The Healing Power of EFT Tapping vs EMDR: Which One is Right for You?

As someone who has spent many years exploring different forms of therapy to support my mental and emotional health over the years, I have come across two powerful techniques that have helped me tremendously: EFT Tapping and EMDR.

In this blog post, I’ll share my personal experiences with these techniques and discuss the research behind them to help you decide which one may be right for you.

EFT Tapping

First, let’s start off with EFT Tapping, which stands for Emotional Freedom Technique. EFT is a form of alternative therapy that involves tapping specific points on the body while focusing on a specific problem or issue. The goal is to release negative emotions and promote healing by balancing the body’s energy system.

I first tried EFT Tapping about ten years ago, when I was working on reducing anxiety and increasing my confidence to help me become more successful in my business at the time. I was skeptical at first, but after a few sessions trying out tapping on my own, I noticed an improvement in how I felt. As a tapped, different memories came up, and I gained more clarity about what was causing the anxiety. After a few weeks, I felt calmer and more in control of my life.

Studies have shown that EFT Tapping can be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A meta-analysis of 20 studies on EFT Tapping found that it was associated with significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms (1).

Another study found that EFT Tapping was effective in reducing food cravings and promoting weight loss (2). The researchers suggest that this may be due to the technique’s ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to overeating.

One of the things I love about EFT Tapping is that it is a relatively simple technique that can be easily learned and practiced at home. There are many online resources and videos available to help you get started, or you can work with a coach or practitioner who specialises in EFT Tapping.

EMDR

Now, let’s move on to EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a type of therapy that is primarily used to treat PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. The technique involves focusing on a traumatic memory while moving your eyes from left to right whilst following a light, or by following the back and forth finger movements of an EMDR practitioner. Sometimes sounds or vibrations are used instead of, as well as the left to right eye movement.

I first tried EMDR after being diagnosed with PTSD due to complex childhood trauma. I was struggling with flashbacks and anxiety related to the event, and traditional talk therapy wasn’t providing the relief I’d anticipated. After a few sessions of EMDR, I noticed a significant reduction in my symptoms and was able to deal with triggers in a calmer way.

Research has shown that EMDR can be effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. A meta-analysis of 26 studies on EMDR found that it was associated with significant reductions in PTSD symptoms (3). Another study found that EMDR was effective in treating veterans with PTSD, with 77% of participants experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms (4).

One of the unique aspects of EMDR is its use of eye movements or other bilateral stimulation. The theory behind this is that it helps the brain process traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. While the exact mechanism is still unclear, there is evidence to suggest that this type of stimulation can promote changes in the brain that lead to symptom reduction (5).

Which one is right for you?

The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. If you’re dealing with general stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues, EFT Tapping may be a good place to start. It’s a relatively easy technique to learn and can be practiced alone or with a practitioner. I’d always recommend working with a clinically trained practitioner if you’ve experienced trauma, as you could re-traumatise yourself by working on difficult memories by yourself.

If PTSD or other trauma-related disorders are currently troubling for you, EMDR can be really effective. While it can be a more intense therapy, the research suggests that it can be highly effective in reducing symptoms and promoting healing.

It’s important to note that both EFT Tapping and EMDR should be practiced under the guidance of a trained professional. While they are generally considered safe, there are some risks and potential side effects to be aware of. For example, some people may experience temporary increases in anxiety or distress during EFT Tapping and EMDR sessions, as both these modalities include psychological exposure. However, an experienced practitioner will always ensure you feel safe and grounded at the end of each session.

It’s also worth noting that these techniques may not work for everyone, and that’s okay. Everyone’s journey to healing is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to approach these techniques with an open mind and be willing to explore different options if one doesn’t work for you.

In addition to EFT Tapping and EMDR, there are many other forms of therapy and alternative treatments available for mental and emotional health. It’s important to do your research and find a therapist or practitioner who specialises in the type of therapy that you’re interested in.

Overall, EFT Tapping and EMDR are two powerful techniques that can help promote healing and reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Feel free to share your experiences of these techniques in the comments, we always love reading what’s helped our readers.