How to Get Your Confidence Back with EFT Tapping After Your Life Feels Smashed to Smithereens

Intro: 

Life’s setbacks can sometimes knock us down so hard that the mere thought of getting back up seems impossible. Ever been there? It’s in these moments of despair that we desperately seek some beacon of hope to feel a bit better—a tool or technique that promises not just to uplift us but to transform our lives from the inside out.

Sure, many people turn to escapism, entertainment, substance abuse, or bed rotting because they just don't know how to get back up. And no, it's not easy. Plus, if the last few years have taught us anything, it's that a lot of people have been through a lot..

Most people at some point in our lives, and for many people, over the last few years, life has tested us, challenged us, and ripped the rug out from under us.

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So many of my clients I had during lockdown had lost jobs, realized their relationship was over, had stress from homeschooling kids and trying to manage working from home, had parents or loved ones pass away, and countless other things we all have heard or experienced the last few years.

So, first of all, I want to explain that. I HAVE been there. Without getting too personal, I've been there during times when I felt like I lost it all. Whether a breakup, getting laid off due to the company being bought out, or moving to a shared flat that was terrible for my mental health simply because I had to find something urgently..

It really was during that time when I found personal growth for real because when you've pretty much lost everything you can only rebuild, right?

"We may get knocked down on the outside, but the key to living in victory is to learn how to get up on the inside."— Joel Osteen (Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential)

And I really found EFT tapping for real in terms of my daily emotional resilience, building my confidence up bit by bit as the Tapping World Summit was taking place and the daily tapping really helped me get back on my feet bit by bit. EFT tapping is gaining recognition for its profound impact on emotional healing in so many different therapeutic and coaching spaces, is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping.

This article takes a deep dive into how EFT tapping can be the companion you need to start putting the pieces back together, navigate through life’s lows, and emerge stronger...

Overview of Emotional Setbacks

The emotional and psychological impact of major life setbacks

The impact of these events affects us not only emotionally but physically. Our fears, sadness, worry, etc., can all trigger a cascade of negative thoughts, self-doubt, and in severe cases, lead to depression and anxiety. These can disrupt sleep patterns, eating habits, and overall health, further deteriorating our quality of life. Chronic stress and worry can manifest physically, leading to headaches, fatigue, and an overall weakened immune system.

Ever felt horrible already and then you get a cold?

Unfortunately, as we've mentioned, many people turn to methods of indulgence, escape, or social withdrawal from friends and family, increasing feelings of loneliness and alienation. Many times, these challenging situations trigger older wounds we might not have resolved.

If we get support during these times, we can heal these deeper wounds can help individuals rebuild their sense of self-worth, regain emotional balance, and develop resilience to face future challenges with renewed strength. Recognizing and addressing these impacts early can prevent long-term mental health issues and foster a healthier, more positive outlook on life.

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The journey from despair to seeking solutions

The journey to seeking solutions is the shift we need to try to rebuild our emotional resilience and our confidence. And it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Sometimes, it's a matter of picking ONE thing we will add to our morning to move forward. It’s the realization that while we may not control what happens to us, we can control how we respond. This is where we find our power. And it’s here, in the search for healing tools, that many discover EFT tapping and this is also how I personally started using it during a very difficult time in my life.

I was really struggling and it happened to be the week that teh Tapping Solution World Summit was on with Nick and Jessica Ortner (founders of the Tapping Solution app- you can try the app here free for 2 weeks). While I had been using EFT using Youtube videos up until this time, being able to listen to the speakers talk about their own struggles was so powerful. There were so many topics, from body image, family issue, grief and loss, etc. It gave me the idea that I had the power to start with different habits, and behaviors, because at the time, that was all I could control.

“Everything can be taken from a man, but the last of the human freedoms: to choose one’s attitudes in any given set of circumstances.” –Viktor Frankl

EFT Tapping is a simple technique that involves tapping on specific points of the body while focusing on issues that bother us so that we can 'release' the negative emotions to become grounded and more powerful. Many people find that it helps them feel better and manage their emotions more effectively on a daily basis and in terms of long-term healing of our beliefs and experience, it’s amazing how something as straightforward as tapping can offer a sense of relief and hope. The process is easy to learn and can be done anywhere, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being.

What is EFT Tapping?

The origins and evolution of EFT tapping

EFT tapping, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, started with Thought Field Therapy, created by psychologist Dr. Roger Callahan. Later on, Gary Craig made the method simpler and helped more people learn about it. EFT tapping mixes parts of Cognitive Therapy with physical 'tapping', where you tap on specific points on your body called meridian points. These points are believed to reduce stress and anxiety. By doing this, people can feel calmer and more relaxed. It's an easy-to-learn technique that many find helpful for handling difficult feelings.

A brief explanation of how EFT tapping works

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping, is a simple yet powerful tool to help manage stress, setbacks, and the ensuing emotional pain. The idea behind EFT is that negative emotions create an upset in the nervous system and can also cloud our thinking, actions, and behaviors. It's hard to focus on what you need to do and also step outside your comfort zone when you're frazzled, in fear, and in a state of fight, flight, or freeze, isn't it? 

By gently tapping on specific points on the body, such as on the face and hands, while thinking and articulating about what's bothering you, you release the negative feelings to lessen the emotional distress. For example, imagine you are feeling anxious; by tapping and focusing on your worry, EFT helps to calm those feelings, making them more manageable and quickly grounding you so you can focus. It's like giving your emotions a little reset button to re-calibrate, helping you feel more in control and at ease.

The principles behind the effectiveness of EFT tapping

EFT tapping, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, has gained attention for its ability to reduce stress and bring about calm. Studies have shown that this method helps lower the levels of cortisol, a major stress hormone, in the body At the same time, it helps to soothe the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for our emotional responses, especially stress. The combination of talking through problems (which is known as the cognitive aspect) and tapping on specific body points (the somatic aspect) creates a powerful tool for managing stress and emotions. This unique mix is what sets EFT tapping apart and makes it so effective in helping people feel better.

Healing Emotional Wounds with EFT Tapping

Exploring EFT tapping as a tool for confidence 'recovery'

In terms of confidence, EFT Tapping, short for the Emotional Freedom Technique, is a simple yet powerful tool that can help you manage feelings of shame, fears, self-doubt, and the emotional charge around the reasons for your loss of confidence.

It works by calming your nervous system and shifting your energy patterns, which helps reduce the intensity of your emotions. This makes it easier to face challenges and move forward with a more positive outlook. Many people have found that tapping helps them feel better quickly and can improve their overall well-being and emotional health. So, if you're struggling with tough emotions, EFT Tapping might be a helpful practice to try.

When you understand the roots of your diminished self-worth and loss of confidence, most of us find that often stems from deeper, unresolved issues from our past experiences and especially childhood belief wounding.

EFT tapping helps you unearth these root causes such as belief wounding, which sets the stage for meaningful and lasting change. Each tapping session offers a safe space to explore your feelings and identify the hidden barriers that hold you back.

When you use EFT tapping techniques, you find effective ways to rebuild your self-confidence. In each session, you work towards dissolving these barriers, celebrate small victories along the way, and gradually redefine your self-identity in a measurable and powerful way. By taking small, manageable steps, you make significant progress, feeling more confident and empowered in every aspect of your life. You can step outside your comfort zone bit by bit

Addressing the Pain of Job Loss

Losing a job can bring about a storm of emotions, from sadness to shame or humiliation to worry about the future. The first and most important task in healing is to recognize and accept these feelings in yourself without any judgment. Many times, we get stuck in a spiral and start to beat ourselves up. These specific tapping sequences can help build emotional resilience to help you feel stronger and more in control of your emotions and your life. You can finally shift your mindset from feeling like a victim like things happen to you (we've all been there!) to feeling empowered (regardless, you can take action) to create and explore new opportunities.

These small steps can open you up to new possibilities and find hope and new motivation during this challenging time.

“When setbacks arise - and they will from time to time - regroup, recharge, refocus and refine.”― Rasheed Ogunlaru

Navigating Through Divorce/Breakup Recovery

Going through a divorce or breakup can feel like a never-ending storm, full of emotions like loss, sadness, anger, betrayal, or grief. EFT tapping is a gentle way to face and process these tough emotions, giving you a safe space to feel and let go and create a space for acceptance.

This method also helps to rebuild your self-esteem and sense of self-worth after a breakup. By working through the pain layer by layer and experience by experience, EFT tapping helps heal a broken heart. It paves the way for acceptance and healing, making you feel strong enough to love again while actually letting go of what you need to so you can heal without resorting to unhealthy behaviors like rebounds, revenge, etc.

This approach doesn't require fancy tools, just a willingness to start the journey towards healing. You can use YouTube videos or schedule a session with me if you're going through a breakup.

"Every woman that finally figured out her worth, has picked up her suitcases of pride and boarded a flight to freedom, which landed in the valley of change."— Shannon L. Alder

Incorporating EFT Tapping into Daily Life

Developing a Routine

Using EFT tapping on a daily basis as part of your routine can significantly enhance its benefits, helping you maintain emotional balance and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. By incorporating EFT tapping into your daily schedule, you create a strong foundation for emotional well-being. This powerful tool can help you navigate stress, anxiety, and other emotional hurdles more effectively.

Making EFT tapping a regular part of your day empowers you to handle whatever life throws your way with greater ease because you're able to regain control and ground yourself quickly. Try the Tapping Solution App free with my link for 2 weeks free.

Combining EFT tapping with other healing modalities

EFT tapping can be combined with other healing practices such as meditation, yoga, or psychotherapy, amplifying the healing process and fostering holistic well-being. By integrating EFT tapping with meditation, you can deepen your relaxation and enhance your emotional clarity. Pairing it with yoga can help release physical tension and promote a sense of inner peace.

When used alongside psychotherapy, EFT tapping can not only accelerate breakthroughs but provide additional emotional support for processing complex emotions (always check with your therapist first). Together, these modalities create a comprehensive approach to healing, addressing the mind, body, and spirit to get you on track to building more balanced and fulfilling life.

Tracking progress and adjusting techniques as needed

Keeping a journal of your EFT tapping journey can provide valuable insights into your progress, helping you adjust your techniques to better address your evolving needs.

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Overcoming Challenges and Plateaus

With every healing journey, it's not linear so it's important to anticipate some common roadblocks since it's NORMAL to encounter periods where progress seems slow or emotional barriers feel insurmountable. Understanding that these challenges are a natural part of the healing process helps you stay committed and resilient.

People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing, that's why we recommend it daily — Zig Ziglar

How to adapt EFT tapping strategies for deeper issues: For more complex emotional issues, modifying your tapping strategy or seeking guidance from an EFT professional can be beneficial. Adjusting your approach might involve focusing on specific aspects of an issue or combining EFT with other therapeutic techniques. An EFT professional can offer personalized insights and techniques, helping you break through plateaus and achieve deeper emotional healing. This adaptive approach ensures that you continue to make progress, even when facing the most challenging emotional hurdles.

Securing a Supportive Environment

Building a network of support: Surrounding yourself with a supportive community, whether in-person or online, can significantly enhance your healing journey. You are not alone. There are plenty of Facebook groups

Creating physical and emotional spaces conducive to recovery: Establishing a safe, serene space for your EFT tapping practice can facilitate deeper emotional healing and reflection.

Conclusion

EFT tapping emerges as a powerful ally in healing emotional wounds, offering a path to recovery that is accessible, empowering, and adaptable to individual needs. Emphasizing the significance of patience, perseverance, and a supportive community, this journey towards emotional freedom underscores the our resilience  To those traversing the challenging terrain of recovery, remember: each tapping session is a step towards reclaiming your inner strength. Trust in the process, lean on your community, and above all, extend compassion towards yourself. The path to healing is seldom straight, but with each tap, you’re piecing together the mosaic of your newfound resilience.

Need help navigating a difficult time? Schedule a free consultation here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if EFT tapping doesn’t work for me?

• Not every technique works for everyone. If EFT tapping doesn’t seem to be working, consider consulting with an EFT practitioner or exploring other healing modalities.

Can EFT tapping replace therapy or medical advice?

• EFT tapping is a complementary tool and should not replace professional medical or psychological advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals when dealing with severe emotional or physical issues. Many people find doing EFT while in therapy helps them navigate difficult emotions that can come up in therapy

How long does it take to see results from EFT tapping?

• Results can vary widely among individuals. Some might notice immediate relief, while for others, it may take several sessions to observe changes depending on your personal experiences, belief wounding, and issues.

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Can I practice EFT tapping on my own, or do I need a practitioner?

• EFT tapping can be practiced independently for everyday emotional balance. However, for deeper issues, working with a certified EFT practitioner is advisable.

What are some common misconceptions about EFT tapping?

• A common misconception is that EFT tapping is a "quick fix" or solely about tapping. Understanding and addressing the root causes of emotional distress is key to its effectiveness. Also, keeping in mind that rarely is something a 'one and done'.

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ANDREA HUNT - Online Transformational Life Coach & EFT Tapping Practitioner based in Munich, Germany

I'm an accredited transformational life coach from Animas Centre for Coaching UK  and a member of the International Coaching Federation. I'm also a Level 2 practitioner in EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and a member of AEFTP (Association of Emotional Freedom Technique Professionals).

If you're not sure where to start transforming your life, you can download my free ebook on How to Start Your Personal Growth Journey.

Are you ready to change your life, let go of old beliefs, empower yourself for a mindset shift to move forward? Mel Robbins says: You're always one decision away from a different life.

Header image: Ben White