EFT for Kids (Emotional Freedom Technique)

by Emma Arden from Ela Nedra Health for BEAM ACADEMY

What is EFT

EFT Tapping (also known as Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT, or Tapping) is a form of counselling, or talking therapy, that draws on various theories of alternative medicine including Chinese Acupuncture, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Energy Medicine. EFT stimulates specific acupressure points, by tapping, or rubbing these points while focusing and bringing awareness to present or past issues that may represent some kind of personal fear or trauma. By tapping on these points and using specific tapping scripts given by the certified practitioner, EFT is fast becoming one the most effective healing tools to help reduce anxiety and stress, and is used by many clinical therapists throughout the world with adults and children.

How does it Work?

EFT works by combining both cognitive (the brain) and somatic (the body) elements. This combination helps to regulate the Central Nervous System, (CNS) and also reduce cortisol hormone levels in the body.

By tapping the specific acupressure points on the face and body, plus using specific targeted language, it can help re-balance your energy, alleviate physical and emotional pain and help release emotional distress from past or present events.

Many studies have demonstrated its efficiency for both physiological and psychological symptoms. It’s a highly effective technique to help with many issues like anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, social anxiety, imposter syndrome, limiting beliefs, plus much more.

EFT Tapping rewires the brain's response to the proposed threat, and the thoughts and emotions associated with it, we then can experience more calm in our body as the relaxed amygdala sends the signal to the endocrine system to stop producing stress hormones, cortisol.

This soothing technique is highly effective with children, and from my experience as a certified advanced EFT practitioner, children respond very quickly to EFT.

Is there any Science behind EFT?

EFT Tapping is supported by a large and growing body of scientific research now, many clinical studies have now shown that regular tapping can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) by 43%.

Dr Peta Stapleton shines a spotlight on the latest in EFT Research, and translates in laypersons' terms in many videos, showing how EFT has been shown to positively address PTSD, other stress-related conditions, and also depression.

Research shows that regular EFT Tapping rewires the brain's response to the threat, and the thoughts and emotions associated with it, we can then experience more calm in our body as the relaxed Amygdala sends the signal to the Endocrine System to stop producing stress hormones (Cortisol). The CNS (central nervous system) can then relax.

Links to Scientific Research and Studies for EFT Tapping

https://eftinternational.org/discover-eft-tapping/eft-science-research/

Using EFT with Kids

Tapping is used regularly with children, and in the USA, it’s becoming common practice in the morning at registration to help calm and set the kids up for the day.

The research shows that tapping with kids calms the Amygdala in the brain, which regulates their Nervous System. This then helps to reduces stress, fear and anxiety. And when used regularly, can help increase confidence and self-worth.

As an experienced advanced and certified EFT practitioner, I’ve found that teaching EFT in a simpler form to children works very well. In fact, simply tapping on any of the points without words can put the child into a calmer state. I’ve taught children to use tapping when they were emotionally upset, afraid, or remembering bad memories and even when having difficulty going to sleep. It usually works quickly with children, often in 10 minutes or less.

It can also be really helpful to use with ADHD or SEN children too.

EFT Tapping Points

The Tapping Points are found on the top half of the body but also include points on the hands and fingers. These are the 9 main EFT Tapping points below, including the associated emotions related to each point:

When working with kids, you may not need to do all these points. I also like to re-name the points with fun names, so they can remember them more easily. For example, using ‘Gorilla’ for the collarbone point, and ‘Monkey’ for the under-arm point.

1. Side of the Hand - Karate Chop

Releases feeling stuck and promotes ease in moving forward, letting go, healing from grief, and becoming happy in the present moment.

2. Eyebrow

Releases trauma, hurt, and sadness and promotes peace and emotional healing

3. Side of the Eye

Releases resentment and anger and promotes clarity and compassion.

4. Under the Eye

Releases fear and anxiety and promotes feelings of contentment, calmness, and safety.

5. Under the Nose

Releases shame and powerlessness and promotes self-acceptance, self-empowerment, and compassion for self and others.

6. Under the Mouth

Releases confusion and uncertainty and promotes clarity, certainty, confidence, and self-acceptance.

7. Collarbone

Releases the feeling of being stuck, promotes ease in moving forward, and boosts confidence and clarity.

8. Under the Arm

Releases guilt, worry, and obsessing and promotes clarity, confidence, relaxation, and compassion for self and others.

9. Top of the Head

Opens the crown chakra and promotes spiritual connection, while anchoring in the new balance and alignment from the tapping round that has just been completed.

If you’d like to out more about EFT then please contact [email protected]