Emotional Freedom Techniques An Effective And Efficient Tool For Integrative Cancer Care.

Stress, anxiety, and emotional distress are present along the entire cancer care pathway. (Gary et al., 2022)

These factors impact the efficacy of treatments, patient outcomes, recovery time, and cost of care. Most importantly, they present a significant burden to cancer patients, their families and friends, clinicians, and the wider society. 

Interest in fostering positive patient outcomes beyond survival is growing among patients, clinicians, and those paying for cancer services. Effective mitigation of these factors requires early identification followed by effective intervention.

A stress reduction technique, EFT is well supported by clinical research (Stapleton, 2022). Benefits include reduced psychological distress, improved quality of life, and a positive impact on various psychological and physical symptoms.

What is EFT?

Clinical EFT is a manualised, evidence-based stress reduction technique that utilises elements of cognitive therapy with physical stimulation of acupressure points (Church, 2013a). EFT  is often referred to as ‘Tapping’ as it uses a two-finger tapping process on known acupuncture points. (Church, 2013b)

Clinical EFT includes elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE). These include awareness building, imaginal exposure, cognitive reframing, pre-framing, and systematic desensitisation. An additional element to these is the somatic stimulation of the acupuncture points. 

The addition of acupressure to established psychological techniques has been found to contribute to EFT's therapeutic results.  (Church et al, 2018b).

Clinical EFT has been validated in research studies and has previously met the American Psychological Association (APA) standards for evidence-based psychological practice (Fang et al, 2009). It is currently under review with the APA against the Tolin standards.

EFT is easy to learn and can either be self-applied or with an Accredited EFT Practitioner, which is recommended for more complex issues that require in-depth investigation.

It is a safe, rapid, reliable, and effective treatment for both psychological and medical diagnoses. (Church et al, 2022). 

Treatment is effective whether delivered in person or virtually and self-applied tapping in moments of distress can bring rapid relief. (Church et al, 2017)

Studies have shown that lasting changes can be achieved in 4 – 10 sessions (Sebastian, et al, 2017) after which patients can continue to support themselves using EFT. In very complex cases a longer-term approach may be necessary. 

How does it work?

EFT has been shown to regulate the body's stress response and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When we are under stress, the prefrontal cortex of the brain, our rational thinking brain goes “offline”, and our levels of adrenaline and cortisol increase. EFT allows us to release the intensity of uncomfortable feelings like hurt, anxiety, guilt, fear, overwhelm, or anger and transform them. EFT can transform the recurring thoughts and beliefs underlying our emotional experiences.

It appears that acupoint stimulation sends signals to the limbic system and reduces its arousal  (Feinstein, 2012).  EFT decreases the activity of the amygdala, the brain’s arousal pathway (Dhond, 2007). 

Research has shown that the resulting changes last over time indicating that there may be changes in the brain’s neural pathways and memory reconsolidation  (Feinstein, 2015). 

Using tapping not only reduces stress immediately but also allows for safely processing memories that may have contributed to the intensity of the current stress response. Quote: “My diagnosis was a big shock. I had recently lost my husband to cancer, it was all a big emotional roller coaster. ..I felt with cancer I had an end date and I would join my husband. ..cancer is the answer to my incredible sadness… I went for EFT therapy which frankly transformed my whole approach to my cancer journey. Things I wasn’t consciously aware of became released, things that were very deep and hidden… At the end of the sessions, I would feel a huge weight off my mind… Tapping made me realise that I wanted to live…” CR, Breast Cancer patient.

EFT treatment is associated with measurable biological effects on brain synchrony, hormonal synthesis, and a wide range of biomarkers. Physiological indicators of health such as Resting Heart Rate, Blood Pressure and Cortisol also improve significantly (Bach et al, 2019).  Research on gene expression indicates EFT has the ability to down/up-regulate genes; e.g., downregulate genes associated with the stress response and up-regulate genes associated with immune functioning and cancer suppression (Maharaj, 2016).

How can it help people affected by cancer throughout their care?

Tapping can be particularly supportive for patients who are experiencing the emotional impact and physical side effects of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Clinical EFT's stress-reduction capacity makes it also effective for alleviating multiple psychological conditions, including phobias, PTSD, anxiety, and depression (Church et al., 2022) that are often associated with a cancer diagnosis (Pitman, et al 2018).

EFT can be used as an adjunct to traditional treatment and is effective in reducing the side effects of Tamoxifen in women with breast cancer  (Baker et al, 2015), improving quality of life and reducing fatigue or cancer-related cognitive impairment (Tack, L.,et. al 2021).

EFT significantly reduces pre-surgery anxiety (Thomas et.al, 2017).

EFT offers potential as a technique that health practitioners may use to support the psychosocial aspect of chronic disease healthcare (Kalla et al, 2017).

EFT empowers cancer patients to manage their own emotional well-being at a time when they may feel helpless and frightened. Quote: “It (EFT) gave me something in my toolbox for when I feel anxiety bubbling up. I have something I can go to. I can even do it at work.” SP, Breast Cancer patient.

EFT can effectively reduce the levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and depression (Liu et al, 2017) Quote: “I was very, very distressed and scared. My fear was irrational. I felt out of control, my head was in a frenzy. I couldn’t see a way out… (EFT) helped me put things in perspective, into a much calmer state.” J.G., Breast Cancer patient.

EFT is a tool that is literally at the patients’ fingertips, meaning they can use it any time they need, including before hospital appointments, scans, surgery etc.  It has been well documented that the calmer the patient is, the fewer side effects that seem to arise.

EFT gives patients the opportunity to find renewed meaning in life and to develop emotional resilience, EFT offers promise as a suitable therapeutic approach to help chronic disease patients make sense of their life stories and lived experiences, and consequently, symbolic meanings of diseases (Kalla et al, 2020). Consequently, they are able to deal with the issues that result from their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

By using EFT, we can reconnect with our innate sense of unshakeable well-being by releasing the intensity of emotions and transforming the way uncomfortable feelings like hurt, guilt, fear, or anger may impact our everyday experience. We become more considered and less reactive in our approach to our life.

EFT can help the patient to overcome the fear of treatment and undergo treatment with a more positive attitude Quote: “The second chemo on Friday was a different experience. ..  I feel that the change in my attitude towards the treatment has played a very significant part - and this has come directly from our meetings and EFT.  Welcoming the poison into my body, trusting my body to work with it as it kills the cancer cells floating around my body, all in pursuit of strengthening and revitalising my health and my well-being.  The effect of forgiving and accepting my decision to try again has been extraordinary” RW, Breast Cancer patient.

EFT seems to help patients come to terms with physical changes and body image.

Quote: “I didn’t want the mastectomy. I didn’t want to have the deformity. I believed it would be impossible to start a new relationship… I would never feel confident in my body again… I needed emotional support to understand why I didn’t want to give myself the best chance of living. EFT helped me understand that I wanted to live more than I was worried about the deformity. Now I have a new life and I am really incredibly happy”. CR; Breast Cancer patient.

EFT has the potential to be a powerful tool to improve the care of palliative patients who have distressing emotions (Quilty et al, 2017).

What to Expect from the Process

The EFT process involves clients identifying a concern or an issue they wish to address and rating their level of distress on a Likert-type scale out of 10 (10 is the maximum amount of distress and 0 represents the minimum or a neutral state). This is called a Subjective Unit of Distress (SUDS)(Wolpe 1973).

Participants then state their concerns in a “Set-up Statement,” which assists in tuning them into their level of distress. This is typically stated in this format: “Even though I have this problem (e.g., anger), I deeply and completely accept myself.” 

The first part of the set-up statement emphasises exposure, while the second half frames the traumatising event in the context of self-acceptance. The participant then engages in the tapping process on acupoints while they repeat a shortened phrase to stay engaged (e.g.; angry). This is called the “Reminder Phrase.” The tapping sequence uses 9 acupoints  (see Figure 2) on the face and upper body and is normally repeated until the SUDS rating reduces to one or zero. 

How can I be sure the professional working with me is qualified?

It is strongly recommended that patients use an Accredited Practitioner found in the international directories of training providers such as ACEP,  EBEFT,  EFT Universe and 

EFT International Directory .

As an International Professional Body for EFT Practitioners, EFT International is committed to advancing and upholding the highest standards for education, training, professional development, and promotion of the skilful, creative and ethical application of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques or "Tapping") worldwide.

Practitioners listed on this website are recognised EFT International members who have agreed to hold appropriate insurance coverage, who have signed up to follow the Code of Conduct and Ethics and to undertake an annual minimum number of hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Mentoring. EFT International only accepts members with a high standard of training and has formal feedback, 

Limitations on scope of practice and potential side effects

Most studies of EFT have been performed after the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethical approvals boards. These organisations' procedures require that studies be designed and conducted in a manner that protects human subjects, including a requirement that participants be monitored for adverse events. Over 1,000 subjects have participated in research trials of acupoints without a single adverse event being reported, indicating a high degree of safety. EFT also appears to be safe whether administered by a therapist or life coach or self-administered.

How to access EFT for cancer, free (charity-based) and paid options 

Check your local cancer clinic or cancer support charity whether they offer free EFT sessions 

• YestoLife directory and online workshops 

• EFT works very well online, therefore patients may be able to access EFT sessions via cancer support charities such as Penny Brohn UK  or the Fountain Cente remotely

• Try the ONCIO App

• The Sythesis Clinic 

• EFT works very well online, therefore patients cay be able to access EFT sessions via cancer support charities, e.g Penny Brohn UK, Fountain Centre or Yes to Life

• For Training in EFT contact Aga Kehinde at The Arukah Academy https://www.arukah.co.uk/contact-1

  Use of technologies to enhance the patient experience  

  Innovative future technologies may present opportunities to identify and eliminate early-stage stress and emotional burdens.

  Information could be integrated into the encounters a person has for diagnostic or treatment interventions, as these moments are opportunities to engage and help maintain progression and stability along the entire pathway.

  
  When EFT is delivered using virtual delivery platforms such as apps and online courses, initial evidence suggests efficacy comparable to in-person application. (Church et al, 2018).

  Apps such as ONCIO, the first free app available to anyone affected by cancer, aim to empower patients to practically put integrative oncology tools and strategies into action. It can be offered to patients in the pre-habilitation and rehabilitation stages as part of a personalised care approach

  Content written and approved by:

• Aga Kehinde, Oncio Expert Panel member,  Cancer Educator and Nurse, coach and Advanced EFT Practitioner

• Bettina Falkenberg, Advanced EFT Practitioner and Trainer

The content was reviewed with Dr Peta Stapleton and Prof Liz Boath with many thanks for their time and kind comments.

Reference list

Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K. and Church, D. (2019). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, [online] 24(24), p.2515690X18823691. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18823691.

Baker, B.S. and Hoffman, C.J. (2015). Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to reduce the side effects associated with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor use in women with breast cancer: A service evaluation. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 7(2), pp.136–142. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2014.10.004.

Church, D. (2013). Clinical EFT as an Evidence-Based Practice for the Treatment of Psychological and Physiological Conditions. Psychology, 04(08), pp.645–654. doi:https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2013.48092.

Church, D., Stapleton, P., Kip, K. and Gallo, F. (2020). Corrigendum to: Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies. Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease, 208(8), pp.632–635. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/nmd.0000000000001222.

Church, D., Stapleton, P., Sheppard, L. and Carter, B. (2018). Naturally Thin You: Weight Loss and Psychological Symptoms After a Six-Week Online Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Course. EXPLORE, 14(2), pp.131–136. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2017.10.009.

Church, D., Stapleton, P., Sheppard, L., & Carter, B. (2018). Naturally Thin You: Weight Loss and Psychological Symptoms After a Six-Week Online Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Course. EXPLORE, 14(2), 131–136. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2017.10.009

Church, D., Stapleton, P., Vasudevan, A. and O’Keefe, T. (2022). Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(13). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451.

Dhond, R.P., Kettner, N.W. and Vitaly Napadow (2007). Neuroimaging Acupuncture Effects in the Human Brain. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(6), pp.603–616. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.7040.

Fang, J., Jin, Z., Wang, Y., Li, K., Kong, J., Nixon, E.E., Zeng, Y., Ren, Y., Tong, H., Wang, Y., Wang, P. and Hui, K.K.-S. (2009). The salient characteristics of the central effects of acupuncture needling: Limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network modulation. Human Brain Mapping, 30(4), pp.1196–1206. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.20583.

Feinstein, D. (2012). Acupoint Stimulation in Treating Psychological Disorders: Evidence of Efficacy. Review of General Psychology, 16(4), pp.364–380. doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028602.

Feinstein, D. (2015). How energy psychology changes deep emotional learnings. The Neuropsychotherapist, 10(10), pp.38–49. doi:https://doi.org/10.12744/tnpt(10)038-049.

Gray , M. (n.d.). The Overlooked Element In Cancer Care. [online] www.siemens-healthineers.com. Available at: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/en-uk/insights/news/emotional-cancer-care [Accessed 5 May 2023].

Jackson, H.J. (1985). The Practice of Behavior Therapy: (Third edition)Joseph Wolpe New York: Pergamon Press, 1982, pp. 389. Behaviour Change, 2(2), pp.156–158. doi:https://doi.org/10.1017/s0813483900009013.

Kalla, M., Simmons, M., Robinson, A. and Stapleton, P. (2017). Emotional freedom techniques (EFT) as a practice for supporting chronic disease healthcare: a practitioners’ perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(14), pp.1654–1662. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1306125.

Kalla, M., Simmons, M., Robinson, A. and Stapleton, P. (2020). Making sense of chronic disease using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An existential view of illness. EXPLORE, 4(4). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.03.006.

Liu, J., Yang, L. and Chen, J. (2017). Effect of emotional freedom technique on perceived stress, anxiety and depression in cancer patients: a preliminary experiment. Modern Clinical Nursing, [online] 6(36), pp.34–38. Available at: https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/portal/resource/pt/wpr-666270 [Accessed 5 May 2023].

Pitman, A., Suleman, S., Hyde, N. and Hodgkiss, A. (2018). Depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. BMJ, [online] 361(20), p.k1415. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1415.

quilty, caroline (2017). P-172 Psychosocial experience of weight loss in cancer cachexia. what can health care professionals learn? - ProQuest. [online] www.proquest.com. Available at: https://www.proquest.com/openview/feb9cf51e5dd7d27ff29724ed424a6ac/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2040968 [Accessed 6 May 2023].

Sebastian, B. and Nelms, J. (2017). The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. EXPLORE, 13(1), pp.16–25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2016.10.001.

stapleton, peta (2021). Preliminary Support for Emotional Freedom Techniques as a Support for Cancer Patients. [online] Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine. Available at: https://www.faim.org/preliminary-support-for-emotional-freedom-techniques-as-a-support-for-cancer-patients [Accessed 5 May 2023].

Tack, L., Lefebvre, T., Lycke, M., Langenaeken, C., Fontaine, C., Borms, M., Hanssens, M., Knops, C., Meryck, K., Boterberg, T., Pottel, H., Schofield, P. and Debruyne, P.R. (2021). A randomised wait-list controlled trial to evaluate Emotional Freedom Techniques for self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairment in cancer survivors (EMOTICON). EClinicalMedicine, 39(39), p.101081. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101081.

Thomas, R. (2017). Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Reduces Anxiety among Women Undergoing Surgery | Energy Psychology Journal. [online] energypsychologyjournal. Available at: https://energypsychologyjournal.org/eft-reduces-anxiety-among-women-undergoing-surgery/ [Accessed 6 May 2023].

World Health Organization (2020). Cancer today. [online] Iarc.fr. Available at: https://gco.iarc.fr/today/home.

www.siemens-healthineers.com. (n.d.). Insights Series. [online] Available at: https://www.siemens-healthineers.com/insights/insights-series.

What is EFT Tapping?

Originally published on Healthline

What is EFT tapping?

Emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure.

People who use this technique believe tapping the body can create a balance in your energy system and treat pain. According to its developer, Gary Craig, a disruption in energy is the cause of all negative emotions and pain.

Though still being researched, EFT tapping has been used to treat people with anxiety and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How does EFT tapping work?

Similar to acupuncture, EFT focuses on the meridian points — or energy hot spots — to restore balance to your body’s energy. It’s believed that restoring this energy balance can relieve symptoms a negative experience or emotion may have caused.

Based on Chinese medicine, meridian points are thought of as areas of the body energy flows through. These pathways help balance energy flow to maintain your health. Any imbalance can influence disease or sickness.

Acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure to these energy points. EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure.

Proponents say the tapping helps you access your body’s energy and send signals to the part of the brain that controls stress. They claim that stimulating the meridian points through EFT tapping can reduce the stress or negative emotion you feel from your issue, ultimately restoring balance to your disrupted energy.

EFT tapping in 5 steps

EFT tapping can be divided into five steps. If you have more than one issue or fear, you can repeat this sequence to address it and reduce or eliminate the intensity of your negative feeling.

1. Identify the issue

In order for this technique to be effective, you must first identify the issue or fear you have. This will be your focal point while you’re tapping. Focusing on only one problem at a time is purported to enhance your outcome.

2. Test the initial intensity

After you identify your problem area, you need to set a benchmark level of intensity. The intensity level is rated on a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst or most difficult. The scale assesses the emotional or physical pain and discomfort you feel from your focal issue.

Establishing a benchmark helps you monitor your progress after performing a complete EFT sequence. If your initial intensity was 10 prior to tapping and ended at 5, you’d have accomplished a 50 percent improvement level.

3. The setup

Prior to tapping, you need to establish a phrase that explains what you’re trying to address. It must focus on two main goals:

• acknowledging the issues

• accepting yourself despite the problem

The common setup phrase is: “Even though I have this [fear or problem], I deeply and completely accept myself.”

You can alter this phrase so that it fits your problem, but it must not address someone else’s. For example, you can’t say, “Even though my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.” You have to focus on how the problem makes you feel in order to relieve the distress it causes. It’s better to address this situation by saying, “Even though I’m sad my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

4. EFT tapping sequence

The EFT tapping sequence is the methodic tapping on the ends of nine meridian points.

There are 12 major meridians that mirror each side of the body and correspond to an internal organ. However, EFT mainly focuses on these nine:

• karate chop (KC): small intestine meridian

• top of head (TH): governing vessel

• eyebrow (EB): bladder meridian

• side of the eye (SE): gallbladder meridian

• under the eye (UE): stomach meridian

• under the nose (UN): governing vessel

• chin (Ch): central vessel

• beginning of the collarbone (CB): kidney meridian

• under the arm (UA): spleen meridian

Begin by tapping the karate chop point while simultaneously reciting your setup phrase three times. Then, tap each following point seven times, moving down the body in this ascending order:

• eyebrow

• side of the eye

• under the eye

• under the nose

• chin

• beginning of the collarbone

• under the arm

After tapping the underarm point, finish the sequence at the top of the head point.

While tapping the ascending points, recite a reminder phrase to maintain focus on your problem area. If your setup phrase is, “Even though I’m sad my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself,” your reminder phrase can be, “The sadness I feel that my mother is sick.” Recite this phrase at each tapping point. Repeat this sequence two or three times.

5. Test the final intensity

At the end of your sequence, rate your intensity level on a scale from 0 to 10. Compare your results with your initial intensity level. If you haven’t reached 0, repeat this process until you do.

Does EFT tapping work?

EFT has been used to effectively treat war veterans and active military with PTSD. In a 2013 studyTrusted Source, researchers studied the impact of EFT tapping on veterans with PTSD against those receiving standard care.

Within a month, participants receiving EFT coaching sessions had significantly reduced their psychological stress. In addition, more than half of the EFT test group no longer fit the criteria for PTSD.

There are also some success stories from people with anxiety using EFT tapping as an alternative treatment.

A 2016 reviewTrusted Source compared the effectiveness of using EFT tapping over standard care options for anxiety symptoms. The study concluded there was a significant decrease in anxiety scores compared to participants receiving other care. However, further research is needed to compare EFT treatment with other cognitive therapy techniques.

The bottom line

EFT tapping is an alternative acupressure therapy treatment used to restore balance to your disrupted energy. It’s been an authorized treatment for war veterans with PTSD, and it’s demonstrated some benefits as a treatment for anxiety, depression, physical pain, and insomnia.

While there are some success stories, researchers are still investigating its effectiveness on other disorders and illnesses. Continue to seek traditional treatment options. However, if you decide to pursue this alternative therapy, consult with your doctor first to reduce the likelihood of injury or worsening symptoms.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) for support of cancer patients

Emma Roberts is an EFT Master and Master Trainer, Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner.

Aga Kehinde is a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cancer Coach and Educator, Advanced EFT and NLP practitioner.

Originally published here.

Cancer Can Affect Lives in so many ways.

Experiences of cancer are much more than just about the practicalities of the process.

Dealing with a, many times unexpected, cancer diagnosis may bring feelings of anxiety surrounding the uncertainty, stress, worry, fear of the unknown, fear of the future, obsessing about the past, inability to think straight or act normally.

Patients are often in a state of shock whilst being thrown straight into an ongoing series of decision making, lifestyle changes, work challenges and treatment itself, be that surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy drug treatments. In a nutshell, life as the patient knows it changes at that point, often beyond recognition. They become a ‘cancer patient’ and family, friends and colleagues often relate to them in a different way. A cancer diagnosis can have a massive impact on someone’s identity, and who they are in the world.

Each step in the cancer process generates a range of emotions and stress, for the individual, the caregiver, and the healthcare professionals in contact with the patient at each specific point along the pathway.

Daily exposure to stressful conditions may have an impact on health, sleep and eating habits or paralyse your thoughts and feelings. Sometimes the prolonged and intense experience of stress may cause stress injury or trauma which may possibly even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in the future.

When you find yourself in a constant state of high stress and anxiety it can make you feel detached or disassociated, almost like your experiences do not seem real. Patients talk of an inability to connect with people and they will often suppress their emotions in order to protect those around them.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a brief self-applied stress reduction technique using elements of cognitive therapy, with physical stimulation of acupuncture points. It is often referred to as ‘Tapping’ as it uses a two finger tapping process on known acupuncture points.

“Acupoint tapping sends signals directly to the stress centres of the mid-brain, not mediated by the frontal lobes (the thinking part, active in talk therapy).” Dr Dawson Church.

The method was developed in the late 1990s by engineer and performance coach Gary Craig and inspired largely from the work of Dr. Roger Callahan, developer of Thought Field Therapy (TFT). EFT is simple to learn and complements both the medical and the alternative models of healthcare.

The tapping can be particularly supportive for patients who are experiencing emotional impact and physical side effects of their cancer diagnosis and treatment. The effectiveness of their outcome is enhanced as a result.

It empowers cancer patients to manage their own emotional wellbeing at a time when they may feel helpless and frightened. It is a tool that is literally at their fingertips, meaning they can use it any time they need, including before hospital appointments, scans, surgery etc. It has been well documented that the calmer the patient is, the less side effects seem to arise. The tapping gives patients the opportunity to find renewed meaning in life and to develop emotional resilience, to better be able to deal with the issues that result from their cancer diagnosis and treatment.

As we begin to notice, acknowledge, and transform how we carry our emotions, we begin to see just how this may be contributing to pain, illness, or other personal challenges. By using EFT, we can reconnect with our innate sense of unshakeable wellbeing by releasing the intensity of emotions and transforming the way uncomfortable feelings like hurt, guilt, fear, or anger may be impacting our everyday experience. We become more considered and less reactive in our approach to our life.

Research

There is now more than 20 years of research and over 170 published research studies showing that EFT has statistically significant positive results across a range of different conditions, decreasing phobias, anxiety and relieving symptoms of PTSD, chronic pain and many more.

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control) states that approximately 85-90% of all illnesses and diseases have an emotional component behind them. When we remove the emotional issue, the illness or dis-ease or pain will often lessen or disappear.

How EFT works

The mechanisms behind EFT include deactivation of the amygdala (stress centre in the brain) and hippocampus (memory centre).

Using tapping will not only allow you to reduce stress immediately but will also allow you to safely process past memories that may have contributed to the intensity of your current stress response.

With the fight and flight response we are wired for action, and when the threat is not real but more a continuum of the anxiety mode, we are using an extremely high amount of energy and body resources. It is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing to move from the stress response to a relaxed state as quickly and as often as possible.

EFT has also been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels. When we are under stress, the prefrontal cortex of the brain, our rational thinking brain, goes “offline”, and our body’s level of adrenaline and cortisol increase. The tapping has been shown to calm the amygdala and bring us back to a more resourceful state.

Research on gene expression indicates EFT has the ability to down regulate genes associated with the stress response, and up-regulate or improve immune functioning.

“EFT is a true mind-body approach in that it includes direct interventions at the level of the body, it changes brain activity very rapidly and it has special advantages in quickly and permanently shifting outdated emotional learnings’’. Dr Peta Stapleton.

There is a growing research to how  EFT can support  and Cancer which you can access here 

Let’s explore what EFT is NOT…

EFT does not claim to offer a cure for cancer but it is a powerful support for positive well-being and building your confidence so you can play an active role in your healing.

EFT is NOT a replacement for adequate mental health counselling or physiological treatment.

References

1. Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review.

2. Preliminary Support for Emotional Freedom Techniques as a Support for Cancer Patients | Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine.

3. Kalroozi, F., Moradi, M., Ghaedi‐Heidari, F., Marzban, A., & Raeisi‐Ardali, S. R. (2022). Comparing the effect of emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and happiness of women undergoing breast cancer surgery in military and nonmilitary families: A quasi‐experimental multicenter study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(4), 2986–2997.

4. Tack, L., Lefebvre, T., Lycke, M., Langenaeken, C., Fontaine, C., Borms, M., Hanssens, M., Knops, C., Meryck, K., Boterberg, T., Pottel, H., Schofield, P., & Debruyne, P. R. (2021). A randomised wait-list controlled trial to evaluate Emotional Freedom Techniques for self-reported cancer-related cognitive impairment in cancer survivors (EMOTICON). EClinicalMedicine, 39, 101081. MEDLINE Complete. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101081.

5. Liu, J., Yang, L., Chen, J. (2017). Effect of emotional freedom technique on perceived stress, anxiety and depression in cancer patients: a preliminary experiment. Modern Clinical Nursing, 16(10):34-38. doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-8283.2017.10.008.

6. Baker, B. & Hoffman, C. (2015). Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to reduce the side effects associated with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor use in women with breast cancer: A service evaluation. European Journal of Integrative Medicine 7(2), 136-42. DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2014.10.004.

Meet Me Where I am

How to be the best support you can for your loved one with cancer.

I am affected by cancer, not in the straightforward way, as we commonly understand what being ‘affected by cancer’ means but in a many different ways.

When I started my career as a nurse about lifetime ago (20 years) I learned about what cancer was, but had no direct experience of it.  

Fast-forward to now  I hardly know a family where cancer has not made a mark on their lives, including mine.

According to a recent Macmillan report, one in two people born after 1960 in the UK will be diagnosed with some sort of cancer during their lifetime . It is inevitable we will be in a position of having a loved one affected directly by it.  And I’m concerned we aren’t emotionally equipped to deal with this.

When my own father got cancer it was hard to navigate my emotions and feelings around it.

I was going through similar emotions and reaching scary places at the same time he was. I was anxious, confused, angry, disappointed, hopeless, not sure what to do and what to say, shocked and really worried.

All my anxiety was driven by the different experiences with cancer that I’d encountered through my 20 years of cancer nursing. I started to panic.

It was really difficult to know what to say what not to say, how should I behave what should I know , what should I do? What is acceptable and what should I avoid doing

And despite all my life knowledge and experience with this matter I still found myself questioning who should I be for my dad?  His nurse, coach, therapist, mentor or should I just simply remain his daughter?

All of a sudden I lost my ability to see clearly who am I in this relationship.

I know I would’ve struggled even more  if I didn’t know as much about the procedures, prognosis, potential treatment side effects and consequences of cancer itself. I would struggle if I didn’t know when to pull out and when to interfere.

And I know he would struggle if I kept being his nurse , coach and mentor.  

So here’s what I learned when my father had cancer - I hope you never need to know this stuff, but chances are, one day you will.

#1 Gently explore your own experience and reaction

Think about word cancer and observe for a minute what emotions and thoughts that word brings into your mind? Are you scared? Anxious? afraid?  Or are you pushing it away and don’t even want to think/talk about it? Does it feel like it’s not real?

As uncomfortable this exercise may feel this is a first step to get to know yourself in the face of cancer, and it will help you to understand the behaviours and attitude you may have towards anyone you come across ( including yourself) who is affected by it.

Consider -

• What would a cancer diagnosis mean to me? ( be honest , let your feelings surface.. is it end? Is it a disease that can be cured?)

• Do I have a previous experience with cancer? Myself? My family ?close friends?. Were those experiences peaceful or traumatic? Have you had a chance to process that?

• What language do I use around cancer? When talking about it with others do I say stuff like : ‘cancer is the end of the road’, ‘I would hate to have it’, ‘this is really bad’, ‘there is no way anyone can survive this’. When we use that kind of language around any long term condition it builds a strong belief that will stay with us, and we influence how others think - your children , friends, parents ...etc...

#2 Establish what your position/role is for the cancer patient

If you are professionally involved with cancer, it can be difficult to know where to draw the line when it comes to your loved ones. For me, I needed to establish when it was time to be a coach and when it was time  to be a daughter.

If you are a natural sceptic do not all of the sudden, for the purpose of supporting your loved one, become believer – they know, and they won’t believe you.

It works other way round as well. If you are usually overly positive, saying stuff like : ‘’all will be fine’, ‘I know someone who had this and they recovered in weeks’, ‘don’t worry … I believe all will be ok.’ Hold your thoughts until they are ready to hear it. Hold back from advising but express your feeling and emotions. Stay faithful to yourself and say ‘I am here for you if you need me’. You may be surprised how often they may need this part of you.

Above all else, do not go where you don’t belong. If  you are not a psychologist, therapist, coach, etc don’t feel like you have to be. And  even if you are, you’ll know how difficult is to create the therapeutic space when you are affected yourself.

#3 Build Your Knowledge

Don’t be afraid to go there. There are lots of resources like : Macmillan, cancer research website and many cancer specific sites ( usually run by the specific charities). This will equip you with the confidence that you need as well as help you predict what issues and difficulties they may go through  ( body image, daily functions, stoma, hair loss, radiotherapy burns, inability to speak etc). This will help you plan and be mindful of what may come.

#4 Stay Connected

Above all , there is no better or bigger gift that you may offer to someone going through a cancer experience than being WITH them. If you’re scared and worried, just simply talk about it. Together is easier. You’ll likely both be dealing with the same emotions.

If you recognise that either past experience, or personal beliefs are stopping you from reaching out, or driving unwanted behaviours, seek help for yourself. Work with a therapist, psychologist or a coach to get the help you need, so you can support your loved one in the way you want to.

Cancer. Choosing NOT to suffer.

When experiencing cancer, suffering does not need to be the mode we immediately default to. In fact, suffering needn’t be present at all

 I had a beautiful coaching session recently with my client; a friend that I have been supporting for a few years now. We met due to her previous medical emergency, when we were able to build a strong ability to deal with the unexpected. I used multiple energy healing approaches to help enable her to make peace with her past, and process her own (and ancestral) trauma, which without a doubt had massively impacted her at that time. We concluded our work with a feeling of empowerment and carefully crafted ability to radically accept the situation she found herself in with love, attention and complete surrender.

 Today, life has thrown another experience her way, but this time the threat is stronger. Her recent cancer diagnosis brings with it the reality of her own mortality, and her world has frozen in time. It’s like that: time stops, your senses disappear, voices get muddled, vision tunnelled, and you are momentarily suspended between life and death. Personally, I believe you actually look her in the eye (I like to imagine death being female – it’s my Polish language heritage). When the clock eventually starts ticking again, nothing is like it was before, and life’s meaning has completely changed.

 This is when we find we are all so different. However, suffering does not need be the default mode for any of us.

 My friend - who also has experience of supporting people with cancer - told me, we often think we have some kind of agreement (she’s not sure with whom) that life will go the way we imagine, and when it doesn’t we get frustrated and angry, searching for someone to hold accountable. And so, some of us will try doing anything to reconnect to the life we led before our diagnosis; becoming angry with life, ourselves, the past, the future. We will fight and scream, and often search for the responsible part that broke the ‘contract’ we have with yourself, life, God.

 Then there are those who simply sit with their new reality. They look at it with curiosity and an openness, and trust that their life has changed direction. That they need to simply adapt. No contract or promise has been broken, and that they have no right to complain about it, life is simply what it is, and they will do their best to live it.

 From my experience of working with clients in this situation, I often witness this fear that almost always creeps up, a need to start planning out the immediate future based on past experiences and beliefs.

 My friend cried, “Aga this journey will make me suffer,” a statement that stung me, like a blade, it cut me open and exposed a sudden need to reconnect her to the here and now, to take her away from planning for the future that in her mind was already full of pain and suffering.

 I asked, ‘’Why do you think this new journey will make you suffer?’’ The question threw her. After all, she was already intent on her new reality. A restricted thinking pattern of obviously facing a new struggle. (As if she can predict the future?)

 And then the light came through. She talked of her experience a few days before, when during a physically painful medical procedure, she managed to guide her mind to a place when she felt safe and calm. She managed to go through this procedure with no real sense of suffering. Yes, of course there was physical discomfort, but the point is, the suffering was not there. We both agreed this is the default mode that she should be moving forward with.

 Coaching in cancer is not about goal setting (okay, it is sometimes), but it is actually more about gaining awareness of your own personal default mode; the subconscious one that you are not in charge of changing.

Coaching in cancer is about being able to help you adapt. To enable you to find acceptance that this is your current life and that you will navigate what you are going through the best way you can; with perspective.