Also known as tapping, EFT acts like emotional WD-40 by sending a calming signal to the parts of the brain activated by fear. Tapping specific acupressure points on the face & upper body, which act as “off-switches” for our fight-flight-freeze stress response, help lower stress hormones, like cortisol, coursing through the body. Continuous high levels of cortisol, also experienced as chronic stress, degrade physical health and cognitive function. As stress and unwanted negative thoughts accumulate, the neural circuits that carry stress signals get bigger and faster.
However with the latest research from neuroscience, especially around neuroplasticity, we now understand that EFT tapping is a mind-body (psycho-somatic) technique that can rewire the brain. It reduces the stress response towards stimuli that previously caused an emotional response. From a calm, grounded, relaxed place, new possibilities & avenues can open up for a way forward. EFT tapping can also be thought of as an emotional version of acupuncture, grounded in the ancient Chinese meridian system - but no needles needed, all you require are your hands. With EFT, stress-reduction is always at your fingertips!
EFT has produced positive results in many life areas including physical pain, weight and food cravings, sports performance, anxiety (like test-taking and public speaking), depression, negative limiting beliefs, phobias and traumatic stress (including PTSD). The common factor among all of these: stress!
The science and research behind EFT continues to expand and there are now over 150 scientific papers published. Over 50 of these are randomized controlled trials (the “gold standard” in research) and show the efficacy of EFT. The majority of the academic research has been done using Clinical EFT. It is the evidence-based method that has set such a high standard that it is accredited for continuing medical education for doctors through the American Medical Association, nurses through the American Nurses Credentialing Commission and psychologists through the American Psychological Association. I am proud to be a certified Clinical EFT Practitioner.
I have worked with people on topics such as:
Here are some of the testimonials from happy clients:
“I know Karina for quite a few years and I always admired her for handling the challenges and adversities in her life so well. She has this calm persona and always views things in a positive light. I was thrilled when she suggested to work with me and EFT. I entered a very stressful time at work, and I struggle with racing thoughts and anxiety. Working with Karina helped me to verbalize my problems and find solutions to help with my stress levels. I was pleasantly surprised that after just one session with Karina, I was already feeling much calmer and have a much more positive attitude. Since then, I am utilizing the tapping whenever I need it and know that this simple step is helping my brain to reorganize my thinking. I am extremely grateful for Karina’s guidance and support with that. She is a genuinely kind and generous person who loves to help others feel better.” ~MM, Kingston, ON
*****
“The EFT tapping session with you last week was very powerful for me and the emotional release that occurred left me feeling a relief from tension, physically lighter and cushioned emotionally… Karina, I appreciate the skill with which you gently and sensitively guided me through the thoughts and attitudes that came up during the session. I felt supported and heard. I have also been remembering more dreams since the session and am sleeping better most nights. I feel less obsessed with the situation and continue to refocus on what I can do. I try to be compassionate to myself and to my partner. I have also used self tapping on rising and retiring most days in recognition of the benefits. Thank you very much for the EFT session.” ~MT, Kingston, ON
*****
“I have suffered for 30 years with extreme physical discomfort during my cycles influenced by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. After my session with Karina where we worked on emotions and thought patterns associated with my ovaries, my next cycle was virtually pain free! Karina's gentle, intuitive, respectful approach made me feel safe and comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. Gratitude Karina for your gifted assistance using EFT!” ~HI, Eganville, ON
*****
“I just wanted to extend my gratitude for the session. It was exactly what I needed and didn't even know it! I've noticed a definite shift since tapping on the issue of feeling like I don't deserve the life that I'm living. I had no idea how much of a block that was for me. I have been thinking about the statement that you said: "If I don't believe that I deserve this life, who is going to believe it for me?". That was incredibly powerful and something that has been coming into my head nearly every day. Perhaps the biggest aspect of change is a clearer vision for the future that I want to build here. I've always known that I was meant to be here and that there was something bigger that I was to be a part of. It seems that the belief that I didn't deserve this life was putting the breaks on what I'm actually here to create. So, in short, thank you! I feel like my mind is an onion and I'm always peeling back more and more layers and the EFT sped up some of that for me.” ~JL, Sackville, NB
*****
“Karina brings a holistic, deeply present and compassionate approach in her EFT work. My recent session helped me make powerful connections between my physical pain and emotional and spiritual health that were really beneficial. Days after the session, I am still feeling subtle and important insights and shifts. Karina is a caring and skilled EFT practitioner who I highly recommend.” ~WLP, Kingston, ON
*****
“I observed a traumatic event where I saw a gun drawn and heard gun fire about 50 metres away from where I was walking. I sought refuge in a store, and later learned on the news two people died. The image from the news story was burned into my brain, because it was exactly what I had witnessed from a closer range. Karina led me through an EFT session three days later. I found her to be compassionate, patient and thorough. EFT was very helpful in decreasing the emotional charge related to the event and what I had witnessed. I would describe it as feeling like I had more distance from the event and the media image. I had developed a pain in my neck that I wasn't convinced was related, but she addressed it and the pain also subsided during the session. The next day, I was able to ride my bike past the place the incident had happened, which I'm sure I would have otherwise avoided. A week later, I went back to the store owner to thank her and we talked about the event, without my feeling retraumatized. This session demonstrated clearly to me the power of EFT. I would call on Karina in future to help me move through difficult emotions or events with EFT.” ~KP, Kingston, ON
Read more client testimonials here.
Three easy-to-understand infographics are below. You can also find more academic research on the power of EFT here.
I’m looking forward to journeying with you!
Karina Gerhardt-Strachan, MA
Certified Yoga Teacher, Living Well Coach & Clinical EFT Practitioner/Mentor
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Website: www.claritycoachingwithkarina.ca