Releasing the Pressure Valve

Often when clients first come into an EFT session, they are so full of stress, anxiety and emotions that their words just tumble out like an avalanche.

Yes, it is important to get tapping as soon as possible. However, from experience, I know that until they release this pressure valve they cannot settle and fully engage in the session.

I usually allow a maximum of 10 minutes for them to express themselves. I listen, try not to interrupt, and simply take notes.

Together we then work out the priority order in which to address the issues raised.

When the pressure valve has released the client often sighs as if a weight has lifted. However, before we start to work through their table top and table legs, I take their SUDS score on how they are feeling right now, then do a grounding exercise.

How I use EFT with stress

Doing a round of the tapping points we simply breathe – the rounds can be repeated if necessary.

There are lots of different breathing techniques and I will choose what I think is appropriate. The one I probably use the most is breathing in through the nose for the count of 3 and out through the mouth for the count of 5. If my client is still showing a lot of stress or anxiety, I will ask them to hold their breath for 3 in the middle of the sequence.

For example: “Tapping on the side of the hand, breathe in through your nose for the count of 3, hold for 3 and breathe out through your mouth slowly for the count of 5.” I will then, without rushing, go through each of the tapping points.

Using rhythmic breathing alongside the rhythmic EFT tapping sends a double message to the nervous system, turning down the body's fight-or-flight stress response (sympathetic nervous system) and signalling safety to relax (parasympathetic activation). This, in turn, helps to lower the cortisol levels, the main stress hormone.

At this point, I usually take the SUDS score again – in most cases it is reduced.

We then proceed with the main EFT tapping session.

My clients often say that this first round really helps them. I encourage them to do this at home whenever they first feel the negative sensations bubbling up in their body, before they get into a state of anxiety or stress.

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Article by Julie Farrell, Accredited Certified EFT Practitioner

Photo by Jose Pena on Unsplash