Helping Large Groups with EFT

"Emotional Freedom Technique"

Recently, methods have been developed for the use of EFT in large groups, so that many clients can receive nearly the same benefits at the same time, and usually at a lower cost per person. We are able to work with groups of 30 individuals or more, given time for adequate planning . The method is called “Borrowing Benefits”. We first learned about it at a workshop in Flagstaff, Arizona several years ago, where it was used with some 175 therapists. Most of the therapists received important benefits.

Now, we’re ready to offer this service to Minnesota clients. All that is required is that you come and participate in the activity, and we can pretty much guarantee that you’ll get your money’s worth and more. Here are some FAQ about this service:

Q. What kinds of groups do you work with?

A. We treat groups such as victims of earthquakes, floods, multiple pileups on the highway, schoolbus accidents, service personnel returning from Iraq. We also work with schools, community groups, men’s and women’s service organizations, Toastmasters clubs-- any group that may have suffered group trauma, OR may have common goals, such as becoming more adept at public speaking or having a more successful athletic team.

Q. I’ve read the EFT page on your website, so I know a little of how EFT works at your clinic or by telephone. Does Group EFT work the same way?

A. Pretty much. Here’s the difference: When we work with individual clients, we address that client’s particular issues, usually one at a time. For example, if the client has trauma from an automobile accident, we will work on issues such as the noise of the crash, the cries from the victims, blood, etc. We usually take those issues one at a time, with that individual.

Now, when a GROUP wishes to receive benefits (as in a bridge collapse, a severe drought, an earthquake, a flood, or a war), then we will STILL do most of our work with one individual or "volunteer", usually in front of the group, so everyone can follow what's happening. This volunteer may (or may not!) have some of the issues common among the group. If the incident was a major road accident (as with the I 35 W bridge collapse n the Twin Cities), perhaps the volunteer was a victim, a fireman who rescued victims and now can’t sleep at night, or simply an observer who happened by the scene.

Before we begin working with the volunteer, we will provide specific instructions to the rest of the group, for what THEY are to do while we are working with the volunteer. They will ALSO be tapping, but for their OWN, INDIVIDUAL issues. If this is done in the proper way, then as the volunteer is helped with her individual issues, the remainder of the group will also be helped, with their own particular issues. It’s a win/win and quite successful.

Q. So if I’m just sitting in the audience and tapping for my own issue, I still benefit from the therapy, almost as though I’m the one up front who's getting the special attention?

A. That’s the idea. There are some ground rules which we’d ask you to follow so that you will be successful. That will be explained.

Q. Any downside?

A. None that we’re aware of. EFT is remarkably free of any downside, when used with care by someone who is trained and knowledgeable.

Q. Do I have to BELIEVE in this EFT in order for it to work?

A. Not really. So long as you follow the simple instructions, we expect it to work for you. After the first couple of experiences, you may become convinced, but that’s your choice!

Q. Are the results long lasting? Or will I have to repeat it in a month?

A. EFT results are typically quite long lasting. Of course, if you have a similar experience 30 days later, such as another highway accident, robbery or whatever, you may need to repeat the work for that issue.

Q. If I were a teacher and I wanted my students to be more successful in mathematics, I could use Group EFT with them to clear their fear of the subject? Or, if there were a shooting incident, Group EFT could help them to release their fears from the shooting?

A. Of course. Or, if students were involved in a bus accident, the method could be used to help them cope with the aftermath of the accident.

Q. Conventional psychotherapy can take months. How much time is this group EFT likely to take?

A. It will depend upon the issue, but typically it takes less than an hour to defuse or clear each individual issue. If the issue is complex, with many layers, then it may take longer. Time should be allowed for the instructions, time for the work itself, and time for discussion afterward.

Q. Suppose that some of the participants become really anxious as they are doing the work. What then?

A. Normally, when we work with large groups, additional therapists are made available, who can then work individually with such folks if this happens. A few minutes of additional work will usually help to calm them and work through the anxiety.

Q. How does Helping To Heal charge for this special service?

A. Work with large groups is usually done on a contractual basis, so that the therapists are fairly compensated for their time. If there are 30 to 60 individuals in the group, then we would usually use one lead therapist with one supporting staff member. Cost then might be as low as $10 per hour per group member. We will sometimes do the work on a donation basis, depending upon the situation. Call us to talk about what you’d like to see happen with your group.