and Associated and Dissociated Perspectives Chapter 8 Testing and Completing the Clearing Option 1: Narrating the Story Option 2: Sub Modalities

5 Chapter 9 What to Do When EFT Does Not Work? Dehydration Specific or too Global Dealing With the Right Issue Aspects Shifting Another Aspect Blocking Progress Dealing with PR Tuning in Enough Energy Toxins Throwing Everything at it Chapter 10 Personal Peace Procedure(PPP) What is Personal Peace Procedure? Working through your Issues Using the Personal Peace Procedure Extra Notes.. 51 Contact Information

6 EFT Level 1 Training Course The EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Level 1 course is an introductory EFT training. It is suitable for those who would like to use EFT with their family and friends as a self help tool. This course does not require prior knowledge of EFT. This is also the foundational course for EFT therapists. To practice as a therapist: satisfactory completion of EFT Level 2 training course is required. 5

7 Chapter 1 Introduction EFT EFT, (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a form of Energy Psychology. It is often referred to as a psychological form of acupressure in which no needles are involved. Energy psychology techniques work via the body s energy system. Other well known energy therapies are acupuncture, acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, yoga etc. Evolution of Energy Therapies Energy techniques work via the body s energy system. There is evidence that suggests that these types of techniques were in use as far back as the Bronze Age. The oldest written records can be found in China, in the book, "The Yellow Emperors, Inner Canon". Dates vary on when this book was written but it was at least 200 BCE. In 1991 a mummy was found in the Alps. This mummy has tattoos displayed on its body that correspond to the meridians used in acupuncture and acupressure or the treatment of pain. This mummy has been dated to 3000 BCE. India also has evidence of the use of energy therapies that date back thousands of years. The use of forms of energy therapies was not confined however to China, India and Europe, it is a worldwide phenomena. Evolution of EFT EFT was developed from TFT (Thought Field Therapy). TFT was created by the American psychologist Dr Roger Callahan in the 1970s. Dr Callahan studied kinesiology and Eastern health practices; he applied this knowledge to a client commonly referred to in subsequent literature as Mary. Mary had a severe phobia of water for many years. Conventional forms of psychotherapy had done very little to help her. One day, Mary 6

8 came to Dr Callahan s clinic and complained of a nausea feeling in her stomach. Dr Callahan asked her to tap directly under the eye, which is the stomach meridian in Chinese acupressure. He was astounded to find the nausea cleared instantly and with it Mary s phobia. From this amazing discovery in 1979, Dr Callahan went on to develop Thought Field Therapy (TFT). One of Roger Callahan s early students was the Stanford Engineer, Gary Craig. At that time, TFT was relatively complex to use. It required the use of muscle testing to diagnosis which acupressure points needed to be used during the process. Gary Craig suggested that since there were only fourteen main meridians, it would simplify it to just tap on all the meridians, thus cutting out the need to diagnose and making it easier to learn. With this simple suggestion Emotional Freedom Techniques was born. Classic (the original) EFT uses 13 of the 14 main meridians (energy lines) that run through the body. The fourteenth, the liver meridian is left out because of its sensitive location on the chest making it difficult to access for many women. Leaving out the liver meridian was found to have little to no impact on the results. Gary Craig added the liver meridian as an optional point later in the development of EFT. As EFT developed, the sequence of tapping points was shortened to 8 points. This version was called the EFT Shortened protocol. Many people who practice EFT add optional points depending upon their own preferences. In early 2010 Gary Craig retired only to re-emerge in EFT is still considered to be at a developmental stage; new innovations are continually being added. The Use of EFT EFT is used in a broad range of issues that range from phobias to post traumatic stress disorder to serious illnesses and pain. This list represents a small range of the problems treated with EFT. EFT targets the underlying causes of problems, the energetic disturbance. Since this is the foundation for all issues, the potential areas where EFT can be used is unlimited, not bound by the label given to any particular problem. Most if not all problems are thought to have the same foundational structure, an underlying energetic disturbance. 7

9 What is EFT? EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques is a therapeutic approach that works via the body s energy system. EFT involves applying gentle percussive tapping to points located on the energy channels, meridians that run through the body. The points used for tapping are those where the meridian acupoint are near the skin surface. Below is a picture of the meridians. These are also used in other forms of energy therapy, such as acupuncture and acupressure. 8

10 How does EFT work? Discovery Statement The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body s energy systems. It is thought that EFT works by balancing/eliminating the energy disruption within the body s energy system that is associated with the negative emotion. Creating a Negative Emotion Negative emotions are not created by the events that happen in our lives. They are thought instead to be created by the energy disruption that occurs as a result of the events (step 2). The negative feeling is reexperienced whenever you think of the event as represented below. EFT balances the disturbance and therefore eliminates step 2. The memory of the original event still exists, although it may be harder to retrieve. The perception of the original event is different from the original perception. As a result of this perception change it is quite common for clients to say, It seems insignificant now, or it seems like such a long time ago. These types of statements reflect the change in cognitions that naturally occur as a result of clearing and event using EFT. Creation of a Negative Emotion: Diagram 9

11 Building Bridges: Introducing the Concept of EFT to Clients Some clients who attend for an EFT session are already familiar with the process and need little to no introduction to it. Others however are new to EFT. Using the clients pre-existing belief structure and bridging across to EFT is a powerful way of introducing EFT. By doing it this way, the process of therapy becomes much easier as it can minimize potential resistance from the client. It can also make it easier to get results. The reason for this is that EFT works more effectively when the client is tuned into their problem. Inner doubt can interfere with tuning into the problem. Because you attach EFT to something they already accept or are aware of, it is easier to accept EFT. Identifying the Need for an Introduction How much do you know about what I do? If they say, "Well I found you on the Internet and I know you do that tapping thing", or something similar you know they have some familiarity with EFT. Are you open to using that tapping thing? If they say, "a friend advised me to come and see you." Or something similar to this, you do not need to give much of an introduction to EFT as "the friend" has given you credibility in the clients mind by their referral. If their answer is that they know very little about what you do, it is best to give a basic introduction to EFT. The introduction I generally use is the one under the title, "Avoiding Logical Discussions". It is straight to the point and focuses the client s mind on what they should be focused on, the result. Eliciting the Clients Belief Structure Asking about previous therapies they have used or are familiar with will enable you to identify, how you should introduce the concept of EFT. For Clients Familiar with Acupressure or Acupuncture For clients who believe in or are familiar with acupuncture or acupressure, EFT can be introduced as an advanced form of these techniques, one that does not require needles; a form of psychological acupressure. 10

12 EFT is a form of psychological acupressure, but without needle. For clients, who are heavily accepting of the medical model and allopathic medicine, the introduction can be refined to introduce the idea that the British NHS uses acupuncture to deal with pain management. There is extensive scientific research that testifies to the effectiveness of acupuncture in pain management. EFT can be introduced as another form of this type of treatment. For Clients Familiar with Hypnotherapy For clients familiar with hypnosis it can easily be pointed out that EFT has a hypnotic quality about it. (In fact it can be used as a hypnotic deepener). Many things can be classed as having a hypnotic quality. Boring lectures being one of them! For Clients of a Scientific Orientation EFT works on the body s energy system and can in fact be explained by Albert Einstein s theories. There is an extremely excellent book by Professor William Tiller, Professor at Stanford University, which scientifically explains how energy therapies work. It is not aimed at the lay public and is in fact a heavy-duty science manual. Another excellent book on the science behind energy therapies that can be recommended to clients is Dawson Church s, The Genie in your Genes. Avoiding Logical Discussions When introducing EFT it is best to avoid logical discussions about therapy and techniques. The reason for this is that it only serves to waste the clients time and if they are paying for the session their money as well. A better way to introduce EFT is as follows: "You have this problem (use whatever words represent their problem, such as phobia)?" Let the client answer your question. The answer should be yes :-) "You want to get rid of this problem?" Again let the client answer this question, again it should be a yes. "Does it really matter how you do that?" Let them answer this, it should be no. "We are going to set up a feedback mechanism so that we know when we are getting the result and we know if we need to modify what we are doing to get a result, but all that really matters is the result, would you agree?" 11

13 Beliefs Do Clients Need to Believe in EFT? No, but if they don t believe or if they are not open to the possibility you might get doubt blocking their ability to tune into the problem. When you use EFT it is important to tune into the problem. If you don t it affects results. Extreme doubt therefore can interfere with the results. 12

14 Chapter 2 - EFT Session Structure of an EFT Session 1. Brief Overview of Problem 2. Establish the Problem and Set Up Feedback Mechanism 3. Set outcome for the session 4. EFT Intervention 5. Re-evaluate until you reach set outcome Structure of a Session Breakdown 1. Brief Overview Therapist: "Maybe you could tell me a little bit about the problem you have?" This is the point in the session, where you take notes. You establish rapport. You introduce EFT. 2. Establish the Problem and Set Up Feedback Mechanism Establish the problem by asking, How do you know that you have this problem? A typical answer maybe: Because I feel this queasy feeling in my stomach when I think about what happened. This answer highlights how the person is physically experiencing the problem now. Therefore the queasy feeling is their evidence for having the problem. "Because I panic when I speak in public". Get into the details 13

15 "When I think about what happened I feel really jittery" Therapist: "How intense is that jittery feeling and where exactly is it?" "Because I panic when I speak in public". Therapist: "So, when you think about that now, do you have a feeling about it?" There are several answers the client may give you. For example: Scenario 1 Client: "Yes, I have a nervous feeling in my stomach" Therapist: "How intense is that nervous feeling and where exactly in your stomach is it?" Scenario 2 Client: "No, I don't have a feeling". Therapist: "Do you have an image?" Therapist: "How intense is the image?" It is during this stage that you evaluate their problem thoroughly. This is important because at the end of the session you need to use this evaluation to see how much progress has been made with the presenting problem. 3. Establish the Client s Outcome for Success Therapist: What needs to be different to let you know you no longer have this problem? Client: I wouldn t feel this queasy feeling in my stomach when I think about what happened. Therefore at the end of the tapping session you need to test if they can still get this queasy feeling. So, what would you be experiencing instead? Other Good Questions I would be happy. I would be able to speak confidently in front of my boss. This question changes their focus from the problem onto the solution state. What is the first thing that needs to happen to let you know that you are clearing this? What will you be seeing, hearing and feeling that is different from now when you have achieved what you want from this session? 14

16 Making Sure You Know the Client s Goal We can sometimes make the assumption that we know the outcome the client wants. This can be erroneous. It may seem plainly obvious to us as therapists, what our client should want. But this is putting our outcome onto our client. What do they want? Make sure you know what this is before you start, because this is how your client is going to evaluate the work you do! 4. EFT Intervention Setting Up For Success How to do EFT Tuning into Problems Keys to Success Setting Up for Success The most effective therapists work using a feedback loop. They know when they are getting results. They know when they are not. They adapt what they are doing until they get the result. Rating the intensity of an issue - Why Do You Need Feedback? Using a feedback mechanism whilst doing EFT allows you to modify what you are doing until you get the result you want. If you don t have a feedback mechanism in place you are working blindly. You are not going to be as effective using EFT as someone who knows if they are getting a result, if they are not getting a results. Having a feedback mechanism is essential when it comes to getting the best results possible. Feedback mechanisms also serve as a convincer to the client that EFT works. This is important. It allows the client to follow the progress of the session. It brings professionalism into the session. Therapists who work on a feedback loop come across as very professional. Also, EFT can be so successful in eradicating problems that sometimes people forget they ever had a problem. In cases like this, having a rating for the intensity of the original issue can be used as a reminder that there was a problem. EFT Feedback Loop 15

17 Feedback Looping 1. Identify and evaluate the presenting problem 2. Identify and tap out to zero underlying issue 3. Re-evaluate the presenting problem, if zero intensity no longer need to tap. If it is still there check further underlying issues and tap them out. 4. Re-evaluate the presenting issue after you clear each underlying issue. 5. Continue to do this until the presenting issue is no longer there. The Structure of Feedback Looping Diagram 1: Below is the initial information gathered regarding the client s presenting problem, Fear of Public Speaking. You identify that it is related to critical parents. When you break this problem down, there are specific events in which the client was criticized. Within these events there are various aspects, such as, feeling not good enough, hurt, sad, maybe, rejected etc. Each one of these needs to be cleared. Once cleared you need now to make sure the specific event is fully dealt with. Once you are sure about that, you need to check on the presenting issue. How has clearing this impacted the issue that the client has identified as the problem. 16

18 Diagram 2: The white boxes show where the EFT is targeted initially. Once these are cleared thoroughly then the Presenting problem is re-evaluated. If the Presenting Problem is still there, the therapist now moves on to deal with more underlying elements of the problem. Feedback Mechanisms There are two main types of feedback mechanisms used in EFT. The first is ongoing feedback. This is the form of feedback whereby the therapist calibrates to the client s problem state and then uses this as a guide. For example a person with a phobia may initially have a specific tonality of voice and facial expression when talking about their problem. The therapist mentally notes this down. During the session the therapist notes changes in the facial expression and tonality. At the end of the session the initial tonality and facial expression linked to the problem should no longer be there. This type of feedback also helps the therapist to become aware of when the client is talking or thinking about the problem state, and therefore helps the therapist know the key thoughts that tune the client into their problem. The second type of feedback is accessing the problem generally using numerical scales before and after using EFT. Emotion and Pain Feedback Scales For Emotional or Physical or Pain Issues we use the Subjective Units of Distress/ Disturbance (SUD scale) 17

19 The question to ask to set the scale is; On a scale from 0-10, where 10 is the worst this has ever been, where is it now? It is important to evaluate the current intensity rather than the intensity it was during the event itself. Setting up a Beliefs Feedback Loop Our beliefs can have a controlling effect on our life. They influence our behaviour. They influence how we see our world. For monitoring our progress when working with the client s belief system we typically use the Validation of Cognition Scale (VOC scale). The question to ask to set the scale is; a. How true is this for you? Or b. On a scale from 0-10, where 10 is 100% belief in this and 0 is no belief at all, how much do you believe this now? 18

20 VOC Scale 19

21 Chapter 3 How to Do EFT? EFT How to do it? EFT has gone through many transformations since it was conceived in the 1990s. Classic EFT is the original version. This transformed into the EFT shortened protocol. Currently there are many different versions that can be seen on the internet. Most are now based on the shortened protocol with optional elements added. Classic EFT Classic EFT is the original version of the technique. The reason this is included here is because it is a useful tool to have if you are not getting results with the newer version of EFT. In cases like that you can revert back to this version to see if it helps you get a result. Structure of Classic EFT EFT consists of four different parts. When you have completed these four parts you have completed a round of EFT. Depending upon your issue, you may only need one round, or you may need multiple rounds. This is often called, The Basic Recipe. Part 1: Set Up Part 2: Sequence Part 3: 9 Gamut Part 4: Repeat Part 1 through Part 3 Round of EFT Part 1: The Set Up This consists of a simple statement of the problem followed by a positive affirmation. This simple statement is said out aloud. The reason is to keep your mind tuned into the problem. It is generally set up as below: Even though I have this problem, I completely and totally love and approve of myself. Format of Standardized Set Up Statement Tunes into the Problem Deals with Psychological Reversal Even though I have this problem, I completely and totally love and approve of myself 20

22 Example: Even though I have this gripping headache, I completely and totally love and approve of myself. This gripping headache serves to target the problem, connecting with the energy disturbance related to the issue. I completely and totally love and approve of myself, is an affirmation. An affirmation is a positive statement such as, I love and approve of myself. This serves several purposes; firstly it shuts up momentarily any negative internal dialogue that may be occurring within the mind. This allows the mind to focus on what you want to target instead of the yes, but statements that are sometimes there. The affirmation is also a powerful statement of acceptance, that momentarily by passes any internal blocks (psychological reversal) that the person may have to letting go of the problem. This statement is repeated 3 times, whilst rubbing the sore spot. The sore spot is located on the chest. It is three inches below the mid point between the collar bone and then three inches to the left. The Karate point is more commonly used now for the set up. Sore Spot Karate Chop Point Part 2. The Sequence After completing the set up, you now need to tap on different acupressure points, as listed on the next page. It should be gentle tapping. Generally two fingers are used to eliminate the need to be precise in placement of your fingers. Whilst tapping approximately seven times on each point you need to repeat the statement of the problem to keep your mind focused on the issue e.g. This gripping headache. This again is generally spoken aloud). The frequency of tapping can be adjusted to suit you, as different people tend to have different rhythms. 21

23 The Full Tapping Points 1. EB: Inner edge of the eyebrow 2. SE: Side of the eye 3. UE: Under the eye 4. UN: Under the nose 5. CH: On the chin 6. CB: On the collar bone 7. UA: Under the arm 8. TH: Side of the thumb 9. IF: Side of index finger 10. MF: Side of middle finger 11. LF: Side of little finger 12. KC: Karate Chop point Generally most therapists tap in the order indicated by the numbering. See Diagram 2 22

24 Part 3: 9 Gamut This consists of a series of eye movements and humming counting and humming, which are carried out whilst gently tapping on the gamut spot. The position of the gamut spot can be found on the back of the hand, 1 inch down from the mid point between the two end knuckles farthest from the thumb. The Eye Movements By watching the position of the eyes we are able to identify how a person is processing information. When a person moves up with their eyes they are processing visually. When they go straight across they are processing in the auditory system. When they look down into one corner they are connecting with their feelings and down to the other corner they are hearing self-talk. Although the exact positions can be different for right and left handed people, taking them through the sequence causes an internal processing to take place, around the issue you have focused on. Eyes open (if not already) Eyes closed Eyes open Eyes down hard right/ back up Eyes hard left/ back up Eyes fully around in a circle Eyes around in a circle in the opposite direction 23

25 Humming, Counting and Humming sequence This actually causes a shift between the different hemispheres of the brain, thus activating the whole brain by actively engaging both the logical and creative parts. Counting activates the logical parts Humming activates the creative parts How to 1. Hum for about 5 seconds (generally happy birthday is used) 2. Count 1,2,3,4,5 3. Repeat the hum for 5 seconds After completing the 9 gamut, tap through the sequence again whilst repeating the reminder phrase. You have now completed a round of EFT. Part 4: Repeat Part 1 through 3 Until the Discomfort reduces to zero level After completing the tapping sequence, re-assess your level of discomfort. If it is still present, adjust the verbal statement of the problem to reflect this, as in: Even though I still have this gripping headache, I completely and totally love and approve of myself. Repeat the set up using this phrase and then tap through the sequence using the modified reminder phrase, this remaining gripping headache. Re-assess the level of discomfort after each round and continue until zero discomfort. Short reminder of How to use Classic EFT Scale the discomfort Create a statement, which includes the issue and a positive affirmation Whilst rubbing the sore spot, (Karate Chop Point) repeat the statement 3 times Tap on the points in diagrams 1 and 2 repeating a short reminder phrase Do the 9 Gamut eye positions and humming/ counting and humming sequence whilst gently tapping the gamut point Tap through the full sequence again using the reminder phrase to keep the mind focused on the issue Re-scale the discomfort Repeat set-up and tapping sequence if necessary until all remaining discomfort is gone, modifying the set up statement and reminder phrase by adding the word, remaining (problem) 24

26 Chapter 4 Shortened EFT Protocol How to Do EFT Below is a shortened version of EFT. Step 1. Set Up A Feedback System In order to be very thorough in your use of EFT it is essential to have a way to evaluate your progress. Evaluating the problem prior to commencing EFT and after each successive round (see below for definition) enables you to be more effective in eliminating your issue. Prior to commencing the technique, evaluate where you are now with the problem. When you think of your problem on a scale from 0-10, ten is the maximum level of discomfort and zero is no discomfort. Where are you now? Step 2. Using EFT EFT consists of two different parts. When you have completed these two parts you have completed a round of EFT. Depending upon your issue, you may only need one round, or you may need multiple rounds. Part 1. Set Up Part 2. Sequence Part 1: The Set Up This consists of a simple statement of the problem followed by a positive affirmation. This simple statement is said aloud. The reason for this is to keep your mind focused on the problem. It is generally set up as below: Example Even though I have this gripping headache, I completely and totally love and approve of myself This gripping headache serves to target the problem, connecting with the energy disturbance related to the issue I completely and totally love and approve of myself, is an affirmation An affirmation is a positive statement such as, I love and approve of myself. This serves several purposes; firstly it shuts up momentarily any negative internal dialogue that may be occurring within the mind. This allows the mind to focus in on what you want to target instead of the yes, but statements that are usually there. The affirmation is also a powerful statement of acceptance, that momentarily by passes any internal blocks that the person may have to letting go of the problem. 25

27 This statement is repeated 3 times, whilst tapping on the karate point (Diagram 1). This should be gentle tapping. The frequency of tapping can be adjusted to suit you, as different people tend to have different rhythms. Around seven taps will suffice, although counting them is not necessary. Part 2. The Sequence After completing the set up, you now need to tap on different acupressure points, as listed below. As before, it should be gentle tapping. Whilst tapping approximately seven times on each point you need to repeat the statement of the problem to keep your mind focused on the issue e.g. This blinding headache. This again is generally spoken aloud. The Tapping Points EB: inner edge of the eyebrow SE: side of the eye UE: under the eye UN: Under the nose C: On the chin CB: On the collar bone UA: Under the arm See Diagram 2 26

28 Step 3. Re-Assess the level of Discomfort After completing the tapping sequence, re-access your level of discomfort. If it is still present, adjust the verbal statement of the problem to reflect this, as in: Even though I still have this gripping headache, I completely and totally love and approve of myself. Repeat the set up using this phrase and then tap through the sequence using the modified reminder phrase, this remaining gripping headache. Re-access the level of discomfort after each round and continue until zero discomfort. Short reminder of How to use EFT Scale the discomfort Create a statement, which includes the issue and a positive affirmation Tap on the Karate chop point while repeating the statement 3 times Tap on the points from EB to UA repeating a short reminder phrase Re-scale the discomfort Repeat set-up and tapping sequence if necessary until all remaining discomfort is gone 27

29 Chapter 5 Mind Tuning and Words Finding Tuning into the Problem In order for EFT to work, they need to be tuned into their problem. We generally do this by using words. When you listen carefully to your client, you will hear the words that have a charge (emotion attached). They are the ones that get the client into their problem. Finding the Words in EFT Key Question to Elicit the Words "How do you know you have this problem?" Examples 1. Physical Problem "I have a pain in my left shoulder". The words, "pain in my left shoulder" can be used to tune the client into their problem. 2. Emotional Problem "When I think of speaking with my boss, I feel really anxious". The words, "When I think of speaking with my boss, I feel really anxious", can be used to tune the client into their problem. You might go into more detail. Therapist: "Where are you feeling that anxiety?" Client: "In my stomach". More detailed tuning in, "When I think of speaking with my boss, I have this anxious feeling in my stomach". EFT tends to get better results if you get more specific. The more detailed description above is more specific. So if you don't get the results with the more broad description, get more specific. The Set Up "Even though I have this tight band of pain across the front of the head, I completely and totally love and approve of myself". 28

30 The Reminder Phrase The reminder phrase is the words that you say as you tap on each acupoint. In this example the phrase would be: "This tight band of pain across the front of the head". This phrase would be repeated as you tap on each point as follows; Eyebrow Point: This tight band of pain across the front of the head" Side of the Eye Point: "This tight band of pain across the front of the head" Under the Eye Point: "This tight band of pain across the front of the head" Etc Another example: A person who feels nervous at the thought of standing in front of an audience. They know they are nervous because of a jittery, butterfly feeling in their stomach. EFT could be set up as follows: Karate Point: "So even though I have this nervous jittery feeling in my stomach when I think about standing in front of an audience, I completely and totally love and approve of myself". "This nervous jittery feeling in my stomach when I think about standing in front of an audience" would be the reminder phrase. Important tip: If you were working on the above issue, you would need to set up a method of gaining feedback. After each round of tapping you would need to check where the intensity of the problem is now (a round of tapping consists of the set up and sequence). To set the above example up you would ask: "When you think of standing in front of an audience, how jittery and nervous does your stomach feel?" The reason to be so precise in how you phrase it is because the problem may shift. If it does shift it may not be obvious. For example, when the person thinks of being in front of an audience, they may no longer feel the nervous jittery feeling in the stomach. As you begin to gain experience using EFT you will probably switch to a more free- flowing way of stating the problem. Free-flowing methods are highly effective, but there is an art and skill to using this type of method. You need not veer too far away from what the problem is by introducing too many words. This is a common 29

31 problem by newcomers to EFT. It can lead to pulling yourself out of being tuned into the issue, or if you are working with someone else, creating a confused state within your client. Feeling confused can be distracting and can lessen the effectiveness of the EFT (unless the problem is confusion). An example of more free-flowing EFT (this is still a simplistic approach- there are more complex ways to freeflow) Using the example from above: Set Up "Even though I have this tight band of pain across the front of the head, I completely and totally love and approve of myself". "Even though I have this pain across the front of my head, I completely and totally love and approve of myself". "Even though I have this tight band across my head, I completely and totally love and approve of myself". Reminder Phrase The reminder phrase is the words that you say as you tap on each acupoint. In this example the phrase would be: Eyebrow Point: "This tight band of head pain" Side of the Eye Point: "This tight band of pain across the front of the head" Under the Eye Point: "This tight pain across the front of the head" With this particular form of free flowing EFT, you are retaining the gist of the problem but just mixing up when and where you say the words. The benefits of this approach are: it can keep the client or your self more engaged/ tuned in to the problem. Also it can be more interested and less robotic for the therapist. Another Method for Finding the Words The following process is one of my favourite methods for finding the words and quickly beginning to address the problem. For many people, knowing which words to tap on is a major block that can stop them in their tracks when they think about using EFT. One of the easiest ways to identify the words to tap on is to ask yourself: how do I know that I have this problem? 30

32 Do I have a feeling attached to it? If so, what is it, where is it, what quality does it have? (For example is it heavy, light, moving, still etc) How intense is the feeling now? (This is important so that you can keep a check on the progress that you are making) What did I think to get that feeling? Once you have this information you can set the EFT up as follows: Tapping Sequence Karate Point: So even though I have this (describe the feeling) in my (location of feeling) when I think about (describe what you thought about), I completely and totally love and approve of myself. Karate Point: So even though I have this (describe the feeling) in my (location of feeling) when I think about (describe what you thought about), I completely and totally love and approve of myself. Karate Point: So even though I have this (describe the feeling) in my (location of feeling) when I think about (describe what you thought about) I completely and totally love and approve of myself. Eye Brow Point: this (describe the feeling) Side of the Eye Point: in my (location of feeling) Under the Eye Point: when I think about (describe what you thought about) Under the Nose Point: this (describe the feeling) Chin Point: in my (location of feeling) Collar Bone Point: when I think about (describe what you thought about) Under the Arm Point: this (describe the feeling) Now check how intense the feeling is and keep tapping until the intensity goes to zero. You may need to modify the words that you use to describe the feeling as you go along as these can change. 31

33 Chapter 6 Global to Specific Treatment of Issues One of the most common mistakes people make when using EFT is tapping too globally. This leads generally to poor results. Breaking an issue down into its component pieces and dealing with each piece thoroughly is much more likely to gain excellent results. For example: The client attends for therapy complaining of a fear of public speaking. Beneath this fear are the specific events that caused their current fear. Each event should be tapped through thoroughly. After a few of these events have been cleared the generalization effect will occur and the mind will clear all other related events. Diagram showing the breakdown of an issue 32

34 Tap through each event until there is no longer any emotion connected to any aspect of it. Also tap until the image fades or changes in a significant way, one that indicates a change in perception. For example the visual image related to the memory may become more distant in your mind s eye. This may now be connected to the thought, it seems so far away now, or it seems insignificant, indicating a change in how you think about the event. Aspects Aspects is the term used to describe the other pieces of the problem. Often problems have many aspects. For example, a person may feel angry that a person treated them in a certain way, once this emotion is cleared they may begin to feel sad etc. The sad feeling is another aspect of the initial problem. When this occurs we simply tap on the new aspect until that has cleared. With EFT we continue to tap until there are no aspects left to tap on and the problem has been completely cleared. Diagram: Typical Breakdown of Aspects in Spider Issue Sometimes simply tapping on the fear of spiders might clear the whole problem, however in some cases each aspect may need to be tapped upon for the fear of spiders to clear completely. The above is the typical type of aspects found in a fear of spiders. People can be different therefore it is advisable to ask, What specifically is the problem with spiders for you? The above question can be modified to suit whatever issue you are dealing with. Diagram: Typical Emotional Aspects 33

35 It is important to know about aspects because often when a person begins to tap the issue is cleared however their mind may move onto the next issue. Unless it is pointed out to the person, they may think they are not making progress because they are still feeling discomfort. People do not always notice that the new feeling they have is different from the initial feeling. This needs to be pointed out. Shifting Aspects When you work on an aspect, it is possible that, as it clears, your mind switches automatically to a related scene or memory. You may also switch to a new emotion around the original event. If, when you test your SUD s rating, it hasn t changed, always check for shifting aspects. Keys to Success Try it on everything EFT is still very much in a developmental stage. We do as yet not know its limitations. Thus the advice is to try it on everything and see whether it works. 34

36 Warning! This does not mean that you go where you don t belong. You may choose to use EFT with friends and family, but it would be advisable not to work with people with serious mental illness, unless that is the field you already work in and you know you have back up. Just use your common sense. The Generalization Effect If you visualize a problem as a forest of trees, each tree representing an aspect or piece of the problem, the generalization effect refers to the fact that when you have dealt with 5-10 of the trees, the rest collapse or generalize out eradicating the problem. Thus if a person has hundreds of events from their past where they have been mentally abused, eradicating from 5/10 of these events will often result in clearing out the rest. Persistence Although people can have results using EFT, in some cases within minutes of using, this is not always the case. In some cases people have to tap repeatedly. Persistence can be the difference between getting a result and not getting a result. 35

37 Abreactions/ Intense Emotional Reactions Intense emotional reactions can sometimes occur during therapy. Intense emotional reactions occur as a consequence of past trauma (high emotional intensity experiences). The term used to refer to these reactions is, abreaction. We are not always aware of the deep underlying emotions that the mind/ body system might be holding around our issues; however even though we are not consciously aware of these emotions they are still exacting a toll on our health, because a lot of energy is required to repress feelings. EFT does not create these emotions however it can uncover them. In EFT if the client begins to experience intense emotions we continue to tap. This is seen as a positive event as clearing these emotions has been found to be extremely beneficial for the client and their health. Tap on Client With Permission If you are working with a client and intense emotions come up, sometimes it is not possible for them to tap. In cases like this the therapist needs to get permission from the client, and then can tap on the client for them. Surrogate Tap If you do not have permission, tap on yourself, for the client. This is a form of surrogate tapping. It has been found to get very good results. Safety of the client is always paramount. If you consider the client s safety to be threatened, take the appropriate action. Severe abreactions are rare. It is important that the therapist supports the client whilst this occurs. This can be done by interspersing the words, it s OK, You are doing fine etc amongst the other words you are saying. Because the client is tuned into their issue due to the intensity of their emotions no words are needed for tuning purposes. Typically the therapist may say: Tap on the Karate Point: Even though I have these emotions I completely and totally love and approve of myself (three times) this problem these emotions you are doing fine you are OK Continue to tap up and down the points; generally this will clear the emotions. 36

38 Notes If you are working on yourself and you experience extreme emotions, continue to tap up and down until the emotions clear. Words are not required. Some events from the past may not seem as if they are still affecting you now, because when you think about them there are no emotional feelings evident. Generally, if at the time of the event a high emotional state occurred, that emotion will still be present, but the mind has the ability to repress strong emotions. If an event is still affecting you now, generally you can check with the imagery that you have relating to the event. Imagery that is big, bright, clear and associated (you are looking at the event as if you are still there) means that event is still affecting you now. The mind can block recall of events that were highly traumatic, so never assume that just because you cannot remember an event it is not affecting you now, it could be. 37

39 Dealing with Specific Issues Physical Pain There are two methods of dealing with physical pain, these are: Directly targeting the symptom Targeting the emotional roots of the issue You can also work on how the client feels about having the pain. These are secondary emotions. Directly targeting the symptom Even though I have this pain in my stomach, Even though my nose is itching etc. Working on pain is one of the few times that the SUDs may not go to zero. If the client needs a reminder not to do further damage, it may stay at around 2. Notes Do not promise to cure. It is illegal to claim to cure cancer or venereal diseases. Most, if not all physical issues have an emotional root, finding ways to deal with this is dealt with in EFT Level 2 training. Pain is a normal process, one that could save your life. When functioning correctly it acts as an alert to stop further damage of the body. Much of the pain we experience however is not serving this purpose. It is old emotional stuff that has not been processed out. 38

40 Cravings Cravings and addictions always have an emotional cause, but it is possible to deal just with the craving. Tune into your craving and just tap on it; Even though I really want to eat that chocolate, it smells wonderful, I love and approve of myself anyway. Tap down to zero. Cravings may need on for a few days in order to get a more permanent result if the root cause has not been dealt with. It will however, allow you to cut down the chocolate or cigarettes or whatever, more comfortably. Dealing with Addictions Dealing with the cravings would only be part of a much bigger strategy using EFT. The addictive substance can be thought of as a crutch, one that supports the person in some way. It is generally better to deal with the underlying drivers of a big addiction before trying to remove the crutch, the addictive substance. Often when the emotional drivers are removed the addiction will naturally cease. 39

41 Chapter 7 Associated and Dissociated Perspectives Associated Perspective We are associated into a memory when we experience it as if it is happening now. We are looking through our eyes as if we are in that moment, seeing what we saw, hearing what we heard, and feeling what we felt. This can lead to us experiencing a high emotional intensity. People who have phobias often have associated memories. Dissociated Perspective This is where we view a memory and see ourselves in it. When we recall a memory from a dissociated perspective, the emotional intensity of the experience is less. EFT and Associated and Dissociated Perspectives Understanding about association and dissociation allows us to design the type of EFT intervention that would be the most appropriate for the client. For example the best intervention for a highly anxious client is dissociative techniques. This minimizes the chance of experiencing emotion. For a client with little to no emotion, associative techniques might be a good choice. Associative Technique This is a common way of working with EFT. In this method the client is directly tuned into their problem by using the words that represent it. For example: "Even though she said you are useless, I completely and totally love and approve of myself". For many clients this type of language is perfectly ok to use. The degree of discomfort experienced by the client is often minimal and short lived. If however your client has potentially very high, emotional intensity problems to deal with, it is best to err on the side of caution and switch to gentle dissociative approaches. Movie Technique The movie technique is a dissociative approach designed to minimize the clients discomfort when working on potentially high emotional intensity events. It is not necessary for the client to experience any emotional intensity whilst using this approach. 40

42 Benefits of this Technique Fast and easy to use. Can be used on highly emotional issues and allow the client to be emotionally safe. Forces the client to be specific, therefore eliminating the risk that the client may be too global in the statement of their problem, therefore increasing the techniques success rate. The Movie Technique can also be a faster way of applying EFT. The reason for this is that it can be applied to a problem without the need to know the clients "story". It can be very rapidly set up by just asking key questions. It can be used in a way that affords the client privacy. Not all clients wish or want to talk in detail about their life. This is a great approach if the client prefers to keep the details of what has happened private. If you need to retain the clients privacy, you also would need to drop the, Narrate the Story, element and instead use, Sub modalities to monitor your progress. Understanding the Movie Technique A movie can be made up of many scenes. One very powerful way of setting up the "Movie Technique" is to target the key scene in the movie. Sometimes when this collapses all the rest will too. Targeting the Key Moment Therapist: "In that event my guess is that you were happy, and then something happened and a big emotion hit you. How long did that first big emotion occur over?" Example of Key Moments Bereavement A key moment is the when they found out, for example, being told on the phone. The phone rings, generally at this point they are oblivious to the problem. They pick up the phone, they might suspect something because of the tonality of the person s voice, but the big emotion may not hit them until certain words are said. This moment is the Key Moment, the point where a big crescendo of emotion hits them. This point can 41