Sakal Times
08 July 2010
By Supriya Shelar

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a form of alternative psychotherapy, despite having a wide range of applications, has remain untapped say experts.

EFT releases blocked energies and emotions, and can be used successfully to treat mental illnesses, which are on the rise in urban life they affirm.

“EFT is a technique based on acupuncture and acupressure. It is a quick–healing method and anyone can use it to release blocked energy and emotions, reducing distress level,” says Sandy Bias Andrade of NGO Connecting, which works for suicide preventions.

City–based cognitive behavioural therapist Dr Alok Devdhar explains why such healing methods are significant, “Usually, psychiatrists focus more on prescribed medicines, while these techniques stress on counselling. One cannot change the situations we face. However, during counselling, the patient is convinced to change the response to the situation, which results in better trauma management.

“The way we think reflects in our actions. So, during Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), we counsel the patient about the relation between thought, emotions and feelings. Using Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) method, we emphasise to the patient that their reaction to the situation should be normal. That they do not run away from the situation, and face it.” During treatment, patients are taught about physical and psychological relaxation techniques.

Dr Devdhar also mentions that in the past four years, the need for such techniques has increased more than ever. “Even though the techniques like EFT or CBT are not new, it is becoming an emerging trend in India. Due to increased pressure at work, like in the IT sector, and exam stress among schoolchildren, or overall increased levels of stress, these techniques are getting their deserved attention,” he asserts, adding that there is no institute offering formal training on CBT in our country.

Psychiatrist Dr Devendra Shirole also agrees that use of EFT as a professional tool is quite less. “Psychotherapists having psychoanalytical experience can use it in an effective manner,” Shirole informs. Considering stress among students and promoting EFT, a workshop had been organised recently at Jnana–Deepa Vidyapeeth, Ramwadi by the social wing of students council. Practicing psychologist and propagator of EFT Adithy, who is also associated with Connecting spoke on the wide range of applications of EFT and how it heals any blocks in our minds, overcoming difficulties and chronic conditions in very simple steps that can be learned by any interested person.

Some of the common application of EFT has been in tension headaches, anxiety, loss of decision–taking power, which are mere indicators of stress in a person. Psychotherapists insist that immediate consultation will ensure frustration does not take over one’s thought processes.

EFT as a therapeutic technique is not lengthy, and requires at the most 20 sessions of a maximum of 45 minutes each, either once a week or twice a month, depending on the patient.

What is Eft
A form of alternative psychotherapy based on acupuncture and acupressure to release blocked energies and emotions. It can be used to treat tension headaches, anxiety, stress etc.