Introducing EFT in Play Therapy
By incorporating a modified version of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) into my play therapy sessions, I support children in managing their emotions, challenging behaviours, stress, anxiety, fear, and anger.
Introducing EFT at an early age helps children develop the essential skills needed to recognise and regulate their emotions, building emotional resilience and supporting long-term well-being.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping, can be a helpful tool for children to manage and process difficult emotions, especially when integrated into a supportive therapeutic relationship. EFT combines elements of cognitive therapy and exposure with acupressure by tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on a distressing issue.
Here’s how EFT tapping can help children:
1. Regulates Emotions and Calms the Nervous System
Tapping helps reduce physiological stress responses by lowering cortisol levels. For children, this can mean a greater sense of calm when feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or angry.
2. Promotes Self-Awareness and Emotional Expression
Children often struggle to verbalise their feelings. EFT encourages them to identify and name emotions, giving them a structured yet gentle way to process what's going on inside.
3. Reduces Symptoms of Anxiety, Phobias, and Trauma
Research and anecdotal evidence show EFT can reduce anxiety, fear (e.g., of school or separation), and symptoms related to trauma—without needing to go into deep verbal processing, which is ideal for younger children.
4. Empowers Children with a Coping Tool
Tapping is something kids can learn and use independently. It gives them a sense of agency—especially helpful for those who feel powerless due to bullying, trauma, or change.
5. Easily Integrates with Play Therapy
EFT can be adapted into stories, games, puppets, or songs, making it highly suitable for younger children or neurodivergent kids who respond well to creative or tactile approaches.