Agoraphobia Treatment Options

Alternative Treatment for Agoraphobia - Part 5:
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

Emotional Freedom Techniques is an alternative treatment for agoraphobia derived from an energy healing system called Thought Field Training (TFT). TFT was developed in the 1970s by an American psychologist named Roger Callahan.

EFT taps the body's 365 acupressure points to restore energy flow. This technique was revised by Gary Craig, a California engineer who focused on 11 of these acupressure points. After revising the system, Craig renamed it “Emotional Freedom Techniques” (EFT).

Those who practice EFT think of it as “emotional acupuncture.” The practitioner taps his or her fingertips on acupuncture meridian points on your head and chest, while you focus attention on specific emotions associated with agoraphobia. This practice rests on the theory that tapping energy meridians and speaking positive affirmation will clear the emotional block that is stopping electromagnetic energy from flowing through your body and keeping you healthy.

Supposedly, one or two EFT sessions should clear up a psychological or emotional problem like agoraphobia forever. Those who believe in it say that EFT can heal anxiety, addictions, depression, weight problems, and pain. Also, you can learn to practice EFT on your own from available informational materials.

As with EMDR and hypnotherapy, there are individual case studies in which people with agoraphobia have significantly improved as a result of EFT. However, there is no substantial body of research to support its effectiveness.