More about EMDR & EFT

Somatic Therapy
 

Somatic therapies focus on the connection between the mind and the body.
 

Sometimes difficult experiences are not only remembered in our thoughts, but also stored in the body. This can show up as anxiety, emotional distress, physical tension, or feeling easily overwhelmed.
 

Somatic therapies help the brain and nervous system process these experiences in a safe and supportive way. Two approaches I often use are EMDR and EFT (Tapping).
 

These therapies can help people who are experiencing:

• Trauma or PTSD

• Anxiety and stress

• Depression

• Emotional overwhelm

• Phobias or distressing memories

• Physical symptoms connected to stress
   

By helping the brain reprocess difficult experiences, these therapies can reduce emotional intensity and support a greater sense of calm, safety, and resilience.
 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
 

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro.
 

When someone experiences trauma or a highly distressing event, the brain may struggle to fully process what happened. This can leave memories feeling “stuck,” which can cause ongoing emotional or physical reactions.
 

During EMDR therapy:

• You focus on a memory or experience that still feels distressing.

• At the same time, you follow gentle bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds.

• This process helps the brain naturally reprocess the memory.
   

Over time, the memory usually becomes less emotionally intense, and people often feel calmer and more in control when they think about the experience.

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EB-EFT (Evidence Based Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapping) 

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EFT, often called tapping, is another evidence-based approach that helps calm the nervous system while working through emotional challenges.
 

EFT combines elements of psychology with gentle tapping on specific points on the body (similar to acupuncture points).

During EFT:

• You focus on a feeling, memory, or problem.

• While talking through the experience, you gently tap on specific points on the face and upper body.

• The tapping helps send calming signals to the nervous system.
   

Many people notice that their emotional intensity reduces quickly, allowing them to think about the situation in a more balanced way.
 

EFT has been widely researched, including work by Australian psychologist Dr Peta Stapleton.

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Another benefit of EFT is that many people can learn to use tapping as a self-soothing tool outside of therapy sessions.

 

How Somatic Therapies Can Help

Somatic therapies can help people:

• Process difficult memories safely

• Calm the nervous system

• Reduce emotional intensity

• Build resilience and emotional regulation

• Feel more grounded and in control

 

For many clients, these approaches create meaningful and lasting change by working with both the mind and the body.