Using EFT With Phobias

When I conduct an introductory workshop on EFT, I typically ask for volunteers who have a phobia, an irrational fear of something such as heights, tight spaces, spiders, elevators, or flying. I assure the volunteer that I will not make them do anything that they are afraid to do, rather, I will help them release the fear so that the fear is no longer the issue. Phobias provide a good demonstration of the power of EFT because the success rate is high, it can be done quickly, and the audience can see a profound change in the emotional state of the volunteer. nnIdeally, you want a situation where the fear can be tested. My office is almost ideal for working with phobias. First, down the hall is a 4th floor catwalk with an open grate floor to test people who are overcoming their fear of heights. Second, for claustrophobics, the hallway has a small closet, and the elevator, which I joke was built in the 1800's, is full of shudders and squeaks. (It is actually quite reliable.) Fortunately, the office building is so clean that I have yet to find a spider, but if I am working with a person afraid of spiders I can bring them in from my garden.nnThe object is not for the client to be brave. If they feel even the slightest fear then there is more work to be done. When the person is clear of the fear, we approach the thing they are afraid of. If any fear resurfaces, we stop and tap until the fear is once again removed.nnThe technique is to identify the fear and then tap the meridian points. (Download my free ebook, The EFT Quick-Start Method for a detailed procedure and tapping points diagram.) nnFor example, for fear of heights we use the set-up phrase:nnEven though I am afraid of heights, I deeply and completely accept myself. nn (For fear of spiders, we would use, nEven though I am afraid of spiders...)nnMost of the time, a few rounds directly addressing the fear will release it. Other times, we may have to address an incident in the person’s past where, for example, they may have had a bad fall. nnIn all but one case, phobias were released in less than one session. (In that case, it turned out the client was holding onto the phobia in order to avoid the next issue.) nnIf you suffer from a phobia, don’t be afraid to try EFT on your own to relieve it.