Rethinking EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

Rethinking EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

in General and Off Topic Discussions » Off Topic Discussions • 2 years ago

I had previously posted some writings expressing my skepticism about EFT, a meridian-based technique for addressing fears and compulsive behaviors. Since those writings, I have come across some research, including an article in the Journal of Clinical Psychology (one of the premier professional journals), indicating the benefits of EFT and that the benefit was maintained at a six-month followup. Support appears to be growing for the ability of EFT to treat specific phobias.

Based on that information, I tried EFT on myself, regarding a minor situational stressor, and found it to be beneficial. I'm not willing to call EFT a proven technique at this point, but I do feel that there is enough scientific evidence that it deserves further attention. Since there are no reasonably expected side effects, I would say that EFT is worth trying. I would be skeptical of anyone who guaranteed results or made extravagant claims, however. At this point, I would definitely not discourage anyone from trying EFT if needed.

I just wanted to clarify my earlier posts, and that additional information and experimentation had lead me to change my thinking on this topic. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions about this.

Sincerely,

Beagle

Replies(6)

danandjen..

Re: that's whe we are too

2 years ago

I would say that EFT is worth trying

Beagle, thanks for sharing your insights and personal results, that's great.

And frankly the same conclusion we've come to with EFT. Same for us - found that it helped in some instances when we did try it.

Was it really the focused intent that made the change and not "EFT" per-se? Is the Law of Attraction any different? Who knows. But it's always great to find a method that works and helps.

-- Dan

Beagle

Re: Rethinking EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

2 years ago

Dan and Jennifer: One of the studies I found included the focused intent but compared the "regular" EFT to a treatment with the focused intent but that used spots for tapping that weren't associated with the meridians and both conditions produced the same benefits. One study used the focused intent with diaphramatic breathing as the placebo condition and found greater benefit with the tapping. So, I would say that it is the focused intent coupled with a tapping action that is producing the benefit. There is a similar technique called EMDR in mainstream trauma therapy which incorporates a similar concept. So, there if definitely benefit to the tapping, but the evidence doesn't seem to be pointed to a connection to specific meridians.

I was most impressed with the study that showed the continued benefit at six-month followup. Only the best designed controlled studies include followup like this, so I'm ready to classify EFT as a promising intervention.

Beagle

Continued experience:

2 years ago

I had an upsetting event today while I was at work. I decided to try the EFT technique. I was very pleasantly surprised with the immediate relief I felt. Now, the question remains if the benefit will persist.

I would like to hear from others who may be trying this on their own, to see what results they're getting.

danandjen..

So did dit persist?

2 years ago

It's been a few days, very curious to hear if it did persist.

I think a significant challenge we as human being face on a daily basis is maintaining that inner calm as we deal with whatever we experience in life.

The trick is to not let one thing or another break that calm and really get to you - a big challenge since we are naturally so darn emotional!

Sure those emotions have their purpose and I'm not talking about blocking them out or ignoring them, but rather - not allowing an outside force that you cannot control seed a dark festering thing that grows and bubbles - and which does not serve your higher good or that of those around you.

-- Dan

Xero

Re: Rethinking EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

2 years ago

I have watched FemaleOrgasm's Youtube video link to his EFT video. I'm assuming it's the same thing. (it has a dude in a red shit just taping him self ect ect.)

As well I tried it at work with a minor stressor I was having and after at least a minute of taping it went away.

I think in a way the tapping just zones out the problem and relives the person.

Either way it worked, and I plan on trying it more.

Beagle

Re: Rethinking EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)

2 years ago

@Dan: You know, to my surprise it has persisted. The interesting thing was that when I peeled away one layer of something that was bothering me, the "bother" would return lately, but it would be about a different aspect of theproblem. I would target that and the relief seemed to be immediate. I like that my ability to think clearly seemed to improve with the EFT. On that one issue, I finally worked through all the "layers" and it doesn't trouble me at all now. Once I worked through all the layers, the benefits have persisted over a week.

I think there is definitely benefit to EFT. I'm still experimenting with it, but I think it's going to be a really helpful technique. I'm quite impressed with the studies that have been done using it to treat phobias. My current experimentation is whether it can be used to introduce positive states in anticipation of challenges.

Thanks for thinking of that.

@Xero: That is exactly the experience I have had. I was kind of surprised the first time it worked. It didn't work well the first few times, mainly because I didn't understand theprocedure. Once it started working, I was amazed at the effect. I used it when I was stressed about upcoming situations and I needed to get to a place mentally that I could deal with them better. It worked well. I think there is definitely benefit to it. If it's a placebo effect, I hope no one tells me! :) I'm pretty sure it's not, however. I've seen trials where it was compared to placebo, and it did much better. My skepticism is melting rapidly where EFT is concerned. When I say that, it means something.

By the way, I love the advice you've been giving. You have a lot of insight. You should give some thought to studying the helping professions in college. You definitely have potential.