Trauma-Informed Alternatives to “I Love and Accept Myself” – EFT Setup Phrase Guide (Printable PDF)

This printable guide offers 55 trauma-informed alternative endings to the commonly used EFT setup phrase “I love and accept myself.”

While this phrase can feel empowering for some clients, many experience it as uncomfortable, untrue, or emotionally activating - particularly when working with trauma, shame, anxiety, or self-criticism. Resistance to the phrase is not a failure of EFT; it is valuable information about the client’s nervous system and need for safety.

This resource is designed to support practitioners in meeting clients where they are, without forcing self-acceptance, belief, or emotional leaps that may feel unsafe or overwhelming.

Inside the guide, you’ll find clear practitioner guidance on why flexible language matters in EFT, how to introduce alternative wording without pressure, and how to support regulation, consent, and trust throughout a session. The 55 alternative endings are organised by intention - including safety, grounding, acknowledgement, permission, self-support, self-compassion, strength, and gentle closure - making them easy to use in practice.

What’s included:
• 8-page printable PDF
• 55 nervous-system-aware EFT setup phrase endings
• Guidance on why “I love and accept myself” can feel unsafe for some clients
• Trauma-informed language principles for EFT
• Practitioner scripts for introducing alternative wording
• Organised sections for different stages of a session
• Closing practitioner reflections and scope-of-practice guidance
• Instant digital download

This guide is intended to support ethical, responsive EFT practice by prioritising safety, honesty, and regulation over forced positivity or emotional bypassing.

For educational and professional use. Practitioners are encouraged to work within their scope of practice and refer clients for additional support when appropriate.