Things I do in EFT sessions (that isn’t tapping) to support my clients
*gasp* I am a human being who supports human beings which means our sessions aren’t a predetermined and robotic transaction of:
Say hello, tap, say goodbye.
I do have a session flow because you need some kind of structure.
I have my favorite questions I ask clients and we’re always going to return to the body, tapping on what feels most present, and maybe connecting with your inner child (if it fits).
And if you’re a new client of mine, this is what a first session will look like:
I’ll greet you and check how you’re feeling (no awkward “how do we start” energy)
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We’ll talk about your intake form. If I have any questions for clarity on what you put, I’ll ask. And you get the chance to tell me if anything has changed since you filled out the form!
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I’ll show you the EFT points.
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We’ll go through a connection or grounding practice. As simple or long as you need.
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We’ll start tapping. I’ll ask you questions to check in with your body, to find moments that the body still thinks is happening or is still bothered by, and to connect with an inner child that may be feeling sad too.
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You’ll tell me if there’s any point that feels off. I’ll remind you that you can adjust language or tell me if you dislike a practice we’re doing.
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We’ll close any open tabs in your mind with a closing EFT round or a different grounding practice that actually puts things away so you’re not walking around all day with open thoughts.
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I’ll suggest homework to help you continue processing what we worked on. This includes EFT practices, activities for your inner child, or a witchy suggestion (if you’re open to that – and I’ll ask on your intake form because consent is a key part of our work).
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We’ll book your next session.
That’s a standard EFT session! But let’s remember – you are a whole complex human being so I don’t expect a session to look exactly like that.
Because I want you to show up as yourself.
While I primarily support my clients by guiding them through EFT, there’s also many other things that happen in EFT sessions!
That’s the beauty of working with a human. Not a robot.
This is a great time to remind you: AI is not a replacement for human connection. Especially for healing services and spaces.
You can read more of my anti-AI thoughts in this blog post about my values that influence my work.
Soooo back to my point: what are the other things I do in EFT sessions to support my clients?
I’m glad you asked — because tapping is a huge part but not the only part!
Ways I support my clients (that isn’t EFT)
Sit while you adjust your space
Need to put your phone in the other room so you can focus?
Your chair is bothering you and you want to switch it?
The window is open but you want to close it?
Okay! Do whatever you need to make the space feel supportive for this work. I will sit and wait while you do this.
2. Ask you to describe the room your in
If the topic is getting heavy and you need a break because it’s painful. I’m not going to say “no! You have to keep tapping!”
EFT is a way to self-soothe because you are sending signals to your body that you are safe – and there are times where you need to stop thinking about it completely and focus on something else for a moment. That is normal. That is okay.
When you are my client, I will always consider your needs and safety. My cues will be to ensure we are honoring your pace.
So, when you need a break? I will likely ask you to describe something in your space or in front of you. I’ll get descriptive with my questions.
I do this for two reasons: it’s a nice distraction and puts your attention somewhere else. And you are showing the body that you are not in danger – you’re only in your room with someone who cares about you.
3. Talk about other healing your doing
I loooooove when my clients tell me what they are doing outside of our sessions to support themselves! If you want to tell me about a ritual you did? Love it! Give me the details and how it helped.
Want to share how you went on a walk recently and had an epiphany? I’m listening to the story.
Your therapist said something that you’ve been thinking about and want to tap on? Let’s talk about it.
Healing does not just happen in one space, with one person, or with one modality. Healing is everywhere – so yes, I want to hear what else you’re doing.
4. Sit with you while you lay down
Yes, you can do EFT from your bed or lay on the ground. My only ask is that you can hear me and I can hear you!
You can do the whole session laying down. Or you can pause the tapping part of our session to lay down for a few minutes.
Maybe our session is the first time you’ve been able to slow down. Maybe you’re tired and just need one minute with nothing but rest.
I will sit there in silence or lead you through a practice – you get the choice to make it your space.
5. Suggest a non-EFT activity to do
As an EFT Practitioner, I will always have a way to tap on something you’re struggling with. I truly believe in the shifts and relief that EFT Tapping brings to people.
AND it’s not the only helpful or supportive thing! Honestly – it’s a bit silly to pretend there’s only one way to heal. It does a disservice to my clients to not offer other things.
So, if you’re open to other practices, I will offer them. I will always ask you if I can offer a practice to do outside of our session – and I will honor your answer.
If you do want another practice? I might suggest watching a kid movie, getting a massage, a journal prompt, reading a book about your struggle, a self-love ritual to do, or creating a practice specific to you.
And if you don’t want a suggestion? Okay, no worries! Let’s keep tapping.
6. Explain random EFT facts
You deserve to understand why I’m guiding you to do something. I’ll always explain techniques and my thought process to my clients – plus, I give you choice on what path we take.
But if I don’t proactively offer the information you want to know and you have a question, ask it!
When you ask me a question, I will answer it during the session.
And if you ask a question where I need to double check information before I can give you a more detailed explanation, I will tell you that and send you an email after with my answer.
I’m not going to pretend I know everything (I wish!) and I’m not going to let your questions go unanswered.
7. Sharing the names of our pets
My dog's name is Luna – and she is amazing.
If you have a pet and want to talk about them? Tell me their name? Share a picture of them?
I welcome it!
8. Talk about your favorite recent read
My book journal and partner get an earful when I read a good book that I love.
When you love a book, I am excited for you!
And if you want to share that with me? Please tell me everything you want me to know. It’s okay if we take time to talk about a book instead of going right to the deep stuff.
This is just one small example of how we honor your pacing. Because maybe you aren’t ready to start tapping right when the session starts! Maybe you need to get something out of your brain so then you can focus on your healing.
9. Pause so you can go to the bathroom
I’m not sorry for what I’m about to say – if someone who is holding space for you is mad or bothered that you need to pause so you can go to the bathroom, please run.
You deserve to be comfortable. Your needs are important (yes, even your bathroom needs).
So, I am completely okay with you pausing the session for a few minutes to go to the bathroom.
When you are my client, I want you to be comfortable in my EFT space and will always make space to honor your needs.
All this to say: I’m not going to force you to tap the whole time because healing does not come with force – healing comes from showing your body it’s safe and having spaces where your needs are respected.
Does this sound like an EFT space you want to be in? Let’s work together!
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