EFT Articles
8 Things You Need to Know When Choosing an EFT Practitioner
Twitter, Facebook, emails, texting, having access to hundreds of television channels- we now have more than a million ways to get distracted. I wouldn’t call myself a procrastinator but I have found that there have been certain situations that I have found a way to put off until the very last moment. Science is now showing that it’s due to a battle in the brain causing you to put things off and not that Mercury was in retrograde. But how does a person who has a lifelong habit of putting things off learn how to stop procrastinating?
1. Understand that all practitioners aren’t the same.
A great practitioner is worth every penny. Search for a practitioner who has experience and good training. This is important to consider whether your EFT professional is a coach or a licensed health care or licensed mental health care provider. I have found over the years that those who make the effort to get hands-on training are those who take their work seriously. EFT certification with certain programs requires a mandated period of time with a mentor who will assure that each candidate is ready to become a practitioner. Certification programs that do not require live EFT trainings and feedback may turn out some quality practitioners, however given all practitioner coaching and mentoring that I’ve done, few practitioners can go without in-person observation and exhibit mastery.
2. Request a free consultation before you commit.
Just as skill levels vary, so do personalities. Nothing replaces good rapport and connection with a practitioner and it might not be a good fit. A quick phone call and brief interaction is usually enough to figure that out. Every now and again I intuitively sensed that a client was not the right match for me and I’ve referred them to other EFT practitioners that I believe would be a better match. As a client, you should be choosy and selective when hiring the right person- it’s your prerogative. Ask the practitioner what their specialty is. Many states, including Washington, where I practice, won’t allow testimonials on websites or brochures, so asking the practitioner about their expertise might reveal things that you wouldn’t necessarily see in their material. This may also be time to ask what practices they have in place that might affect you directly, such as cancellation policies, how payments are made, and if they hold confidentiality sacred.
3. Know that the practitioner isn’t the healer – your body is.
Good EFT practitioners are great detectives searching around for all related aspects to a problem or challenge but the real magic happens within your own body. Most practitioners make sure that their clients know how to do EFT tapping on their own and empower their clients to do just that in the form of homework. The real knowledge and awareness that your body is able to heal itself, after you’ve known the opposite (that the body can fail/become dysfunctional), is a real blessing that often translates into a renewed feeling of optimism.
4. Ask if your practitioner intends to be applying only EFT or if they intend to use other techniques.
This is a personal choice where some may want more health or spiritual coaching in combination with EFT while others may only want EFT.
5. Many roads lead to Rome.
If your intended goal is to work on abundance and the session goes in the direction of exploring your romantic relationship, it’s not because the practitioner wasn’t listening to your concerns, it’s that the issues may be related. We are holographic beings. One area of dysfunction is often related to another. I always tell my students to remember that their client’s presenting issue is almost never the real one. If they only paid attention to the presenting complaint, they would miss what could be the key that opens the door to their client’ s healing. If you aren’t sure why the session seems to be going off in a different direction and the connection or relevance isn’t clear to you, then ask your practitioner.
6. Expect that many complex issues may require more than one session.
Unfortunately, many people have gotten the misconception that EFT works miracles in seconds. There are a percentage of issues that collapse so quickly that I am still floored when it happens. However, that isn’t the norm. Beware of anyone who promises to resolve your issue in one session. No one has a crystal ball and can give you a guarantee, no one. If you are experiencing progress along the way, have the patience and persistence to meet your goals.
7. EFT can be just as effective over the phone and Skype as it is in person.
If you live in an area where you can’t find a quality practitioner, be open to the possibility of working with someone long distance. At EFT Tapping Training workshops, we simulate phone sessions so that trainees can experience the differences between phone and face to face sessions. Differences include the need to be more tuned in auditorially and intuitively with their clients. Once this skill is learned and practiced, most practitioners feel just as competent on the phone as in person.
8. Let your practitioner know when the work with them has produced results!
I was walking down the street the other day when I ran into an old client who said, “You know the issue we worked on years ago hasn’t come back!” This happens a lot. If your practitioner helped you and especially if they didn’t, let them know. A good practitioner welcomes the feedback as they are always looking to refine their skills to ensure that they deliver the highest quality EFT.
Taking these steps before you begin your healing journey with a professional will go a long way to getting you the results you desire.
Authors: Alina Frank and Dr. Craig Weiner are the directors of EFT Tapping Training and are international trainers of the Emotional Freedom Techniques, as well as trainers in courses such as Matrix Reimprinting, Tapping Out of Trauma, Right Brain Aerobics and more. They have years of experience as EFT professionals and maintain private practices in the Seattle, WA area. They are widely acclaimed presenters and have authored numerous chapters on EFT and EFT related subjects.
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