When it comes to healing from trauma, anxiety, or other emotional challenges, both EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and EFT Tapping have gained recognition as powerful therapeutic approaches. But did you know that these techniques can actually complement each other? Understanding how Tapping therapy and EMDR work and how these methods can be combined might just open new doors in your healing journey.
Understanding EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, is a psychotherapy treatment originally designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories.
During EMDR therapy sessions, the client focuses on a troubling memory, image, emotion, or sensation while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation.
This bilateral stimulation can take several forms:
- Side-to-side eye movements
- Alternating hand taps
- Auditory tones
- Tactile stimulation (like tapping on shoulders)
Understanding EFT Tapping
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping is a gentle yet powerful approach that combines elements of ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology. It involves using your fingers to tap on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on emotions or memories you want to process and release.
You can learn all about EFT Tapping here, but in short, Tapping helps calm the amygdala (the brain’s stress center) and regulate the nervous system. This makes it particularly effective for addressing trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
The role of Tapping in EMDR: a powerful combination approach
While EMDR and EFT Tapping are distinct approaches (you can learn more about EMDR vs. EFT Tapping here), they can work wonderfully together and are often used alongside each other for greater therapeutic effect.
Research shows both techniques are among the most effective treatments for PTSD in young people (with EFT helping PTSD in 10 sessions or less), and many practitioners prefer to use elements of both.
This combined approach is sometimes referred to as EMDR Tapping therapy. Some practitioners even use something called the Gamut Point procedure, which combines aspects of both techniques for enhanced results.
How EMDR Tapping therapy works
EMDR Tapping therapy combines elements of traditional EMDR therapy with bilateral stimulation through Tapping. Tapping with your fingertips can create the same bilateral stimulation effect as eye movements, helping to process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
In EMDR therapy, practitioners may use different Tapping points than the traditional meridian points used in EFT Tapping, and they may also focus more on creating an alternating left-right pattern that is a hallmark of the EMDR technique.
The combination approach of Tapping with EMDR can be particularly effective because:
- It engages multiple senses and forms of bilateral stimulation
- The combination of visual, cognitive, and tactile elements can lead to more thorough processing of traumatic memories
- Tapping provides tactile grounding during processing
- Multiple bilateral stimulation options allow therapists to adapt to individual client needs
- Tapping can be more comfortable for those who struggle with eye movements
- People can learn to use Tapping techniques for self-regulation between sessions
Who can benefit from Tapping therapy, EMDR, and the combined approach?
This combination approach of Tapping plus EMDR might be particularly helpful if you:
- Have experienced trauma or PTSD
- Struggle with anxiety or phobias
- Experience situation-specific anxiety such as test anxiety or social anxiety
- Want to improve your emotional regulation
- Feel stuck with traditional talk therapy
Getting started with EMDR Tapping therapy
If you’re interested in exploring Tapping therapy, EMDR, or a combination of both, there are many resources to support you.
Here are some steps to take:
- Find a Qualified Practitioner: Look for a licensed therapist trained in both EMDR and EFT Tapping techniques. EMDR therapy should be conducted with a trained professional guiding you through the process.
- Learn to tap on your own: While EMDR is usually conducted by a trained therapist, you can start exploring the benefits of Tapping right now on your own! To get started, learn the basics of EFT Tapping here
- Try guided Tapping sessions: The Tapping Solution App offers guided Tapping sessions that can help you begin addressing anxiety, stress, and painful memories in a safe, supported way.
Your path to healing
Many people find great benefit in using both EMDR and EFT Tapping as part of their healing toolkit.
If you’re looking to explore new avenues for healing, or are feeling stuck in your current approach, giving Tapping therapy, EMDR, or a combination of both a try. It may be well worth your while!
Find a practitioner, download The Tapping Solution App, and see where this healing journey can take you.
Until next time… Keep Tapping!
Nick Ortner
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