Evidence-Based EFT
What is Evidence-Based EFT?
Evidence-Based EFT (EBEFT) is a self-applied stress reduction technique using elements of exposure and cognitive therapy, with physical stimulation of acupuncture points. It is often referred to as ‘tapping’ as it uses a two-finger tapping process on these points.
Evidence-Based EFT has been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels, which is associated with the stress response. When an individual’s physiological stress response reduces and they feel calmer within themselves, it is often possible to think more clearly and make steady progress on a range of presenting issues.
The mechanisms behind EFT include the deactivation of the amygdala (the area of the brain that is associated with stress responses), the hippocampus (the area of the brain that is associated with aspects of memory storage), as well as improving functioning of aspects of the nervous system.
Research on gene expression indicates EBEFT helps to down-regulate genes associated with the stress response, and up-regulate or improve immune functioning.
With over 100 outcome studies completed, there is now a growing body of evidence of the effectiveness that EFT has in treating a range of presenting issues such as phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, chronic pain conditions, and broader emotional regulation.
To find out more about EB-EFT click on the links below:
Services
Individual 1:1
Therapy
Erin is an accredited practitioner in Evidence-Based Emotional Freedom Techniques (EB-EFT) and currently offers individual EB-EFT support sessions in-person and via Telehealth (using video calling as her primary platform). Erin offers all EB-EFT services as a clinical psychologist.
Consultation Duration
Sessions that incorporate EB-EFT are between 50 and 80 minutes in duration.
Consultation Arrangement
The nature of an individual’s presenting issue will help to decide how many sessions to engage in. For some people, engaging in a few sessions may feel enough, while for others it may feel appropriate to book a series of 4-6 sessions before reviewing their ongoing support needs. A tailored support plan can be developed within your initial session Erin.
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If you would like to book an individual EB-EFT session with Erin or discuss a referral, please send through your enquiry to email erin@erincummings.com.au or contact below.
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Erin offers all EB-EFT sessions as a Clinical Psychologist. Consultation fees are as follows:
Initial Assessment Consultation
Session is 90 minutes in duration and includes post-session formulation and treatment planning
$320Standard Treatment Consultation
Session is 50 minutes in duration
$245Extended Treatment Consultation
Session greater than 60 minutes, no longer than 80 minutes in duration
$300Please note: These fees are well below the Australian Psychological Society National Schedule of Suggested Fees (2025-2026), which is $318 for a standard 46 to 60-minute consultation.
Clinical psychology Medicare or private health rebates may be available for eligible individuals. For further information on rebates, please read the Frequently Asked Questions in the Clinical Psychology and EFT sections of the website.
Tapping Circles
A tapping circle is when a group of people come together regularly to learn and practice EB-EFT together, often with a common theme or presenting issue in mind.
Tapping circles can provide a more financially accessible opportunity to learn this effective stress-reduction technique whilst also providing a group experience of connection, support and co-regulation. Tapping in a group can also be an effective way to consolidate the gains an individual may be making in their personal practice or in individual EFT sessions.
Erin offers tapping circles that focus on a particular theme, often running over the course of six sessions, each session running for a duration of 60 minutes.
The tapping circles that Erin facilitate have a closed intake, where the same group of people commit to attending the full series of sessions. This closed-group model supports the building of group cohesion, allowing participants to learn and practice EFT together in a safe and supportive environment.
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Erin schedules a 30-minute Information Call with each prospective participant prior to running a tapping circle. This provides an opportunity to explore what has brought each person to the group and to identify any goals they may wish to work towards in the group. It also provides an opportunity to introduce how a tapping circle works and the basic group guidelines.
This intake call helps to ensure that the goals and support needs of each participant are well suited to a specific tapping circle.
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If you are interested in participating in a local tapping circle, please contact Erin to be placed on a participant waitlist. Once there are six participants registered, Erin will then schedule a tapping circle.
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Please contact Erin for information about appointments and fees.
Types of Tapping Circles
Women’s Circles
This tapping circle explores a range of themes such as self-care, self-talk, overwhelm, common limiting beliefs, stress responses, experiences of connection.
Self-care & Connection
This tapping circle provides an opportunity to work through blocks and challenges experienced in broader self-care and connection practices.
Adolescent Group
This tapping circle explores a range of themes relevant to young people such as relationships and social connection, self-concept, emotions, managing stress, independence, parents and family.
Parent’s Circles
This tapping circle provides an opportunity to explore experiences and challenges that can be commonly experienced in parenting roles.
FAQs
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Tapping on acupoints has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine frameworks. For thousands of years acupuncture (the gentle stimulation of acupoints with needles) has been one component used to support returning the body to a state of balance and wellbeing. The underpinning concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine is that acupoints are connected by pathways or meridians that create an energy flow (known as Qi) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Within this framework, it is believed that blockages in Qi can be associated with imbalances in health. The stimulation of acupoints is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health and wellbeing.
Over the past 50 years or so, there have been advances in investigating the stress reduction effects of tapping on acupoints. From this exploration, there have been a range of acupoint-tapping approaches that have emerged – Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is one.
There are many EFT approaches that can be readily accessed on social media platforms, often combining a similar tapping sequence of acupoints with a series of positive affirmations relating to a range of commonly experienced challenges. Whilst these online resources may look like Evidence-Based EFT (EB-EFT), there are some key differences.
EB-EFT protocols have been researched and evaluated in over 100 outcome studies, using the scientific method and adhering to the same clinical protocols. This means there is a growing body of scientific data that supports the effectiveness of using these techniques for a range of presenting issues.
EB-EFT is generally delivered by trained practitioners.
EB-EFT begins with a focus on a negative experience and the associated distress it causes, to support in safely working with the nervous system response and reducing the overall intensity of emotion or stress. Once supported to release any stuck stress responses using this method, the individual can be supported to connect with their own inner wisdom that then guides any secondary positive reframes in their thinking or ‘next steps’.
EB-EFT’s signature is working in very specific and measurable ways that are unique to an individual’s situation, allowing progress to be easily tracked and reviewed.
It is this very specific, challenge-focused entry point to the tapping that is associated with the clinically significant results seen when working with a range of presenting issues.
As such, whilst it is possible to introduce EB-EFT protocol on pre-recorded online materials, actual training or personal work requires a tailored, interactive approach with a trained practitioner.
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In addition to being a registered clinical psychologist, Erin is also a an accredited Evidence Based EFT (EBEFT) practitioner. Many existing licensed health professionals may want to seek EBEFT skills training only. However, in addition to EBEFT Practitioner training workshops, accredited EBEFT Practitioners have completed further training regarding the application of EBEFT to support individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress responses. Accredited EBEFT Practitioners have also engaged in extensive EFT case work with clients under mentorship. They have also engaged in their own EBEFT ‘self-work’ including having individual sessions with another accredited EBEFT practitioner. Accredited EBEFT practitioners have agreed to and signed a Code of Conduct and have demonstrated evidence of holding practitioner insurance. To maintain their listing on the online Evidence Based EFT Practitioner Register, accredited EBEFT practitioners also must engage in ongoing continuing education every year.
This level of training, mentoring, professional commitment and ongoing education aims to support accredited EBEFT practitioners in offering a high-quality service to their clients.
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Yes, Erin offers clinical EFT sessions through online consultations.
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Both accredited EBEFT practitioners and clinical psychologists can offer effective stress-reduction approaches that then also support individuals in building emotional awareness, emotional regulation, relational connection, supporting the re-working of thinking patterns and behavioural responses.
However, an accredited EBEFT practitioner has not been trained to assess or diagnose underlying mental health problems. Clinical psychologists are trained in assessing, understanding (or formulating) and diagnosing mental illnesses and psychological problems that individuals may present with. Using a range of techniques and therapies, clinical psychologists tailor programs with an individual to treat complex mental health problems.
As Erin is both a clinical psychologist and an accredited EBEFT practitioner, she is trained and experienced in offering the full spectrum of care from assessment, diagnosis, treatment of mental health challenges, whilst also supporting individuals in their broader personal growth and development journeys.
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If EB-EFT protocols are incorporated and implemented within a broader clinical psychology treatment plan, then clinical psychology Medicare or private health rebates may be available for eligible individuals for these sessions.