How EFT helps in Releasing Trauma

The past two blog posts we have been learning about trauma, what it is and ways it can be healed. This week we will be exploring a healing modality that mixes affirmations and acupressure points which help in releasing trauma. EFT (aka Emotional Freedom Technique, or tapping) is an excellent tool to use to reduce anxiety or overwhelm of any type. Since PTSD and Traumatic stress are forms of  anxiety disorders, EFT is highly effective with them. EFT uses 15 acupressure/ acupuncture points to change thought patterns, emotions, and energy flow in your body. Here are 4 ways it can help to manage unresolved trauma better:

1. It helps you to pause and acknowledge that you are having a difficult time.

Many people who suffer from unresolved traumatic events tend to ignore or fault themselves for the way they feel. They may feel that somehow it is their fault. A survivor may feel hurt and shame around the trauma and feel like they could have done something differently. They may have denial about their trauma or attempt to forget about it.

EFT helps a person to use affirmative words to change the thought patterns about their trauma. EFT also helps in releasing the trauma by using positive words and acceptance to help retrain the brain.  They can make their negative situation into one of acceptance, tenderness, and compassion. An example of this is: “Even though, I was assaulted, I completely love and accept myself.” By practicing acknowledging the trauma it is possible for a person to begin the healing process.

“Trauma recovery unfolds in three stages. Central task of the first stage is the establishment of safety, the second stage is remembrance and mourning, the third stage is reconnection with ordinary life.” 
~ Judith Lewis Herman

2. Once EFT is learned it can be used anywhere.

EFT is easy. To begin, think about a distressing thought, pattern or problem and then rate it on a Subject Units of experience scale (SUE). Then begin the  EFT protocol. EFT is easily accessible to anyone who knows how to do it. A person just needs to learn the basics and can begin to do it on their own time, to help them in releasing trauma and healing old wounds.

Check out this video on how to use EFT to help orient yourself. Want to learn how EFT works and helps to release trauma and anxiety? Check out this post.

If you have a trauma that you have not processed yet, I would suggest that you seek the help of a licensed therapist who is trained in EFT to guide you through your process and help you on your journey. 

“If we could get your subconscious mind to agree with your conscious mind about being happy, that’s when your positive thoughts work.” ~Bruce Lipton

3. EFT is effective at reducing and releasing trauma symptoms

• Time and time again EFT has been shown to be effective in studies to reduce the symptoms in few treatment sessions. s
• Studies have found that it can be helpful in treating single traumas on average in 4 to 10 sessions.
• The American Psychological Association stated that EFT is an approved, effective way of treatment for a number of conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD.
•  Some 65% of practitioners found that more than 60% of PTSD clients are fully rehabilitated, and 89% stated that less than 10% of clients make little or no progress. (Church D)

If you would like to learn more about this review of EFT effectiveness, check it out here.

4. EFT works with the Unconscious Mind and the Energy System of the body

The theory of the Unconscious Mind has been around in Psychology since Freud. The power of the Unconscious Mind is based in a theory called Epigenetics, found by the biologist, Dr. Bruce Lipton. He states that we have a Conscious Mind which we use about 5% of the time and then 95% of our choices and decisions come from our unconscious mind. Epigenetics it is the belief that the unconscious mind creates our DNA, health or sickness through the power of thought.

“Unless the subconscious has the same programs and agreement as the conscious mind, the power of positive thinking will not work.” ~ Dr. Bruce Lipton.

Trauma is held in the unconscious mind, the body, and the energy system. Our memories may not remember our trauma clearly but our bodies do. EFT is able to access the unconscious mind through the use of affirmations, and working with the energy system of the body, through the use of the 15 acupressure points. When you do work with EFT and tap until you have a healing event (a 10 on the SUE scale), then that aspect of that trauma will have less charge and no longer affect you in the same way. With EFT you are training your unconscious mind towards releasing trauma, stress, and negativity.

Want help with recovery now and learn how to make more effective EFT set ups more effective? Please feel free to contact me: celine@innergrowththerapy.com  or 323.5152278 to schedule an appointment or a free 15 minute consultation.

Until next time, may you feel peace, may you feel loved, and may you feel safe.

Have a blessed week,