Increasing your effectiveness with EFT, part 77.
Recently, on Reddit (a popular internet forum), I came across an unusual, possibly half-joking question about EFT: “If I tap while someone is beating me up, can I walk away without hard feelings?” In today’s article, I’d like to share my response.
It’s a great question. The way that I see it, if you’ve had the unfortunate experience of being physically assaulted, it’s completely natural to walk away with some hard feelings. When faced with such a threat, the nervous system typically shifts into “survival mode”, potentially triggering fight or flight responses. Alternatively, you might freeze, a response that seeks to numb pain and potentially reduce the likelihood of further aggression. These are all instinctual survival reactions designed to protect you.
However, after the situation is over, there’s often a residual layer of survival stress stored in your body, a leftover from the traumatic experience. In other words, a part of you might still be on high alert, not quite realizing that the danger has passed (and hopefully, it has indeed). And you might find that the traumatic experience is still affecting you emotionally. That’s where EFT comes in. It can help you process and let go of the emotional charge attached to that memory, aiding your body and nervous system to let go of this stored survival stress.
It’s important to remember, though, that when it comes to processing these traumatic events where our physical safety was compromised, it’s advisable not to attempt it alone. Given the risk of retraumatization, it’s safer to work with a skilled practitioner.
That’s it for today! My name is Bruno Sade, a compassionate, open-minded clinical psychologist, and certified EFT practitioner. I’m dedicated to helping you break free from negative emotional reactions and cultivate a balanced, resilient mindset. My approach is flexible and tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Your experiences, beliefs, and background are always honored and respected in our work together.
What are your thoughts on this? Any questions or comments about this article, or suggestions for future topics? I’d love to hear from you, either in the comments below or through a private message.