Emotional Freedom Techniques

What is EFT?

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as “tapping,” is a gentle, evidence-informed method used to reduce emotional distress, regulate the nervous system, and support behavioral change. It combines elements of cognitive therapy with light tapping on specific points on the body.

 

Origins of EFT
The roots of EFT can be traced back to the work of George Goodheart, a chiropractor who developed Applied Kinesiology in the 1960s, exploring the relationship between muscles, the body, and emotional states.
 

Building on this, clinical psychologist Roger Callahan developed Thought Field Therapy (TFT) in the 1980s. He discovered that tapping on specific points on the body while focusing on emotional distress could rapidly reduce symptoms such as phobias and anxiety.
 

In the 1990s, Gary Craig, an engineer with an interest in personal development, simplified Callahan’s method into what is now known as EFT, making it more accessible and widely applicable. EFT’s effectiveness has been clinically validated in numerous cases, ranging from everyday stress to the profound recovery of traumatized Vietnam veterans.
 

Maiko Yahagi is certified as an Advanced EFT Practitioner.
She has been trained to guide you safely and effectively through this process. Sessions are tailored to your specific needs, focusing on reducing automatic emotional reactivity and stress levels to help you return to your natural state of calm.
Would you like to know more?
Book a 20 minutes complementary session with Maiko

 

How Does EFT Work? (Modern Understanding)
Traditionally, EFT has been explained through the concept of “energy systems” in the body, similar to those used in acupuncture.

However, more recent perspectives suggest that EFT may work through brain–body connections, particularly involving emotional memory and physical states.

One relevant concept is the somatic marker hypothesis, proposed by neuroscientist Antonio Damasio.

In simple terms:
Your brain links specific emotions with physical states (posture, tension, and breathing patterns). For example, anxiety might be associated with shallow breathing and specific muscle tension. Over time, these physical patterns can become automatic emotional triggers.

💡 Tapping helps interrupt these "short circuits." 💡
By focusing on a stressful thought while engaging the body in a calming, rhythmic activity, your brain begins to "recode" the experience—reducing the emotional charge and helping you return to a natural state of calm.

 

What Can EFT Help With?
EFT is commonly used to support:

• Stress and anxiety

• Cravings and habit change (including smoking cessation)

• Emotional blocks

• Negative thought patterns

• Performance anxiety

It is a supportive technique and can be integrated alongside other therapeutic or health approaches.

 

What to Expect in Our Sessions

• A collaborative and supportive environment.

• Step-by-step guidance through the tapping process.

• Practical tools you can use independently between sessions.

Would you like to know more?
Book a complementary 20-minute discovery call with Maiko.

 

Important Note
EFT is a complementary approach and is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment when needed. If you have any concerns, please consult an appropriate healthcare professional.

 

If you have any questions about EFT or how it can support you, please feel free to ask!