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When I conduct an introductory workshop on EFT, I typically ask for volunteers who have a phobia, an irrational fear
of something such as heights, tight spaces, spiders, elevators, or flying. I assure the volunteer that I will not
make them do anything that they are afraid to do, rather, I will help them release the fear so that the fear is no
longer the issue. Phobias provide a good demonstration of the power of EFT because the success rate is high, it can
be done quickly, and the audience can see a profound change in the emotional state of the volunteer.
Ideally, you want a situation where the fear can be tested. My office is almost ideal for working with
phobias. First, down the hall is a 4th floor catwalk with an open grate floor to test people who are overcoming
their fear of heights. Second, for claustrophobics, the hallway has a small closet, and the elevator, which I
joke was built in the 1800's, is full of shudders and squeaks. (It is actually quite reliable.) Fortunately, the
office building is so clean that I have yet to find a spider, but if I am working with a person afraid of spiders
I can bring them in from my garden.
The object is not for the client to be brave. If they feel even the slightest fear then there is more work to
be done. When the person is clear of the fear, we approach the thing they are afraid of. If any fear resurfaces, we
stop and tap until the fear is once again removed.
The technique is to identify the fear and then tap the meridian points. (See the EFT Quick-Start Method for a
detailed procedure.)
For example, for fear of heights we use the set-up phrase:
Even though I am afraid of heights, I deeply and completely accept myself.
(For fear of spiders, we would use, Even though I am afraid of spiders...)
Most of the time, a few rounds directly addressing the fear will release it. Other times, we may have to
address an incident in the person's past where, for example, they may have had a bad fall.
In all but one case, phobias were released in less than one session. (In that case, it turned out the client
was holding onto the phobia in order to avoid the next issue.
)
If you suffer from a phobia, don't be afraid to try EFT on your own to relieve it. If you need help, you know where
to find me.
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