Tapping for Anxiety in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Leigh Brosof, PhD | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Tapping, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), is a self-help practice that combines focused attention on a troubling emotion or thought with a sequence of gentle taps on specific points of the body. These points, often referred to as “meridian points,” are believed in traditional Chinese medicine to be areas where energy flows.

The idea behind tapping is that by acknowledging a negative feeling while stimulating these pressure points, the body’s stress response can be calmed. While EFT originated outside mainstream psychology, it has gained attention as a tool some people use for anxiety, stress, trauma, and other emotional challenges.

Here, we’ll look more into what the research says and how to get help for anxiety.

Does Tapping Work for Anxiety?

The research on tapping and anxiety is still emerging. Several small trials and systematic reviews suggest that EFT may help reduce anxiety symptoms. For example, a 2016 meta-analysis published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found that tapping had a significant effect compared to control groups. Some researchers believe the benefit may come from the combination of exposure (focusing on the distressing issue) and the calming nature of touch or acupressure.

That said, not all experts agree. Critics point out that many studies on EFT have small sample sizes or lack rigorous controls. And while some elements of tapping resemble those used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EFT is not the same as CBT and is not considered a first-line treatment in clinical guidelines.

In short, tapping may help some people reduce anxiety, especially as a self-regulation tool, but more research is needed to fully understand how and why it works. 

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Tapping vs. Other Anxiety Treatments

More important than comparing tapping to no treatment is to see how it stacks up to first-choice anxiety treatments.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety. It helps people identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and gradually face fears in a structured way. While tapping involves acknowledging distress and saying affirming statements, CBT typically involves deeper restructuring of thought patterns and behaviors through guided techniques.

Unlike EFT (tapping), CBT is widely supported by large, high-quality studies and is recommended by most clinical guidelines.

Medication

Anti-anxiety medications — such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — can also be effective, particularly for moderate to severe anxiety. These are usually prescribed by a physician, such as a psychiatrist, and may be used alone or alongside therapy. 

Tapping, as a self-help tool, is not intended to replace medication or therapy but some people may choose to use it as a supplemental strategy.

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When Self-Help Isn’t Enough: Professional Care That Makes a Difference

It’s possible tapping and other self-help tools may offer temporary relief, but if anxiety is interfering with your work, relationships, or overall well-being, it might be time to seek professional help. 

Anxiety is highly treatable, especially when approached with evidence-based therapies, and you’re not expected to navigate this alone.

Anxiety and EFT Tapping Statistics

Anxiety is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. In recent years, alternative approaches like EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) have gained attention as potential tools for managing anxiety. While scientific research on the effectiveness of EFT tapping for anxiety is still limited, anecdotal evidence suggests positive outcomes for some individuals. As interest in complementary therapies grows, more studies are needed to provide further insight into the statistics and efficacy of EFT tapping in addressing anxiety.

Why Choose We Level Up Washington?

At We Level Up Washington, we specialize in comprehensive mental health care that addresses anxiety at its root. Our team provides personalized treatment plans that may include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Medication management
• Mindfulness-based therapies
• Group and individual counseling
• Holistic support to treat the whole you

We understand that no two people experience anxiety the same way. That’s why we take a whole-person approach to treatment, helping you to develop healthier coping strategies, rebuild your confidence, and take back control of your life.

Support for Dual Diagnosis

Many people facing anxiety also struggle with substance use, sometimes as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. This is known as a dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders, and it requires a specialized, integrated approach to treatment.

At We Level Up Washington, we’re equipped to treat both mental health conditions and substance use disorders at the same time. Our dual diagnosis program is designed to:

• Address the root causes of anxiety and addiction
• Break the cycle of self-medication
• Provide a safe space for healing, growth, and recovery
• Offer tools that support long-term emotional and physical wellness

If you’re struggling with anxiety and also dealing with alcohol or drug use, you don’t have to choose between treating one condition or the other. We Level Up Washington offers comprehensive care that sees the whole you.

Conclusion

Tapping is a simple technique that some people find helpful for managing anxiety. While it isn’t a replacement for proven treatments like CBT or medication, it may offer a sense of calm, especially when used alongside other tools.

If you’re struggling with anxiety that’s impacting your daily life, know that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to manage it alone either. Talking to a mental health professional can be a powerful first step toward relief. Whether it’s therapy, medication, or something else, support is available. And you deserve to feel better.

Give us a call today at 509-348-4077 to speak with one of our friendly representatives.

Powerful Coping Skills for Anxiety. Top Mental Health Tips & Anxiety Tips Advice from a Therapist.

“Anxiety, when gone untreated, can increase over time. So here are four tips to calm your everyday anxiety. Take a breath. Do something that you enjoy. Remove yourself from the situation and go for a walk. Doing these four things gives you a better chance of calming your anxiety.”

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