MORGAN WEBERT

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) tapping is a type of psychological acupressure that combines tapping on specific points on the body, primarily on the face and upper body, with verbal affirmations to help reduce emotional distress and physical pain. It’s sometimes referred to as "tapping therapy" or "tapping."

EFT tapping is often used for anxiety, PTSD, and emotional blocks, but it’s also sometimes used for pain relief, weight loss, or improving overall emotional well-being.

Many people find it effective for reducing stress or anxiety in the moment, though the scientific community is still debating the extent of its effectiveness. It’s considered a complementary therapy, so it’s often used alongside other treatments.

Somatic psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates the mind and body in the healing process. It focuses on the connection between mental and physical health, recognizing that emotions and trauma can be stored in the body and manifest as physical sensations, tension, or even illness.

In this therapy, the therapist helps clients become more aware of their bodily sensations, movement, and physical experiences, which can provide valuable insights into their emotional states and past experiences. By working with the body, the goal is to release stored trauma, unresolved emotions, and stress, promoting a deeper sense of healing and self-awareness.

Somatic psychotherapy can be especially helpful for people with a history of trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, or body-related issues, as it allows for healing beyond the cognitive or verbal level. It’s grounded in the belief that the body holds memories and emotions, and by addressing these physical sensations, one can achieve lasting emotional healing.

Learning to regulate the nervous system is crucial for mental health because it directly impacts how we respond to stress, manage emotions, and maintain balance in our everyday lives. When the nervous system is dysregulated—meaning it is either overstimulated (like in chronic stress) or underactive (like in depression or anxiety)—it can lead to a variety of mental health issues.

Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Stress Management

The nervous system plays a central role in how we react to stress. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) kicks in during stressful situations, triggering the “fight or flight” response, which prepares us to deal with immediate threats. However, if this response is constantly triggered (due to chronic stress or unresolved emotional triggers), the body can stay in a state of heightened arousal. Over time, this constant state of stress can contribute to anxiety, burnout, insomnia, and even physical health problems like heart disease.

Regulating the nervous system allows you to return to a state of balance (via the parasympathetic nervous system or “rest and digest” state). When you can manage this cycle, you're less likely to become overwhelmed by stress and more capable of responding calmly in difficult situations.

2. Emotional Regulation

The nervous system also influences how we feel and respond emotionally. When the autonomic nervous system is dysregulated, it can lead to heightened emotional responses (like anger or irritability) or emotional numbness (as in depression). Learning techniques to regulate your nervous system—such as breathwork, mindfulness, or grounding exercises—helps you feel more in control of your emotional responses, leading to greater emotional stability.

For example, when you feel anxious or triggered, your body might experience physical symptoms like a racing heart or shallow breathing. Being able to consciously calm your body (through deep breathing, meditation, etc.) sends signals to your brain that you are safe, which can help you regain control over your emotions.

3. Improved Mental Clarity

When the nervous system is in a constant state of stress, it can interfere with cognitive functions like focus, memory, and decision-making. The brain is focused on survival (fight or flight mode), not on higher-level thinking.

Regulating the nervous system helps shift the brain from this reactive mode back into a more present, mindful state, which is essential for clear thinking, creativity, and problem-solving.

Holistic counselling is an approach to therapy that looks at the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just focusing on specific issues or symptoms. The goal is to help individuals achieve balance, well-being, and personal growth by considering all aspects of their life, including their emotional, psychological, physical, social, and spiritual health.

In short, holistic counselling aims to nurture all aspects of the individual’s health and well-being, recognizing that mental and emotional healing often requires addressing more than just the mind—it’s about connecting the dots between all aspects of life for a more harmonious and balanced experience.