frequently asked questions
What is Somatic Therapy and what is EFT?
Somatic Therapy is very much like traditional talking therapies such as counselling, but also involves a 'somatic' (body based) element as well. This body centred approach incorporates the mind-body connection into therapy, as - whilst cognitive processing is always beneficial - trauma happens to your body, not just your brain, so for best results, both need to be involved in healing.
EFT stands for 'emotional freedom techniques' or 'emotionally focused therapy'. It is a type of somatic therapy and stress management tool also known as 'tapping.’ It includes elements of acupressure, like reflexology, and can include the use of eye movements and audio tones as with EMDR.
I choose to use EFT as it is so accessible and easy to learn, and although very gentle, remains incredibly effective.
What happens in session?
During session we will spend some time talking - just like traditional counselling - and some time using somatic techniques, like EFT/tapping - literally 'tapping' yourself on various acupressure points on the face and the upper body.
You choose what we talk about and decide what to work on. I lead you through all of the exercises so you can follow along and learn them for yourself.
So as well as talking through whatever you need to, by using somatic methods like tapping you can also regulate your nervous system, release stored stress from your body, even restructure negative thoughts - that's neuroplasticity!
Sessions are always at your pace and it is up to you what we discuss and work on each time - I am guided by whatever you bring to the session.
What is EFT not?
It's not a spiritual practice or linked to a religion
However - if you are a spiritual/religious person and you wish to align your practice to your beliefs - you absolutely can!
How does EFT work?
It activates the frontal lobe of the brain, just like traditional counselling, then, as we begin to tap on the points connected to our nervous system, this send signals to our brain to relax.
This is where tapping goes a step further than traditional talking therapies; as it also activates the amygdala, a part of the brain involved in the fight/ flight/ freeze/ fawn/ flop responses and the body’s reactions to stress and intense emotions.
By tuning in to our issue - be it physical or emotional - whilst tapping on the specific points, we can lower cortisol, actively calm our nervous systems; and therefore reduce the intensity and frequency of mental and physical illness symptoms.
What can EFT be used for?
EFT is a brilliant tool to be learned as a life skill to manage anxiety and stress, as well as a highly effective somatic therapy for the following:
- trauma recovery
- PTSD/CPTSD
- bereavement, grief and loss
- attachment disorders
- self harm
- accessing childhood problems (inner child work)
- conflict resolution (parts work)
- helping symptoms of chronic pain/autoimmune disease
- low self esteem
- lack of confidence
- personality disorders
- depression
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- improving performance (sports, art, music)
- fear of public speaking
- phobias
- addictions
- OCD
- coping with change/transitions
confidentiality
all practitioners and therapists are bound by confidentiality laws (UK-GDPR took effect on January 31, 2020 alongside the data protection act of 2018 and the PECR in the UK). your practitioner will not and can not share any of your details with anyone, even if you have people in common or know each other outside of therapy. the only time your practitioner will ever share any of your details would be in case of danger or emergency in order to protect you or another person. this will be explained to you in the confidentiality agreement before you start your sessions. if you're unsure, ask your practitioner.
testimonials
"EFT with Meg has rescued me - it works along side my talking therapy and I am grateful for all I’m learning and experiencing. Healing takes time and many methods, Meg’s compassion was just what I needed."
"Thank you so much for everything you do. I've tried so many different types of therapy, and I've never even come close to the release/processing I have through tapping. It's hard, painful (physically, emotionally, spiritually) work, but it feels so worth it every time I tap into something that's been in my body 25+ years and finally release it."
"Thank you Meg for deciding to take the path you did when you chose to work in EFT, you truly are a match made in heaven for this type of therapy, and I'm so grateful I crossed your path when I did."
"I wanted to thank you so much for all of your help during my EFT sessions, which I found so useful and comforting."
"I enjoyed our sessions and loved your gentle caring manner, always making me feel I could open up even about hard to talk about situations."
"I have been so much better lately, for a few reasons, but I believe that doing the EFT was a part of helping me to cope more effectively with life, and I really appreciate this."
"I had EFT sessions with Meg three times. It was always easy to book a session online. The tapping technique really helped me and I would highly recommend Meg at Pandora’s Box EFT"
"Meg has helped me understand how to accept myself, as I am, and to control my anxiety. I am very pleased to have learnt EFT and find my sessions with Meg really motivating."
"Meg is very professional at what she does. I felt in safe hands. I liked the way she mirrored back what I was saying, so that she could use similar phrases when leading the technique. I found her validating and compassionate and this made me feel comfortable and cared for."