Increasing your effectiveness with EFT, part 66.
In a recent article, I discussed the challenges of identifying the right words or pinpointing specific events and emotions when tapping alone. As a solution, some people recommend incorporating continuous tapping throughout the day to integrate tapping into our daily routines, such as when watching TV. This approach involves tapping on the points without using words or focusing on any specific issue.
Generally, I haven’t found continuous tapping to be significantly useful, and it often leaves my arms feeling tired. However, I’ve discovered that incorporating continuous tapping during moments of crying (which in my case are not that frequent) can provide noticeable relief.
In my personal experience, there’s an exception to this observation: when dealing with feelings of anxiety, worry, or fear. Tapping without words while focusing on these emotions doesn’t seem to be as effective for me. This could be because I find it challenging to simply be present with those feelings, rather than trying to quickly alleviate them. I guess we could say that I find “being with” emotions such as anxiety, worry, and fear is much more uncomfortable than being with feelings related to crying.
As mentioned in another article, tapping with the intention of “fixing” or “making feelings go away” is usually less effective than tapping with the intention of observing and accepting the emotions without trying to change them. When tapping while crying, it’s easier for me to let go of any agenda and simply allow myself to think and feel whatever arises. However, with anxiety, worry, and fear, this approach becomes more challenging.
For these emotions, the most effective approach in my experience has been tapping with a practitioner. However, when tapping alone, I’ve found it helpful to tap without words while not focusing too intently on the issue.
For instance, tapping while watching TV can be beneficial. I believe this method provides some relief because it makes it easier to let go of any agenda. By dividing my attention between the entertainment (such as a sitcom) and whatever is causing me anxiety (even if I’m not fully aware of it), it becomes easier to address the emotions without trying to force change.
Keep in mind, this approach will rarely address the underlying root cause of the anxiety, but it can still provide some helpful short-term relief.
In conclusion, while continuous tapping may not be universally effective, it can be helpful in certain situations, such as when feeling anxious, worried, or fearful. Tapping without words and without too much focus on the issue can help let go of agendas and facilitate relief. It’s important to note that when dealing with traumatic memories, it’s strongly recommended to work with a certified EFT practitioner with a mental health background to ensure a safe and supportive environment. Remember that each person’s experience may vary, and it’s essential to find the techniques that work best for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional if you need guidance or feel overwhelmed when working on your emotions alone.
That’s it for today. I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. My name is Bruno Sade, a compassionate and open-minded clinical psychologist from Argentina. I’m also a certified EFT practitioner and love helping people, whether they speak English or Spanish, break free from their negative emotional reactions. I always maintain a non-judgmental attitude and remain flexible in my approach to ensure it fits your needs and respects what’s already working for you. I genuinely honor and respect each client’s experiences, beliefs, religion, race, sexual orientation, and personal background. By using EFT, we can work together to shift negative emotions and triggers, cultivating a more balanced and resilient mindset.
And, I’d love to know: What has your experience been like when tapping on your own while feeling anxious and/or while watching TV? Do you have any questions or comments about what I wrote? Is there any particular topic you’d like me to write about? I’d love to know in the comments below.