Every now and then, there is controversy about what constitutes EFT Tapping, EFT, or Tapping, and what does not. It can be very confusing if you are looking to learn EFT or thinking of using an EFT practitioner. With this in mind, here are a few pointers about what constitutes EFT, Tapping, or EFT Tapping (The distinction will become clear).

Every form of EFT has these elements in common:

It is an energy healing modality. Although often called "Energy Psychology", it is as far removed from psychology as any other energy modality, such as Reiki, Spiritual Healing, and Kinesiology, to name but three of many. In other words, when we do EFT, we do not do a great deal of counselling, NLP, or psychotherapy. We do energy work to release blocks in our path to emotional and/or physical wellbeing.

It gently brings up a specific energy disruption to the surface, and then specifically directs the energy in such a way as to release this disruption. This is where Optimal EFT differs from other kinds. Other kinds use Tapping on the meridian end-points to achieve the release. This includes Classical, Gold Standard, and Energy EFT, for example. Optimal EFT directs the energy as if channelling energy via Spiritual Healing or Reiki rather than by tapping with the fingers on the meridian end-points, with the difference that it directs the energy very specifically at the exact problem to be released.

It is very specific. For example, we can work on releasing that pain in our shoulder on the top right near where it meets the neck, or the time when a teacher gave us a fail when we were 9 years old, or the need to feel more in control when facing a certain authority figure, We get as specific as we can, to pull the problem at the root.

It is gentle. There is no point dwelling incessantly on the past, forcing ourselves to face our fears, learning to cope with tragic circumstances, accepting living forever with a progressive disease and giving in to a perceived fate, or anything like that. Rather, the user has hope and does not go anywhere they feel uncomfortable.

It involves a readiness to let go with peace and calm, using a calming start or a calming implication as soon as the process starts.

It is not a method of mind control or even a method of mind persuasion, such as hypnotherapy. And unlike hypnotherapy or hypnosis, you do not need to believe in EFT for it to work.

It involves a safe space where you can feel free to let go of the energy disruptions behind your challenges.

I hope this helps answer your questions. If you seek a course or a practitioner that can take you further on your EFT healing journey, now you hopefully have a better idea what to look for.