Here’s the concluding part of my client’s account of our sessions
Cynicism hadn’t deserted me completely however and, after our first session ( all sessions are conducted in comfortable, private surroundings, on a one to one basis and confidentiality is clearly something very important to Andy), I reflected that what I had felt was just the psychology of the situation. I had gone to meet Andy expecting to get something from the session although I wasn’t sure what this would be he had offered me something and I had said it worked so as not to disappoint him. The positive effects of the tapping probably weren’t something that would last.
I was wrong and, at our second session, I came to understand just how effective this technique could be. A few days previously, I had stumbled and fallen in the street and badly hurt my right knee and elbow. I was so stiff and bruised, I explained to Andy that I couldn’t even tap with my right hand as everything was hurting too much.
He quietly suggested that we focussed on what I had felt at the time of the fall and its physical aftermath. It took some time and repeated rounds of tapping but, gradually, my shoulder began to feel less stiff and even my elbow which had been badly grazed felt less sore. I finished the session by tapping with my right hand as per usual. I had never imagined that the technique might be useful in dealing with physical aches and pains, but there was no denying the benefits I felt.
Sometimes, he would ask me to look at an overwhelming emotion and break it down into component parts. We would then focus on each component in turn, tapping away, until things felt better overall.
I was frequently surprised to find that something that seemed so solid to me such as ‘fear of the future' actually included fear of physical and emotional pain, fear for my father and mother, fear of loss and bereavement, all mixed up with overwhelming sadness and a strange sort of pre-grief condition. Other people who are coping with cancer may recognise some of these feelings.
We spent 4 sessions together in total and I felt completely confident that I had mastered the technique and more importantly- that I had felt its benefits immediately. I even passed it on to my sister who was terrified of flying and had a 4 hour flight in front of her to her holiday destination. She agreed the flight had not become like a simple bus trip, but said the technique had certainly taken the edge off her feelings of panic and claustrophobia.
No one is quite clear how or why this technique works but it is quite clear to me that it does work. It doesn’t change the actuality of cancer, but by getting rid of the excess negative emotions, leaves you better able to cope with each new part of the journey. It is non- invasive and Andy even has tips on how to use a similar, pared down technique in public, so that you won’t attract stares or unwanted attention.
People often feel helpless and overwhelmed in the face of cancer this technique helps restore some balance and allows you to use your own inner resources as effectively as possible.
Many thanks to my client for taking the time to write up such a comprehensive account of EFT from the her point of view.
