What’s the difference between traditional counselling and Clinical EFT? Let’s find out, so you can make an informed choice between the two.
Working with the conscious mind
Many have sought the benefits of traditional counselling. It could be viewed akin to navigating the surface of an ocean in a boat, exploring the waves and currents that are our thoughts and emotions. This approach engages primarily with our conscious mind, the captain of our boat, who is aware and making deliberate choices. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg, representing only about 5% of our mental processes.
What about the other 95 percent?
Beneath the surface lies the powerful subconscious mind that makes up the other 95% of who we are, the ocean currents that drive our automatic behaviours and deeply ingrained emotional responses. Traditional counselling can help us understand the movements of the waves, but it often leaves the undercurrents untouched. Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a method akin to diving beneath the waves to directly influence the powerful currents.
Clinical EFT combines gentle tapping on specific body points with cognitive processing of emotions. These techniques not only engage with the conscious mind but also communicates directly with the subconscious. It works to send calming signals to the brain, thereby disrupting the stress response and allowing for the possibility of transforming emotions at a much deeper level.
An example – the different effects of Clinical EFT and traditional talk therapy
To illustrate, let’s consider the example of Alex (not her real name). Alex has always dreaded birthdays, not because of getting older, but because the idea of a birthday party would bring up deep feelings of angst and anxiety. As a child, Alex’s birthday parties were stressful, filled with high expectations and family tensions. These events left a lasting impression, and now just the thought of a birthday celebration triggers those uncomfortable feelings.
Talking about it
If Alex attends traditional talk therapy (counselling), they might discuss these past birthdays, uncovering the layers of memories and the feelings associated with them. Through these sessions, Alex gains insight into why birthdays are so distressing.
Understanding the root of the anxiety is powerful and can offer relief, but when the next birthday rolls around, the familiar dread bubbles up. The insight alone hasn’t changed the emotional gut reaction that was programmed in the subconscious during childhood.
Tapping on it
Now, consider Alex working with Clinical EFT. They would discuss the same memories, but also use the EFT tapping techniques to address the emotions tied to those memories.
As Alex taps on specific points on the body, they would focus on the feelings of angst from past parties, the sound of raised voices, or the disappointment of unmet expectations. This process sends calming signals to the brain, disrupting the anxiety response. Over time, the goal is to recondition Alex’s subconscious reactions to birthdays, replacing the old script of dread with a new one of calm or perhaps even excitement.
A different outcome
The next time Alex’s birthday approaches, the thought of a birthday party no longer automatically brings a wave of anxiety. Instead, there’s a sense of neutrality, or even a cautious curiosity about celebrating.
Having worked through the emotional imprint of those childhood experiences with EFT, Alex has the freedom to decide to have a birthday party without the old fears. And maybe, just maybe, Alex finds that they can enjoy their special day in a way they never thought possible.
You can rewire yourself
Clinical EFT works to create lasting change by transforming emotional responses at the subconscious level. It rewires emotional responses which then can allow you to break free from old patterns and embrace new experiences with a fresh perspective.
If you find yourself circling back to old patterns despite your best conscious efforts, Clinical EFT offers you a promising pathway to change.
To find out if working together with me is right for you, book your free 15 minute discovery call now.
