Have you ever felt emotionally stuck - like no matter how much you talk about something, journal about it, or try to move on, it still lingers in your body or mind? That heaviness, that tension in your chest, that persistent looping thought. You know it’s there. But nothing seems to shift it.

This is where EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) - often called tapping - can be a truly helpful, empowering support. It’s one of my favourite tools to use in sessions, because it brings the mind and body together in such a simple, effective way.

What Is EFT Tapping?

EFT is a gentle therapeutic approach that involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the body (usually on the face, upper chest, and hands) while focusing on a particular emotion, memory, or limiting belief.

You speak aloud or silently about what’s going on for you honestly, without trying to fix it or make it sound nice, while tapping through the points in a specific order.

This simple process helps regulate your nervous system, calm your stress response, and begin to shift stuck emotions or energy that talking alone might not reach.

Why Does It Work?

When we experience stress, trauma, or intense emotion, the body holds onto that energy. Even long after the event has passed, your system might still be reacting as if it’s happening right now.

Tapping sends calming signals to the brain, especially the amygdala (the part involved in fear and survival responses) helping to lower cortisol levels and reduce emotional intensity. It’s like telling your body: I’m safe now. I can let go.

Many people report feeling lighter, calmer, or clearer sometimes within minutes.

When You Might Use EFT

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from tapping. In fact, it’s something I often guide people through in sessions when they say things like:

• “I know I’m overreacting, but I can’t stop.”
• “I feel stuck in this feeling and I don’t know why.”
• “I understand what’s going on, but I still feel awful.”
• “My body feels tense and I don’t know how to release it.”

EFT works beautifully for things like:

• General anxiety and overwhelm
• Negative self-talk and low self-worth
• Emotional triggers and stress
• Past trauma that still feels present
• Physical tension connected to emotion

It’s especially helpful when you’re feeling too much, or not feeling much at all.

What a Session Looks Like

In a session, we’ll gently explore what’s going on for you, maybe a situation that’s upsetting you, a belief that’s holding you back, or a feeling you can’t quite name.

Together, we’ll create a safe, non-judgemental space to voice what you’re feeling. You don’t need to “get it right”, it’s not about fixing things or being positive. It’s about being honest and kind with yourself.

We’ll then tap through the sequence while staying connected to the issue, and notice what shifts.

Some people feel emotional release. Some feel relief in the body. Others feel peaceful or simply less overwhelmed. Every session is different, and we always go at your pace.

Can You Do EFT on Your Own?

Yes! One of the things I love most about EFT is that it can be used between sessions, whenever you need it.

In our work together, I can teach you a version that feels right for you so that you can use it:

• Before a stressful meeting
• When you wake up anxious
• When you’re feeling triggered
• When your thoughts start spiralling
• Or simply as a daily self-regulation tool

The more you practise, the more natural it becomes. You’re giving your body a new way to respond to stress — gently, compassionately, and effectively.

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, please know: there is nothing wrong with you. Sometimes, your body just needs a new way to process what your mind already understands. That’s where EFT comes in. It’s not about pretending everything’s fine.

If you’d like to explore how tapping could help you, I’d love to guide you. I offer in-person sessions in Edinburgh and online therapy wherever you are. You can book here - I look forward to meeting you.