Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) FAQ

Learn how you can reduce your anxiety and worry less about your stuttering using this safe and effective approach.

What is EFT Tapping?

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) also called “Tapping” or “EFT Tapping” is a safe and gentle method to reduce stress, and increase comfort and confidence. It’s a self-help therapeutic tool that incorporates established counseling components of behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and exposure therapy (which are commonly used in stuttering therapy) with traditional chinese medicine (e.g. acupressure). There are currently over 100 published papers in peer reviewed journals demonstrating its efficacy. Bailey incorporates the same form of EFT, known as Clinical EFT, that is used in these studies.

How does EFT Tapping work?

EFT works in part through a gentle yet effective form of exposure therapy. In EFT, this is accomplished by identifying and discussing past and/or future events that were/are distressing or uncomfortable while the clinician instructs the client in gently tapping on clinically established acupoints on the client’s own head and torso. These acupoints fall on what ancient Chinese medicine calls meridians.

Studies have shown that Clinical EFT helps to reduce the brain’s response to stress in a relatively short amount of time. The situation that the brain once perceived as threatening or stressful, is no longer perceived in that way.

How can EFT Tapping be incorporated into stuttering therapy?

Check out this Tap-Along video ---->

When used in conjunction with evidence based practices in stuttering therapy, Clinical EFT may help to improve confidence, comfort, and positive self-image:

• Speaking in public (including in work meetings or other professional situations, or at school – asking and answering questions in class, speaking or presenting in front of the class, etc.)

• Speaking in small and large groups

• Making phone calls

• Ordering food and/or drinks

• Speaking in social situations

• At job interviews

Can EFT Tapping be used with children and adolescents?

Yes! EFT tapping has been used to successfully reduce phobias and anxiety in children and adolescents. See this Google Scholar Search for links to studies. Fear and anxiety related to speaking is common among people who stutter, and these components of stuttering therapy have been addressed using other counseling based approaches (see this article). Although no studies exist yet demonstrating the efficacy of EFT for reducing fears and anxieties related to stuttering, it is a safe and promising approach.

Is there evidence that EFT/Tapping is effective for stuttering?

As of this time there are no studies that have researched the use of EFT/Tapping with stuttering. However, there is anecdotal evidence(and email communication, Alina Frank) that EFT has been useful with people who stutter. Evidence exists for the use of other counseling based approaches that form the basis for EFT in stuttering therapy (Google Scholar Link). There is also considerable evidence for the use of EFT in reducing the impact of distressing emotions in a variety of populations – emotions that people who stutter regularly experience and are commonly addressed in a holistic approach to stuttering therapy.

Will EFT cure or stop stuttering?

EFT is not designed to treat or cure any disease or disorder. There is currently no known cure for stuttering. There is no evidence that Clinical EFT will cure or stop you or your child from stuttering. No claims are being made to suggest that Clinical EFT will stop, cure, or reduce physical stuttering behaviors. Clinical EFT may, however, help to increase one’s comfort, confidence, positive thinking and participation in life activities.

I take a neurodiverse approach to stuttering therapy. Meaning that I believe that it is OK to stutter. My goal with incorporating Clinical EFT as part of a holistic approach to stuttering therapy is to support you or your child to say what you want, when you want, with confidence, regardless of whether or not you stutter.

What Training have you had?

Currently I have completed level 1 & 2 training from the EFT Tapping Training Institute, which is accredited by EFT International, the world’s leading professional EFT association. I am working towards becoming a certified EFT practitioner through EFT International and am working closely with a certified EFT mentor.