Emotional Freedom Techniques:

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF SELF-REGULATION FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE

Monique Verpoort, a registered social worker, trainer, and certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping practitioner, is on a mission to spread the word about the benefits of EFT tapping. She has written a book, "Is This All There Is? Living a Life Beyond Obligation," to share her insights and experiences with others. With nearly 20 years of experience in children's mental health, Verpoort believes that self-regulation techniques can make a profound difference in people's lives.

While physical ailments can cause pain, it is often emotional pain and negative energies that lead to stress, becoming the root cause of health issues such as anxiety, nervous disorders, weight gain, and disrupted body functioning. Therefore, addressing emotional problems at the root level is crucial. EFT tapping is a holistic healing therapy that can provide alternative solutions to these issues.

Also known as 'psychological acupressure,' EFT tapping is a treatment that relies on tapping specific points on the body to create a balance between energy levels and eliminate negative energy points and pain. Although still under research, EFT has shown promise in treating mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

EFT is a form of acupuncture that emphasizes pressing sensitive points, also known as meridian points, located throughout the body to restore balance. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these power points act as pathways that maintain health, restore energy flow, and prevent imbalances. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which uses needles, EFT tapping utilizes fingertip tapping to channel the body's energy circles and relieve stress, chronic pain, and illness caused by negative or traumatic experiences.

Emotional Freedom Techniques, which Verpoort discovered over a decade ago, have had a significant impact on her life and the lives of many others. "EFT tapping has been a game-changer for me," says Verpoort. "It has improved my quality of life and inspired me to share this powerful tool with the world."

As a trainer, Verpoort has taught professionals across Canada and other parts of the world how to work with families within their organizations. She also maintains a small group of EFT clients, focusing on spreading the word about the practice through various means, including writing her book.

Perma crisis, a term describing the overwhelming feeling of losing control during chaotic times, can be alleviated through self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing, positive thinking, and tapping on meridian points. "These techniques enable individuals to find inner peace amidst external chaos, make better decisions, handle stressors effectively, and explore more options for dealing with life's challenges," explains Verpoort.

Verpoort's personal experience with a mild traumatic brain injury highlighted the effectiveness of EFT tapping in her own life. "After a fall left me with cognitive challenges, I used EFT tapping to work through various emotions, regain my sense of regulation, and gain a new perspective on my situation," she shares. This experience also influenced the final part of her book, as it helped her accept her situation and recognize the need to focus on something larger than herself.

Her book aims to help readers slow down, focus inward, and utilize EFT tapping techniques to find calm amidst chaos. Verpoort emphasizes the transformative power of these techniques: "By tapping on acupoints, individuals can regulate their nervous system and see previously hidden options. These techniques offer immediate stress reduction and can uncover limiting beliefs that hold people back."

Many caregivers, particularly solo parents, struggle to find time for self-care, but it's crucial for their well-being and their ability to help others. Verpoort advises, "Taking even 10-15 minutes a day for oneself can make a difference. It's important to remember that children pick up on their parents' anxieties, so self-regulation techniques can benefit both the parent and child."

Verpoort's book includes personal stories of her own journey with EFT tapping, as well as stories from five other women who have undergone transformative experiences using the techniques. "Readers can connect with these stories and gain hope from seeing how others have coped with life after transformation," she says. The book also provides resources and activities for readers to engage with and explore their own self-regulation journey.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." This quote resonates with Verpoort's message, emphasiz- ing the importance of dreaming and striving for a better life. Through sharing her insights and personal journey with EFT tapping, Monique Verpoort aspires to motivate others to adopt self-regulation practices and pursue their passions. In doing so, we can collectively foster a brighter and more promising future for ourselves and the world at large.

Connect with Monique

Website: moniqueverpoort.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/ in/monique-verpoort-277764a9

EFT TAPPING: THE 5-STEP PROCESS

The EFT tapping technique, in a very sensitive way, gives you access to the body's energy levels at the root and connects you to the nerves in the brain which control stress. When you do this, you are in control of the stress and negative experiences and relatively, in a better way to restore body balance.

Since this technique involves the use of no tools or prior knowledge, EFT can be learned in a few simple steps and help get rid of negative energies in an effective manner. Once memorized, each round of it can be performed in about 30 seconds.

Step 1: Identify what is troubling you

First and foremost, you need to get in sync with your body and know what is troubling you, or the fear you have, which will direct you to the connecting tapping point. Make a mental note and make sure you target one issue at a time to harness the most benefits. It can range from any embarrassing situation, a traumatic statement, physical pain, injury or even stress.

Step 2: Test the intensity

Now that you know the issue in hand, assign a number (between 1-10) to it, depending on the intensity of pain it brings. Remember, your goal is to bring the number down to the minimum and see the improvement. To do this, follow this technique:

• If the issue brings you distress and you feel a tugging pain, assign a number accordingly.

• Physical pain and ailment can be assigned a number, depending on your threshold.

• If the problem is not letting you perform, number it, depending on how close/far you are to achieving it.

Step 3: Do the setup

After the numbering, now begins the tapping. Before you do this, start by practicing a positive affirmation, which goes like:

"Despite (what your problem is), I accept myself and I am trying to change."

Step 4: Time to do the tapping

Next, start by tapping specific points on the body, which are below mentioned, in an ascending manner:

Eyebrow-Side of the eye-Under the eye-Under the nose-Chin-Tip of the collarbone and under the armTop of the Head.

Follow this tapping routine, according to the sequence and keep repeating the affirmation. This will help you stay focused on reaching the goal.

Step 5: Rate your final pain intensity

Now that you have completed the tapping sequence, go back to your root issue and now number the pain intensity you feel, comparing it with the older one.

If you feel a difference, EFT tapping has helped you. Ideally, you should regularly practice this till the time you reach 0.