EMDR VS EFT comparison
Hey there, it’s Michael Burrows, and I’m excited to talk to you about two powerful therapeutic approaches: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
Both of these therapies aim to help people overcome trauma, anxiety, and other psychological issues, but they use different approaches to achieve this goal.
Let's dive in and take a closer look at both of these therapies.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a therapy that was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. EMDR aims to help people reprocess traumatic memories by using rapid eye movements, similar to those that occur during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
During an EMDR session, the client recalls a traumatic memory while the therapist guides them through a specific pattern of eye movements. The theory behind this technique is that the eye movements help the brain process the traumatic memory and shift negative emotions related to the event.
EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. The therapy is not limited to traumatic experiences but can also be helpful in addressing other emotional issues.
What is EFT?
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a therapy that was developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig. EFT aims to help people overcome negative emotions by tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on a particular issue.
During an EFT session, the client taps on various points on their body while repeating a phrase that addresses the specific issue they want to work on. The idea is that this process can help reduce the emotional intensity of the issue and promote healing.
EFT has been shown to be effective in treating a range of emotional issues such as anxiety, phobias, and chronic pain. The technique is relatively simple and can be easily learned and practiced at home.
How do EMDR and EFT compare?
While both EMDR and EFT aim to help people overcome emotional issues, they use different techniques to achieve this goal.
EMDR relies on rapid eye movements to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. This technique has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders.
On the other hand, EFT relies on tapping on specific meridian points on the body to help reduce the emotional intensity of a specific issue. This technique has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues.
While both EMDR and EFT have been shown to be effective in treating a range of emotional issues, you may find that you have a preference for one or the other.
Both EMDR and EFT have significant amounts of research behind them, especially in the field of reprocessing trauma, and they both show a very strong treatment effect.
If you prefer Western neuroscientific explanations for how trauma works, then you may find that you lean towards EMDR, with its REM Brainwave Hippocampus hypothesis.
While, if you're a fan of Eastern explanations for how the body and disease works, then you may prefer EFT, which at current has no Western hypothesis for how it achieves its effects and is explained by way of our body's meridian or energy systems that have become out of balance.
It's worth noting that EMDR and EFT are not mutually exclusive, and some therapists may use a combination of these therapies to help their clients.
In conclusion
Both EMDR and EFT are popular therapies that aim to help people overcome emotional issues. While they use different techniques, both have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of various emotional disorders.
Whether you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, or other emotional issues, it's worth considering both EMDR and EFT as potential therapies to help you on your journey to emotional healing.
