Written by: Nicole Herrle, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
An introduction to understanding how Emotional Freedom Techniques can help you resolve childhood trauma. Don't let your past keep you from becoming the best version of yourself!
What do at least 5.53 billion people around the world have in common?
They have experienced at least one traumatic event in their life.
These experiences can have long-lasting impacts, leading to emotional intensity, mental health issues, and physiological changes that persist into adulthood.
Due to the pervasive and enduring effects of trauma, effective healing methods are critical.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or Tapping, is a healing methodology that combines elements of Ancient Chinese Medicine and modern psychology. It involves Tapping on specific meridian points while verbalizing emotions and thoughts to alleviate physical discomfort, stress, or negative feelings.
Early on in my wellness journey (which ultimately led me to become a certified EFT Practitioner), I realized the strong correlation between our adult situations and our childhood experiences.
I found that resolving those moments in our childhood could set us free to live the best possible version of our lives.
Understanding EFT Tapping for addressing childhood trauma
Scientific research has shown a positive correlation between EFT Tapping and trauma recovery.
Tapping on the meridian points while expressing distressing thoughts is believed to help the body's stress response system—the amygdala and hippocampus—become activated.
By doing so, EFT Tapping helps to reduce the emotional impact of memories or incidents that trigger emotional distress, contributing to a huge release of the trauma. It won't erase the memories, but it will take away the pain and trauma surrounding them.
Tapping also boosts self-esteem and enhances psychological resilience, providing individuals with the tools to manage future stressful situations effectively. This technique also promotes mindfulness, increasing awareness, and reducing emotional stress.
Breaking free from early trauma
Tapping offers a way to identify and address emotional blocks and triggers. These are often rooted in childhood trauma, that influence adult behavior and emotional responses.
While tapping on meridian points and verbalizing their feelings, you will:
Recognize triggers
Understand their origin
Overcome these blocks, promoting emotional growth and improved mental health.
I've seen EFT empower clients to liberate themselves from trauma's grip. This gives them the chance to actively participate in their healing journey. As a result, they regain control over their emotional responses, build resilience and self-confidence, and pave the way toward a future unburdened by past trauma.
Real-life transformations through EFT professional help
Seeing these life-changing experiences in my clients gives me so much joy. One of my favorite examples comes from a woman named Ursula. As she tells it...
" I was suffering with a lot of flashbacks and distressing feelings due to past trauma in my life, including being a victim of significant male violence. I felt disempowered and helpless."
"I decided I would go for an EFT therapist. Nicole was kind and professional and quickly and clearly guided me, over 12 therapy sessions, through the process of releasing all the painful emotions I’d been carrying for decades due to the traumatic abuse I suffered.
"I felt truly liberated and free to be my authentic self; an important part was letting my inner child know I love her and promising never to abandon her again."
When we address our struggles at their roots (frequently a traumatic event) we can feel a lasting positive change. This, to me, is what self-care is all about, taking back your own experience and emotion.
Tips for getting started with your Tapping sessions
How to prepare yourself for EFT Tapping sessions
Before you embark on your EFT Tapping journey, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Understand that this process may elicit strong emotions as you confront and process traumatic events. Remember to be patient with yourself and that you are not alone on this journey!
Emotional healing takes time, especially when dealing with a traumatic stress disorder. So remember, it's okay to move at your own pace. To enhance your experience, you might consider keeping a journal to track your feelings and progress throughout your EFT Tapping journey.
Preparing for your emotional freedom techniques session
1. Creating a safe and comfortable environment
A safe and comfortable environment is crucial for successful EFT Tapping sessions. Choose a quiet, calm space where you can have a relaxed feeling and won't be disturbed. Make this space as comforting as possible—perhaps light some candles, play soft music, or include comforting elements like a favorite blanket or cushion. Remember, this is your healing journey; the environment should support and nurture you.
2. Finding a Qualified EFT Practitioner
Finding a qualified EFT Practitioner is essential to help you resolve traumatic experiences. This can make all the difference in a Tapping session. Make sure your practitioner is...
A qualified and experienced EFT practitioner
Certified by a recognized EFT organization, and who has extensive experience in dealing with trauma and emotional healing.
Someone with a strong understanding of the mind-body connection.
Able to approach their practice with empathy, respect, and confidentiality.
The right EFT Practitioner will make you feel comfortable, heard, and empowered throughout your journey. Reading reviews and looking through testimonials can help guide you. And remember: Tapping alone can keep you from digging deep enough to fully resolve a traumatic event, or could even cause a re-traumatization as you get lost in memories and deep emotion.
Is there an EFT practitioner near me?
The answer is YES! I have made it my life's work to help as many as possible reclaim their life and potential.
If you're seeking to reshape your narrative and release the shadow of past trauma, consider beginning your healing Tapping journey with me. Remember, you want to seek guidance from a qualified and empathetic EFT practitioner to support your path to emotional well-being. I've helped many along this same journey, and I feel confident I can help you, too.
Nicole Herrle, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Nicole Herrle is a certified EFT Tapping Practitioner, specializing in childhood trauma and founder of Tapping Oasis. In her own healing journey, she realized how childhood traumas were inhibiting her life. Now Nicole uses what she learned to help others break free from destructive patterns caused by past hardship. At Tapping Oasis, she creates a safe space for individuals to uncover and release past traumas by using the transformative power of EFT Tapping. Her unique healing approach combines EFT Tapping, Inner Child Healing, and Desired Outcome Visualization, for compassionate and intuitive change. With over 150 empowered clients, Nicole is dedicated to leading others to their best life.
