Discovering the Power of Clinical EFT at Creative Growth Therapies

At Creative Growth Therapies, we provide Clinical EFT. The Emotional Freedom Technique [EFT], widely known as "tapping", was developed in the 1980s by Dr Roger Callahan and later simplified by Gary Craig.

EFT in its simplest form is a stress reduction and relaxation technique. It works by combining tapping on acupuncture points with aspects of cognitive and exposure therapy. EFT creates psychophysiological changes in the body and brain, such as reduced cortisol (stress hormone), reduced blood pressure and increased immune system markers and happiness. It has been found to be an evidence based intervention for anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD (Back, Groesbeck, Stapleton et al, 2018; Seok & Kim, 2024; Stapleton, Kip, Church et al, 2023; Zheng, Lin & Goo et al, 2025). EFT can be used across a wide range of experiences, conditions and ages, including children.

I first heard about EFT from a Play Therapy colleague in the 2010s. In 2023, I developed long covid and was re-introduced to EFT by a long covid recovery coach and yoga teacher who used it to calm the autonomic nervous system. I began to use what I now know as "Tap and Breathe", whenever I was feeling stressed, worried or didn't feel present in the moment. EFT had a such a remarkable effect on calming my nervous system, that I decided when I was well enough I would study it.

Fast forward to July 2024, I have completed studies in Clinical EFT. Clinical EFT supports people to work through problems and past experiences within a therapeutic relationship. Part of the requirements for certification is to have Clinical EFT with a practitioner. This process helped me to understand how it felt to be on the client's side, as well as experiencing relief for some long term enduring difficulties, and shorter term impacts from having long covid. I have been amazed to see the reduction in stress and the changes that people have made as I have been learning about and practicing EFT. The outcomes can be life altering. I'm looking forward to using Clinical EFT more in my work.