Increasing your effectiveness with EFT, part 179.
It is very common for people to feel some concern about what might surface when working with EFT. Clients sometimes ask me questions like:
- What if a repressed memory of abuse comes up?
- What if I am not even sure if something like that ever happened to me?
The reassuring answer is that whatever comes up, we can tap on it. EFT does not require us to know the full story or have all the details. We can work with whatever information is available in the moment. And if words feel too overwhelming, we can even tap silently.
Navigating Uncertainty
I often use the metaphor of sailing through turbulent waters. When we are at sea, we may not know exactly where we are going or what storms might appear, but we always have a compass. In EFT, that compass is the practice of meeting ourselves where we are at each step. That allows us to move forward safely, knowing that all we really need to focus on is the very next step.
Another way to think about it is like putting together a puzzle. We may not know what the final picture will look like, but each piece we place gives us more clarity. EFT is not about forcing insights or digging for memories. It is about sitting with our real thoughts and feelings, whatever they may be, in a titrated and manageable way. That is why EFT includes so many gentle techniques designed to keep the nervous system from becoming overwhelmed.
Giving the Microphone to the Concern
If the worry about what might surface feels strong, sometimes the best first step is to give the microphone to that very concern. You might tap with a phrase like:
“When I think about today’s session, I’m afraid of what might come up. And this is where I’m at right now.”
A phrase like this not only helps to soften the immediate fear, but because of what we call the “generalization effect,” it can also begin to work gently on deeper material behind the scenes, without having to face it head-on.
Where to Begin
Rather than actively searching for traumatic memories or so-called “core issues,” I recommend starting with safer and more accessible material. This could include recent experiences that connect with the issue you want to address today, such as social anxiety, or even imagining “the next time it might happen.”
As you tap on those recent or imagined situations, sometimes an earlier memory may arise on its own. If it does, you always have a choice. You can decide to tap on it in the moment, or you can imagine placing it somewhere safe until you feel ready to work on it, if ever. There is no pressure.
Gentle and Respectful Work
The heart of EFT is not about pushing ourselves into painful territory, but about creating space for whatever is present right now. By approaching the process with respect and gentleness, we can gradually release the emotional charge that makes life feel heavy. Whether we are sailing through unknown waters or carefully fitting puzzle pieces together, EFT offers a way to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
I’m Bruno Sade, a clinical psychologist and Certified Advanced EFT Practitioner. Helping you manage emotional reactions and release triggers that keep you stuck in old emotional patterns — in a way that feels safe and tailored to your preferences and needs.
If you’re curious about what it’s like to work with a practitioner and are exploring the possibility of having EFT sessions with someone, I currently offer a free EFT tapping session for those who’ve never worked with me before.
It’s a gentle, no-pressure way to experience how this works and see if it feels like a good fit.
Click here to learn more and book your session, or feel free to reach out if you have questions.
