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Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

Explore tapping as a tool for emotional distress.

EFT combines gentle fingertip tapping on specific points with attention to an upsetting thought or feeling. It may be considered as a complementary practice within a broader care plan.

View appointment timesWhat happens first?
Gentle tapping
A conceptual illustration of gentle tapping, not a treatment guide.

Notice what you feel, then check what changes.

A guided session may begin by naming a concern and noticing its intensity. Your therapist may demonstrate tapping while using words that acknowledge the experience, then pause to check your response.

What sessions may involve

  1. Identify a manageable focusChoose a concern with your therapist and notice the associated emotions and physical sensations.
  2. Try guided tappingFollow a clinician’s demonstration at a comfortable pace, with room to ask questions or pause.
  3. Review the responseCheck whether distress shifted and discuss how the exercise fits your ongoing treatment goals.
Common questions

Understanding EFT

What does the evidence say?

Some studies suggest EFT may reduce anxiety, but limitations in the research leave uncertainty about how it compares with established treatments and how long benefits last.

How does it fit trauma treatment?

Discuss EFT as a complementary option with your clinician. For PTSD, approaches such as EMDR and CPT have stronger research support. Treatment should reflect your needs, preferences, and clinician’s training.

What if tapping feels uncomfortable?

You can pause or stop. Tell your therapist if distress increases, you feel overwhelmed, or the exercise feels unsuitable. The approach can be reconsidered together.

Learn more from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.

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