How to address multiple aspects of an issue with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
Every issue you work on has many parts, many details, and many possible triggers. Essentially every issue can be broken down into different aspects and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping can be used to very specifically address each different aspect.
So what is an aspect?
Aspects are different parts or details of a problem.
Doing EFT and Shifting Aspects
They can be specific things that upset us or they may be different layers of emotion that emerge as we tap. Most people who are new to EFT may even shift aspects while tapping and not even realize it. They may report still feeling upset even after several rounds of tapping — but upon questioning they reveal that they are no longer still upset about the same aspect.
In almost every instance, another aspect has popped up, ready to be addressed with more tapping.
If you are tapping for a snake phobia for example, you first might tap for the sight of a snake, then the slithering of its body’s movement, then its beady eyes, etc…
To determine which aspect of the problem should be addressed ask the following:
- What bothers me the most about this?
- What details do I see when you think about this?
- After tapping – What still bothers me about this?
Many issues carry a complicated mix of emotions.
Let’s say you have tapped for your fear of snakes and you begin to feel inexplicable sadness while you are tapping. The tapping process may uncover buried emotional issues, and if that happens, you simply continue to tap until you feel better. You have a very good chance of neutralizing the core issue at hand as long as you keep tapping.
Doing EFT and Your Emotions
Be mindful that as you tap, your emotions may begin to subside only to be replaced with different emotions.
For example, if you are sad – after tapping – you may feel angry.
Hidden layers of emotion often emerge during tapping, and these should be handled with additional rounds of tapping.
Each emotional aspect should be handled separately – with its own Set-Up and Reminder Phrases and several rounds of tapping. As you experience different emotional aspects coming up, and then you specifically target these aspects with tapping, you will go a long way towards achieving lasting results.
As you tap, you will more often than not begin to feel differently after tapping.
You might begin to notice that certain details of your original problem don’t bother you as much anymore, or you might feel a completely different emotion coming up for you. For instance, if you have a fear of public speaking, the butterflies in your stomach that tell you you’re nervous may subside to a 2 after tapping, but you may realize embarrassment is coming up at a 10.
This is a different aspect of the issue.
As you tap and different aspects of the issue pop up, you will be addressing the complexity of the issue. Be sure to refer to your original intensity assessment and take note of what has changed from that starting point.
A thorough process may take you through many aspects, including changes in the way the emotion is showing up in your body. Continue rating your intensity level and tapping as you address each sensation that arises.
Stay focused on, or refocus your attention on, what is most intense, or most important, for you in each moment.
Paying attention to aspects and targeting each aspect with the tapping is one of the best ways to address the many parts of the problem at hand. Remember, if all else fails, being as specific as possible when addressing aspects of your issue with tapping always gets the best results.