EFT Tapping for Emotional Balance with a Sydney-Based Practitioner

I strongly believe that emotional balance isn’t about being calm all the time. It’s about having the capacity to navigate life with more ease, whatever is thrown at you.

With the daily pressures of our modern life - family and work demands, personal challenges, or just living in our very complex world - it gets easier and easier to feel overwhelmed or stuck in cycles of stress and anxiety.

When your nervous system is in constant overdrive, your ability to respond mindfully (and compassionately) diminishes and can really go out the window.

That's why it's becoming more and more imperative to have the tools to return to centre, feel present in our bodies, stay connected to ourselves (and others), and trusting that we can handle life's challenges.

One powerful modality I love and use with my clients is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping therapy.

On a personal note, it has helped me tremendously during times of stress and burnout (I'm a recovering workaholic!). It has also helped me uncover the root causes behind some of my fears, limiting beliefs, patterns and even chronic pain. And I see the same kind of transformations in my clients too.

This is why I'm so passionate about EFT Tapping.

EFT tapping in Sydney

What is EFT tapping?

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a gentle, evidence-based modality that helps the nervous system settle, clears emotional blockages, and creates space for more peace and resilience = navigating life with more ease (gotta love that).

EFT blends modern psychology with the principles of ancient Chinese acupuncture, but without the needles!

The process involves acknowledging thoughts, emotions, physical sensations or addressing the emotional roots of stress while we gently tap on specific meridian points (mostly on the face and upper body).

And yes, it does look funny at first!

But by tapping on these specific points, we send signals of safety to the nervous system which helps us work through the issues we're facing / feeling / drowning in. And the research behind it is getting more and more exciting.

The Science and Mechanisms behind EFT

The research into EFT has grown significantly over the past two decades, with studies showing its effectiveness for issues such as stress, anxiety, trauma, and even PTSD.

When we feel anxious or stressed, the brain activates the amygdala (our fear centre), putting the body into survival mode. Tapping on meridian points while acknowledging difficult emotions sends signals of safety to the brain.

Research using fMRI scans has shown reduced activity in the amygdala after tapping, which helps explain why people often feel calmer, clearer and more resourceful afterwards.

In other words, tapping helps the nervous system in returning back into balance and finding resilience.

Noteworthy research

In one clinical trial, cortisol (our main stress hormone) dropped by around 43% after just one EFT session, while the control groups barely changed (Dr Dawson Church et al., 2012, Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease).

Here in Australia, Dr. Peta Stapleton and her team at Bond University have been leading the way in EFT research. They’ve shown again and again that tapping can ease stress and anxiety, not only in how people feel, but also in the body - such as changes in brain activity and biology.

While more research is still ongoing, the evidence base continues to grow. EFT helps in many ways - see the illustration below - with people reporting tangible and lasting relief.

The Main Benefits of EFT for Emotional Balance

Here are some of the ways tapping can support you:

1. Reduces anxiety and stress: provides relief from nervous tension, emotional overwhelm, overthinking or worry.

   
   

2. Helps release emotional blocks such as anger, sadness, guilt, fear or shame allowing you to reframe, heal and reconnect with your authentic self.

   
   

3. Helps identify and let go of limiting beliefs and old patterns that can contribute to chronic pain, stop you from living life fully, or keep you from being your real self.
   

4. Boosts self-confidence: many clients notice an increase in self-confidence after tapping. EFT can open the door to more self-acceptance, self-trust and feeling more empowered.

   
   

5. Regulates the nervous system: restores inner balance after stressful times, supporting both your mind and body.

   
   

How to start tapping by yourself

If you’d like to try EFT for yourself, here’s a simple framework:

1. Identify the issue

   Choose one specific feeling or thought (e.g. “I feel nervous before meetings”). Note: For traumatic memories or deeper issues, it’s always best to work with a certified EFT practitioner.

   
   

2. Rate the intensity

   On a scale from 0 to 10, how strong is the emotion?

   
   

3. Tap through the sequence

   Gently tap on each point below while repeating a phrase that encapsulates the issue and your willingness to let it go. For example, you might say: “Even though I feel this stress about my presentation, I acknowledge how I feel and allow my body to relax.” You can also try "Even though I feel this stress about my presentation, I accept how I feel" if it lands well for you.

   The tapping points:

   • Side of the hand - karate chop point

   • Eyebrow point - beginning of the eyebrow

   • Side of the eye - on the bone at the outer corner of the eye / on the temples

   • Under the eye - on the bone under the eye /cheekbones

   • Under the nose - between the nose and upper lip

   • Chin point - in the centre / crease of the chin

   • Collarbone point - just below the collarbone

   • Under the arm - below the armpit, where the bra strap sits

   • On the front of the ribcage, just below the chest (and the bra strap)

   • Top of the head - on the crown, the highest point

4. Re-rate the intensity

Notice any shifts. Has the number gone down? What changed?

If something feels overwhelming, pause and seek support from a qualified EFT practitioner.

Self-Tapping vs. Working with a Practitioner

Self-tapping is a great for daily emotional regulation, but for deeper patterns or past trauma, working with a practitioner offers personalised guidance, safety, and expertise. You won’t be navigating emotional terrain alone.

In sessions, an EFT practitioner helps you uncover limiting beliefs, reframe inner dialogue, and gently release what’s been stuck or looping. We adapt EFT to your specific nervous system, life history and goals. It can be especially helpful when it comes to issues like grief, burnout, chronic stress, or big life transitions.

That’s often where the lasting breakthroughs happen.

You can think of it this way:

• Self-tapping = great for daily self-regulation and quick relief.

• Practitioner-led tapping = where deeper healing unfolds.

  
  

Both are powerful, just in different ways!

EFT Tapping in Sydney

As a certified EFT practitioner based in Sydney, I offer:

• In-person sessions near Manly (Northern Beaches) and at Better Balance Wellness in Double Bay

• Online sessions for Sydney residents and worldwide

• Trauma-informed, heart-centered support tailored to your emotional and nervous system needs

Each session is unique, focused on your emotional landscape and healing pace. Whether you’re looking to manage anxiety, feel more centered, or resolve long-standing emotional patterns, EFT can be a transformative part of your journey.

You're welcome to book a free 15min connection call here to learn more about how I can support you.

Integrating EFT into Daily Life

Here are a few ideas to bring tapping into your routine:

• Tap for 5 minutes on minor irritations (such as a 1-3 in intensity rating on a scale of 0-10, traffic jam, annoying email, awkward moment...)

• Use tapping before meditation or sleep to clear mental clutter.

• Keep a tapping journal to track emotions, patterns and shifts overtime.

• Combine with breathwork, such as Heart Coherence (my all time favourite!)

• Seek support when needed: If something feels too big or overwhelming, that’s the time to reach out to a practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EFT safe for everyone?

Yes, it’s generally safe. For trauma or intense emotions, work with a trained practitioner.

How many sessions will I need?

Everyone’s experience is different, but many people feel a shift after a session. For deeper, long-held patterns, more sessions are often helpful. It depends on your goals and history. In my Sydney practice, I’ve seen clients experience anything from immediate calm to life-changing breakthroughs over a series of sessions.

Can I combine EFT with other therapies?

Absolutely. EFT pairs well with talk therapy and more.

What if I don’t feel anything after tapping?

Shifts can be subtle at first. Working with a practitioner can deepen the impact.

Emotional Balance Is Within Your Reach

I hope this article helped you better understand what EFT tapping is about and how powerful it can be.

EFT tapping is more than just stress relief, it’s a bridge to deeper emotional resilience, regulation and inner balance.

If you're in Sydney and curious about EFT tapping, I'd love to connect.

Book your free 15-minute connection call to explore how EFT can support your emotional and nervous system health.

With Heart,

Claudia Luck-Rodriguez Holistic Practitioner for Emotional & Nervous System Health - Sydney

Certified & Accredited EFT Practitioner in Sydney · Heart Coherence · Somatic EMDR · Trauma-informed