Increasing your effectiveness with EFT, part 184.
One of the biggest obstacles to EFT’s effectiveness is pressure—both the pressure we place on ourselves when tapping on our own and the pressure practitioners may unintentionally place on their clients.
The more we pressure ourselves or others to “feel good soon,” the less effective the process tends to be. And for clients, the more pressure they feel in a session, the less enjoyable and safe the experience becomes, even when the practitioner’s intentions are good.
It is not always easy to be the client. That is why I believe one of my main responsibilities as a practitioner—besides helping clients meet themselves where they are and figuring out together what to tap on—is to help diffuse any pressure they might feel.
Common Sources of Pressure (and How to Release Them)
The pressure to identify emotions
Many people feel anxious if they cannot name what they are feeling. I reassure them that it is perfectly fine not to know. EFT can work anyway.
The pressure to locate the feeling in the body
If a client cannot identify where they feel it, or if they do not feel it anywhere in particular, that is okay too. EFT can still work just as well.
The pressure to rate the intensity
It is okay not to know the number. All we really need to ensure is that “the cup of tea does not get boiling hot.” In other words, if the emotional intensity feels overwhelming, we can zoom out from the specific details and create some protective distance. We can then tap using fewer words or even tap silently through the points.
The pressure to feel better soon
Instead of aiming to feel better right away, I encourage clients to allow themselves to feel whatever they are feeling and think whatever they are thinking, including any resistance that might arise. Paradoxically, the more we allow the experience, the faster it often shifts.
The pressure to know what to tap on next
Unless a new thought or feeling is clearly asking for attention, there is no need to rush. Part of my job is to help identify emotionally charged aspects of the issue through conversation and gentle questioning. We can always work with whatever level of information or awareness is available at any given moment.
The pressure to find root causes or early memories
It is not necessary to search for “core issues.” We can start with more accessible entry points, such as “the next time this might happen” or “a recent time it did.” From there, the process naturally unfolds.
The pressure to tap all the time
Sometimes, the body simply feels done. It is okay to end the session early if fatigue arises or if it feels like enough tapping for the day.
The pressure to tap between sessions
EFT can absolutely be a valuable self-regulation tool between sessions, but it should never feel like an obligation. My goal is for clients to feel empowered by EFT, not burdened by it.
The pressure to face something a part of them resists
If a client has resistance toward looking at something painful, we can back off. We go as gently as needed, and only when that part feels safe enough to proceed.
A Gentle and Sustainable Approach
The more we can help diffuse pressure, the more effective and enjoyable sessions become. EFT should not feel like torture or like “something that I know is good for me, but I’m dreading it.”
When we remove pressure, we create an atmosphere of safety, curiosity, and permission. That is where real transformation happens—gradually, organically, and at a pace the nervous system can truly handle.
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.
