EFT in SEN Schools: Supporting Students & Educators

Welcome to the first of our features focussing on where our members are using Emotional Freedom Techniques in the community. For these features we will be interviewing and sharing our members' experiences.

EFT is gaining recognition in schools as an effective tool for managing stress, anxiety and emotional regulation. Eve Bednarska is an EFT Practitioner and implemented EFT at Odyssey House School, a Special Education Needs (SEN) school in the UK. She highlights its impact on students, teachers, and the overall learning environment.

How did you start using EFT in Special Needs Education?
My journey with EFT began at home, successfully using it with my own SEN child. Seeing its transformative effects, I extended its application to my private practice, and later, I was invited to join Odyssey House School as an EFT therapist, where I have witnessed first hand how EFT supports students in managing emotional and sensory challenges.

Why does EFT work in schools?
EFT stands out because it is quick, non-invasive, and accessible. School environments can be overwhelming due to academic pressures, social interactions, and sensory triggers. Unlike cognitive-based therapies, which may be challenging for neurodivergent students, EFT directly addresses the body's stress response. The combination of tapping and verbal processing allows for immediate emotional relief, helping students self-regulate in real time.

Beyond individual benefits, EFT also supports teachers by reducing stress and creating a more harmonious classroom.

Can you share a powerful EFT success story?
I had a remarkable case involving a 15-year-old student experiencing a severe anxiety episode. I began with surrogate tapping, which visibly calmed the student. Within minutes, the student engaged in silent tapping, and after 20 minutes, he was able to return to class feeling much more at ease. Through ongoing sessions using techniques like Lego® tapping, the student developed tools to manage anxiety, leading to significant improvements in emotional stability and school engagement.

How to tailor EFT for different needs?
Children with SEN often require adapted EFT techniques to suit their sensory preferences. Eve modifies tapping approaches to ensure comfort, using gentle or pressure-based methods. Techniques such as Teddy tapping, incognito finger tapping, butterfly hugs, and picture tapping prove especially effective. For students with ADHD, shorter, engaging tapping sequences work best. Younger children or those with limited verbal skills benefit from EFT approaches that incorporate colours, shapes and physical sensations, making the practice enjoyable and accessible.

Feedback from parents, teachers, and students
Parents report that EFT helps their children manage emotions, sleep better, and recover from meltdowns faster. Teachers notice a calmer classroom atmosphere, and students express relief, often describing their feelings as “lighter” or saying, “I don’t feel scared anymore.” One of the most rewarding moments is when a child independently uses EFT to address a challenge and excitedly shares their success.

How teachers and practitioners can introduce EFT in schools
To incorporate EFT in schools, teachers can start with silent tapping exercises at the beginning of the day and after lunch breaks. Younger children may benefit from tapping songs or story-based EFT activities. Beginners can explore guided EFT videos or work with a practitioner for personalised support. Even learning a few simple techniques can make a significant difference in students’ emotional and academic success.

By integrating EFT into school settings, educators can provide students with a powerful self-regulation tool, fostering resilience, focus, and well-being for both students and staff.

Bibiana Abreu
EFTi Comms Team