How I Discovered EFT & Why Its Speed Surprised Me

When I first trained in counselling and psychotherapy, I expected change to be slow, measured in months, sometimes years. That was the framework I had been taught, and one I respected deeply.

So when I later discovered Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), I’ll be honest: I was sceptical.

And then I was amazed.

Coming From a Traditional Therapy Background

My training in counselling and psychotherapy gave me a strong foundation. Understanding attachment, trauma, nervous system responses, and the importance of safety and boundaries in therapeutic work. But it also came with an unspoken assumption:that emotional healing is necessarily slow. Clients often came in feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally numb, and while insight helped, many still felt their reactions in their bodies long after they “understood” why they felt the way they did. I remember thinking:There has to be a way to help the body catch up with the mind.

My First Introduction to EFT

When I first heard about EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), often described as “tapping”, I was curious but cautious. It seemed almost too simple. How could tapping on the body while focusing on an emotion create real change? But as someone trained to stay open, ethical, and evidence-informed, I decided to experience it properly rather than dismiss it. That decision changed the direction of my work.

What Surprised Me Most: The Speed

What stood out immediately was how quickly things shifted. Not in a forced or bypassing way, but gently, and often unexpectedly. Clients (and myself) would notice:

• A reduction in emotional intensity within minutes

• A softening in the body where tension had been held for years

• Emotional responses changing without needing to relive or analyse everything

This wasn’t about “positive thinking” or pushing feelings away. It was about allowing the nervous system to settle while the emotion was safely acknowledged. That combination was powerful.

Why EFT Felt So Different

What made EFT stand out to me was how well it works with the body, not just the story.

EFT:

• Can help regulate the nervous system

• Creates safety while emotions are present

• Enables the brain and body to update old emotional responses

Rather than talking about an issue for months, EFT often allows the emotional charge to reduce naturally, without force. For many people, that’s deeply relieving.

Why I Chose to Integrate EFT Into My Practice

EFT didn’t replace my counselling and psychotherapy training, it enhanced it. It gave me:

• A gentle tool for people who feel overwhelmed by talking

• A way to support emotional change without re-traumatisation

• A faster, more embodied route to relief for many clients

Most importantly, it aligned with my values: working ethically, collaboratively, and at a pace that feels safe for each individual.

Is EFT Right for Everyone?

EFT isn’t a magic fix, and it isn’t about rushing healing. But for many people, particularly those who feel stuck, emotionally flooded, or disconnected from their bodies, it can be a surprisingly effective and compassionate approach. That’s why I offer a free 20-minute consultation, so you can ask questions, understand how EFT works, and see if it feels like the right fit for you.

Final Thoughts

Discovering EFT reminded me that healing doesn’t always have to be hard, long, or exhausting.

Sometimes, when the body finally feels safe enough to let go, change can happen more quickly than we expect. And sometimes, that in itself can feel like a relief.