Phobias, stress and addictions can be hard to live with but Tania Harasimiuk-Boardman of Prism Healing is tapping into a solution that gets to the route of the problem and perhaps most impressively, provides a tool for life in the form of Emotional Freedom Techniques.

What are Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)?

EFT literally taps on energy points – it looks really odd to start with but most people find it so effective that they soon stop caring.  For example if you reach for food but don’t know why EFT taps into the reasons.  When you have an issue you beat yourself up about it, so part of the process is acceptance.  The other part uses pressure points.

How did you become a well-being therapist?

I was very sensitive to energy growing up – I thought everyone was the same – I would be fascinated by the energy in a stone or something and my friends would just humour me.  But I initially followed other passions and went to Dubai for a bit where I was first introduced to EFT.  When I came back I built on that, learning other therapies along the way.

What happens during a session?

We start by looking at what it is that’s causing stress – usually by the time people come to me they have something specific that is impacting their lives.  We place it on a scale of 1-10, and try to ascertain the first time they felt that way – sometimes that’s not immediately accessible – then we jump in and start tapping!  We also come up with a set up phrase – something like: “I’m open to accepting myself” – and then use different pressure points and phrases.  I work quite intuitively and some people feel as though I am inside their heads.  We work from the hand across the body and take breaks as a lot of the time it brings up big emotions.

Is it something you need to keep having or can you have a course or one session and see benefits?

Some come to me for one session, I show them the basics and then they are fine, others come for a programme and then might return for ‘top ups’.  The beauty of EFT however is that it’s a tool for life – once you know it, it’s yours to use.

A lot of homeopathic remedies have a bit of a placebo effect – do you have to believe in EFT for it to work?

No, not at all, which is just as well because it looks ridiculous.  Usually people are open to it when they come though – I had a client recently who had tried Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and loads of other things, but they hadn’t worked for her, but she is already seeing the benefits of this.

Who is it good for?

It’s great for phobias – lots of people who have problems with food or substances.  It’s great for everyday stress, confidence and public speaking – I have clients who are businessmen and women who are crippled with fear when it comes to presentations; it’s also very good for grief – it’s never going to take the pain away, but it helps you to exist.  It can also help with physical pain.

Is there anyone it isn’t good for?

The great thing about it is that it is for everyone – pregnant women often find themselves stressed about giving birth but there are lots of relaxation therapies they can’t have – this is perfect for them.

Is it something you can enhance at home?

There are websites that show you how to do it and that’s fine for some, but lots of people find they don’t get the results they want until they have learned from a therapist.  After that it’s something you can do anywhere!