While first learning how to perform Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) it is not unusual for the student to make some common errors. Some of these mistakes are typical of what happens to most people while learning any new skill, while others are unique to EFT.
After practicing Emotional Freedom Technique with clients for over 10 years, here are the most common difficulties I have observed with people while they are attempting to master the art of EFT: 1. Complicating EFT. Keep things simple. Effective EFT – or as Gary Craig might say “elegant EFT” – is not at all complex, it is beautiful in its ability to SIMPLY penetrate and neutralize the central truth of a problem. Just as in all sports, skill and success comes down to mastering the fundamentals.
2. Being intimidated by the mechanical process of EFT. Like any skill set, there are some people who start out with more natural skill and comfort with EFT than others. However, in a short time, most people can easily increase their skill level. While EFT is easy to learn, it must be refined with patience, time, and practice. As with so many things in life, the more you do a new task, the easier and more effective you will be and the better you will feel about it. While you will certainly become more skilled with EFT, it does not mean that what you do during your learning phase is necessarily wrong – it is probably just not as good as your energy healing therapy technique will be later. 3. Trying to rush while learning EFT. It is not necessary to be a perfectionist; it will only get in your way. Stay relaxed as you learn the different acupressure points of EFT to tap on; enjoy what you are doing.
4. Expecting each session of EFT to result in a “one-minute wonder.” EFT has a great reputation for prompt resolution to many complex problems that previously defied correction with conventional methods. So much so, that a popular expression, a one-minute wonder, was coined to suggest that problems were being solved in a minute. However, in fact, EFT one-minute wonders are not that common. They are actually rare, in relation to the amount of EFT that is done. To use EFT to totally eliminate a life-long fear or a case of depression that did not respond to many years of drugs and standard psychotherapy, and have that same problem become eliminated with 6-10 EFT sessions over a few weeks – that must be considered a remarkably fast and profound improvement recovery. 5. Not using EFT during an emotional emergency. Times of high stress are the perfect time to use EFT therapy. These are just the times when it is easy to get in touch with the high level of emotional stress that can be reduced with EFT, while the many small aspects of a problem are still fresh in the mind. EFT tapping results can be truly powerful and immediate while in the midst of a stressful situation.
6. Working globally all the time. Addressing a problem issue from a general perspective will usually, but not always, miss the mark. Work in the details of a stressful situation, and learn to tap on the minutiae. While there is a correct time to deal in global issues, that is best left for those who have greater experience with EFT. When you are ready, you will know when that time arrives. While learning the EFT art, work with the details.
7. Doing EFT too infrequently. If you do EFT just occasionally, there is less opportunity to refine the skills needed for spectacular results over your personal challenges. 8. Being unsure of the issue that should be addressed with EFT therapy. Deciding the exact issue that should be worked with in an EFT session can be more difficult than it sounds. Before starting an EFT session, take time to establish a very specific issue to address – the more detailed the better. Energy psychology, such as EFT, works best when it is applied in a specific way
9. Focusing more on the physical process of tapping the acupressure points, and not focusing on the process of creating a set-up statement. Many EFT neophytes assume EFT is primarily about the physical act of tapping, since it is the most obvious and direct part of the process. They do not understand that the power of EFT is to be found in determining the most significant subject on which to focus, as expressed in a well-crafted set-up statement and reminder phrase. It is necessary to place a great deal of attention to the details of the stressful memory and feelings.
10. Quitting too soon. Many people learn of the fast and spectacular results that occur as a result of EFT therapy, and they wrongly assume these rapid results occur all the time, and occur easily. This is not the case. Many times a person doing EFT can become stuck at a reduced level of distress that seems to not want to progress. When this happens, don’t give up. Instead use creativity and tenacity to get you over the hurdle. Modify your EFT approach or technique a small bit here and there. Take a break for a few minutes, or even until the next day. Take a few sips of water (electrolytes assist movement of energy). Investigate a few deeper aspects of the same issue, or work on a different issue. Approach the challenge from an entirely different direction. Follow your intuitive voice with more confidence.
Dr. Theodore Herazy is a prolific writer on a wide variety of Alternative Medicine topics; he has authored hundreds of articles and two books in the area of men's health and nutrition. He primarily has used EFT on a daily basis to treat his patients for the last 10 years, and is considered an expert in the field of energy psychology. Visit http://www.EFTbyTelephone.com for additional information on many EFT topics and information about doing EFT by phone.
