Tapping Therapy For Kids And Teenagers

Tapping therapy for kids and teenagers is a great tool that can help parents help their child. How many times have you wanted to have a reliable way to calm down your daughter or son, thus reducing their anxiety? It’s hard for any parent to see a child upset and overwhelmed. Given such challenges, here’s a modern tool that has a long history behind it. Indeed, you’ll see that the tapping method therapy can help.

Known also as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), tapping technique is a simple therapeutic tool. Although it seems a bit strange at first, tapping therapy effectively promotes relaxation and calm. Developed by ancient Chinese Medicine practitioners, Emotional Freedom Techniques are like the great-grandchildren of acupressure and acupuncture. However, EFT offers the positive results without the complications like external office visits and needles.

EFT Psychology Opens A Door

EFT helps you help your child by opening a door. The method provides easy access to the energy pathways of the human body. By tapping on traditional acupressure points, this EFT restores your teen’s inner balance.

Indeed, tapping has been shown to have the following positive effects in studies and research —

Reduces anxiety and worry
Promotes calm and overall well-being
Eases the symptoms of depression
Eases the fear brought on by phobias
Treats PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder)

Given such potential, EFT deserves to use the word “freedom” in its name. Although the tapping technique does not work for everyone, it does work for many kids. Therefore, isn’t it worth trying out a new treatment practice like tapping that potentially reduces your child’s stress and worry?

What Is Tapping Therapy?

It’s not hard for parents to learn the foundations of tapping. Indeed, tapping therapy for kids and teens is a very basic approach to stress reduction. The goal is to use EFT to help your child.

In the tapping method, a person taps the acupressure points on a human body with their fingertips while breathing deeply. The tapping sends a subtle message that promotes calm and well-being. Often, tapping is combined with the soft repetition of a positive affirmation or an acknowledgment of the worry’s cause.

Indeed, many EFT therapists and teachers believe in the power of mindfulness. In such a perspective, the act of tapping brings forth awareness in a young person. Additionally, tapping often reduces the frightening symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Why you should try tapping therapy with your teenager?

When you read these arguments, it makes a lot of sense. In a confusing world, it’s often a relief to find a therapeutic technique that is sensible. For example, tapping therapy for kids and teenagers is accessible because:

No special equipment is needed
Easy to do and non-intrusive
Once learned, it can be self-applied
Instant relief often happens
Treats a broad range of issues

A Look at How Tapping Method Therapy Works

In tapping therapy, you follow a sequence presented in simple Emotional Freedom Techniques training sessions that can be accessed online. Once you begin the process, tap each meridian described below long enough so that three complete breaths are taken in and out. Beyond tapping, these meridians or points on the body can be massaged as well.

As you tap, please remember to breath in and out. Indeed, the tapping method works best when linked to the breath. Thus, breathing steadily provides a natural rhythm for tapping method therapy.

When learned, EFT tends to focus on the following meridians:

Karate Chop area — Below the little finger on the outside edge of the hand
Top of the Head — The very center of the governing vessel
The Eyebrow — On either eyebrow but near the bridge of the nose
Under the Eye — just under the eye bone
Under the Nose — Right above the upper lip
The Chin — Below the lower lip on the crease where the chin begins
The Beginning of the Collar Bone — Below the throat where the bone starts
Four Inches under Armpit — On the side on the rib cage
Inside of the Wrist – The pulse point area where the pulse is taken

Although the procedure of tapping from top to bottom can be described, it makes more sense to work with a professional. Luckily, they can be accessed both in person or through video training offered online.

EFT practitioners provide the know-how to create a safe zone. Thus, the procedure is more easily learned. Like anything else new, it’s a process that feels awkward at first. The key is to give tapping method therapy a chance.

All of the meridians do not have to be tapped. Many people only use the karate chop point. Others find a meridian that works for them, focusing their tapping efforts.

Moreover, kids do not have to take on tapping right away. Many parents choose to learn EFT themselves, then use it to help their child. Thus, children find comfort from stress and anxiety when parents use the Emotional Freedom Techniques. Indeed, you help by reciting affirmations as you gently tap the meridians.

Beginning the Process of EFT Psychology

Below, you will find a step-by-step approach to begin using the tapping method. This three-step approach allows for a smooth transition into EFT.

The three-step approach is as follows:

Identify the Challenge – For the tapping to be effective, the challenge must be identified. After all, a focal point is needed. Identification opens the door to reducing the intensity of negative feelings.
Establish the Affirmation or Setup Phrase – Before the tapping procedure, the establishment of an affirmation or setup phrase. A setup phrase for a parent tapping a child might be, “You are not your anxiety, and you can handle whatever happens.” In addition, a setup phrase for a teenager using EFT might be, “Even though I’m feeling scared, I know I am safe.”
Regulate the Intensity and Repetition of the Tapping – Different people require different levels of intensity. Indeed, tapping therapy should not be too hard or too soft. Moreover, the intensity of the tapping required often depends on the nature of the challenge or fear being addressed. Thus, the process evolves.

The Science Behind Tapping Therapy

Tapping method therapy is not the same as having a medical procedure or taking a pill. Nevertheless, recent scientific studies validate EFT as a treatment method worth investigating. A recent study cataloged in the US National Library of Medicine by the National Institutes of Health expounds the following findings in the study report:

“Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) combines elements of exposure and cognitive therapies with acupressure for the treatment of psychological distress… Emotional freedom technique treatment demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety scores.”

In another study cataloged in the US National Library of Medicine, the following endorsement is expressed: “Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy.”