eft tapping for adhd sytmptoms
Tapping on your face while talking about a problem? Yeah, I thought it was too woo woo for even me! But it works. On me. On my clients. On my kids. So much so that I took a course in it. And I want to share this little known secret with you.
What is E.F.T. Tapping?
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), otherwise known as "tapping" is a ADHD-friendly intervention that reduces your subconscious resistance and clears negativity; allowing you to feel freer, lighter and more empowered.
EFT tapping is used to treat many physical and psychological issues. It combines principles from acupressure (body) and psychology (mind) to reduce stress and clear emotional obstacles. By tapping on key acupressure points while focusing on a problem, concern, or emotionally charged topic; you can calm yourself down.
In turn, this emotional relief makes space for creative problem-solving (which ADHDers are so good at!) and clarity around a way forward. Best of all, the technique is simple enough for you to do on your own!
1. Define problem & desired outcome
We begin by pinpointing your problem and establishing how you want to feel at the end of the session. The goal of the session is to reduce your distress around the topic.
2. Tap to tame:
Then the tapping begins. The technique combines principles from acupressure and talk therapy to reduce stress and overcome emotional obstacles.
3. follow through with Flow:
After the session, you should feel relief - making space for creative problem-solving (which you're so good at!) and clarity around a way forward for you. Sometimes, all it takes is one session!
Why E.F.T. Tapping is a Great Tool for ADHDers
EFT tapping can give quick and lasting results, and ADHD brains thrive on fast results. Just a few rounds of tapping can get you unstuck or ease distress from emotional dysregulation, overthinking or anxiety.
Tapping for Emotional Regulation
ADHD minds can be fraught with stress, anxiety and overwhelm. ADHDers often experience low energy, leaving them without the drive to convert desire into action. Avoidance becomes the name of the game. And then there’s that whole shame package that comes with years of living undiagnosed - “What’s wrong with me. It’s not rocket science! Why can’t I do the thing? Am I stupid or just lazy?”
Tapping on Limiting Beliefs
As EFT founder, Gary Craig, puts it, we are born into a “Palace of Possibilities”. We are born without any assumptions about ourselves. But as we grow, things happen, and we “write our conclusions about ourselves, other people and life on the palace walls”. When we believe these false truths (limiting beliefs), other floors and rooms of the palace become off limits and we confine ourselves with these beliefs.
If you’ve repeatedly been told you are lazy, don’t try hard enough or that you “have so much potential if only you would …”, you begin to believe that you are not good enough. Tapping can expose and resolve these thoughts.
Tapping on Associated Conditions
How many of you sought help for anxiety, shame or depression before finding out you had ADHD? These common bedfellows of ADHD have also been proven to be relieved by EFT tapping.
Other common co-occurring conditions with ADHD are OCD and anger management difficulties. Even conditions like Fibromyalgia have been linked to ADHD.
Want to know more on the science behind EFT tapping? Read more here.
Some ADHD Challenges Eased by E.F.T. Tapping
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Fear and worry / anxiety / panic / overwhelm
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Procrastination / resistance / avoidance
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Imposter syndrome / fear of failure
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Limiting beliefs
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Low self-esteem
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Low motivation
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Restlessness / hyperactivity
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Sleep disturbances
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Stress / tension
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Overthinking
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Shame / guilt
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Impulsivity / succumbing cravings
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Chronic lateness
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Frustration with any of the ways that your ADHD impacts your life.
Any of these sound familiar?
I use EFT within my coaching practice mainly to help my clients accomplish more and feel better about themselves. But one can also use EFT tapping for one specific problem outside of a coaching relationship.
a typical eft session
1. We meet online or in my ADHD clinic, either option is a safe and confidential space.
2. I begin by listening to your story, helping you pinpoint the obstacles and establishing a level of distress that the problem is causing you, on a scale of 1-10.
3. And then the tapping begins, where I guide you to overcome your problem:
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“Even though I feel overwhelmed with all I have to do today, I accept how I feel.”
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“Even though I really don’t want to study for this test, I am still smart.”
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“Even though I feel ashamed of how little I’ve accomplished, I know I am worthy of love.”
These are examples of setup statements that “bookend” your problem with a balancing statement.
We start with 3 of these statements tapping on a meridian point on the side of your hand. Don’t worry! We do it together; all you have to do is copy me and repeat what I say.
4. Next we do a round of tapping on the other 7 acupressure points, while repeating your reminder statement :
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“ I feel overwhelmed with all I have to do today.”
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“ I really don’t want to study for this test.”
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“I feel ashamed of how little I’ve accomplished.”
5. After the first round, things may pop up—memories, sensations, feelings, images.
It’s normal for “random” thoughts or memories to pop into our heads while tapping. That’s another thing ADHDers are great at—noticing all the random thoughts that flit into their heads!
So we take these "pop-ups" and put them into the subsequent rounds. When we tap on these thoughts or distant memories (for example, a parent yelling at you to clean your room or do your homework), they act like stepping stones sent from our emotional brain. They guide us out of inertia or emotional distress and into a more positive state.
As we tap on the various aspects that pop up to clear them, most of the time, the level of distress gets lower and lower the more rounds you do. Even if the problem doesn't get completely neutralized (distress level 0), at around distress level 2, you will have experienced much relief. It is likely that now you will be able to move forward, feeling positive and motivated. At the very least, you will be calmer and more at peace.
EFT tapping or adhd coaching?
You may be wondering which is for you. The good news is you don't have to choose one or the other!
In my signature JDHD Coaching Process, I combine:
1. ADHD Skill Education:
Understanding how ADHD shows up in your life.
2. Behavioral ADHD Coaching:
Practical and performance-based guidance and accountability for building an easier, happier life with ADHD.
3. ADHD Energy Work:
With the powerful modality of EFT tapping, we clear deep negative emotions, associations, limiting beliefs, that are getting in the way of optimal progress. Think of it as clearing the path so that you can continue smoothly on your travels.
All in all, EFT can be a powerful tool for ADHDers.
