Increasing your effectiveness with EFT, part 110.
Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by negative emotions while practicing EFT tapping? If so, you’re not alone. Recently, I stumbled upon a question on the online forum Reddit that possibly resonates with many newcomers to Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
The person who wrote the question shared their experience of journaling all their worries, negative feelings, and beliefs. Then, they would recite them while tapping and affirming self-love and acceptance. However, instead of feeling better, they felt worse after tapping sessions, experiencing a tightness in their throat. They wondered if this discomfort was a sign of progress or if they were using the method incorrectly.
In response, I offered some insights that might help others facing similar challenges. It’s important to recognize that overwhelming yourself with too many emotions at once can lead to discomfort. Instead, try focusing on one specific event or mental image related to a particular emotion, worry, or belief at a time.
For instance, if you feel like a boring person and believe nobody wants to talk to you, pinpoint a specific event or imagine a scenario where you experienced this feeling. It might be a recent time when this happened, or imagining the next time it’s likely to happen. Or even a specific mental image such as imagining someone yawning while they are listening to you.
As you tap, concentrate on that particular focus and on the emotion or feeling that comes up now when thinking about it. As you do that, observe how your emotions shift. For example, you may start with anger and then move to sadness or vice versa.
By narrowing your focus to one specific event or mental image, you can ease the burden on your body and nervous system, making your tapping sessions more manageable and productive.
In conclusion, EFT tapping can be a powerful tool for emotional healing when used effectively, and it can be combined with the practice of journaling. By honing in on specific events or mental images, you can navigate your practice with greater ease and avoid overwhelming your nervous system.
And that’s it for today! I’m Bruno Sade, a compassionate, open-minded clinical psychologist, and certified EFT practitioner. My approach is tailored to your individual needs and preferences, always respecting your experiences, beliefs, and background.
What are your thoughts on combining EFT with journaling? I’d love to hear your experiences and perspectives. You can either leave a comment below or send a private message.