Emotional Freedom Tapping: A Grounding Self-Care Practice for Caregivers

Caregiving—whether for a loved one or a patient—is one of the most compassionate yet emotionally demanding roles a person can take on. It requires patience, strength, and a deep well of empathy. But to show up fully for others, caregivers must also learn to show up for themselves. One powerful tool that we have found particularly effective is Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), also known simply as “tapping.” 

Understanding Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT) 

EFT is a therapeutic technique that involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on a particular emotional issue or stressor. Rooted in principles of both Eastern medicine and modern psychology, EFT is based on the idea that negative emotions stem from disruptions in the body’s energy system. By tapping on these points, individuals can restore balance and alleviate emotional distress. The process typically involves identifying the issue, rating its intensity, creating a setup statement that acknowledges the problem and affirms self-acceptance, and then tapping through a sequence of meridian points while focusing on the issue. This method aims to reduce the emotional charge associated with the problem, leading to a sense of relief, clarity, and emotional balance. 

The Benefits of EFT for Caregivers 

In the demanding field of hospice care, caregivers and healthcare professionals like hospice social worker Jessica Villarreal, ASW, often carry the emotional weight of others. With eight years of service in social work, Jessica has supported diverse populations—from homeless veterans to children and the elderly. Her role at Healing Care over the past year and a half has allowed her to deepen her commitment to end-of-life support. She describes the emotional demands of her work and the importance of self-care: “As social workers, being able to remain calm with families during difficult times is crucial. And then doing self-care afterwards, of course. That is what helps you continue the next day and still be okay.” 

One of Jessica’s key self-care practices has been EFT, which blends aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy with physical tapping on meridian points. She explains, “Tapping at certain meridian points helps lower cortisol levels, which in turn helps you manage stress.” 

For caregivers, emotional exhaustion is real—and often goes unnoticed. Over time, carrying the weight of someone else’s needs can lead to burnout. This is where EFT offers something unique: a way to process the emotional weight of caregiving in just a few minutes a day. 

Summary of Key Benefits of EFT for Caregivers: 

• • Stress Relief: Tapping helps regulate cortisol levels, which can ease the physical symptoms of chronic stress. 

• • Emotional Clarity: EFT encourages caregivers to acknowledge their emotions, rather than suppress them, leading to better mental health over time. 

• • Resilience Building: Regular practice builds emotional stamina, making it easier to stay present and grounded in high-stress situations. 

• • Physical Soothing: Some caregivers report relief from tension, headaches, or body aches after tapping sessions.  

A Real-World Example of EFT in Caregiving 

Jessica recalls one especially moving moment when EFT helped not just her, but also someone under her care. While working with a Healing Care hospice patient experiencing severe cancer-related pain and agitation, Jessica gently guided the patient through tapping—even though the patient did not participate directly. The effects were surprising. 

“Soon, she began to relax and eventually fall asleep,” Jessica recalled. “The calmness it brought her was incredibly soothing. It was really amazing.” 

Even without active participation, the calmness and intentional presence of a grounded caregiver had a tangible effect. EFT gave Jessica the space to become that steady, comforting presence.  

How to Practice EFT: A Quick Guide for Caregivers 

If you are a caregiver looking to add EFT to your routine, here is a simple way to get started: 

1. 1. Name the feeling: Identify the emotion or stressor you are currently experiencing—e.g., “I feel overwhelmed,” “I am afraid of letting someone down,” etc. 
   2. Rate the intensity: On a scale from 0 to 10, how strong is this feeling?
   3. Create a setup statement: This usually sounds like: “Even though I feel [emotion], I deeply and completely accept myself.” 
   4. Tap the points: While repeating your setup statement or simply focusing on the emotion, tap lightly on these key points:
      • • Top of the head
        • Eyebrow
        • Side of the eye
        • Under the eye
        • Under the nose
        • Chin
        • Collarbone
        • Side of the hand
        • Under the arm
   5. Recheck the intensity: After one round of tapping, check in with how you feel. Has the intensity dropped? If not, do another round, and continue as needed. 
      

Caring for Yourself So You Can Keep Caring for Others 

Caregiving is both an act of love and an emotional marathon. Techniques like Emotional Freedom Tapping offer a gentle, accessible way to manage your own self-care. Whether you are supporting a loved one through their illness process, caring for a patient, or managing daily responsibilities as a caregiver, EFT can serve as a small daily ritual with big emotional rewards. Through practices like EFT, caregivers can build the inner support they need to continue showing up with strength and empathy, day after day.  

Written by: V Perera 

Contributions by: Jessica Villarreal, ASW 

Sources: 

1. 1. Watson, Stephanie. “EFT Tapping: What You Need to Know.” Healthline, 22 Dec. 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/eft-tapping. 
   2. Ablaza, Megan. “What Is Tapping Therapy and What Are the Benefits?” Byrdie, 15 Nov. 2023, https://www.byrdie.com/benefits-of-tapping-therapy. 
   3. “Unlocking the Power of Emotional Freedom Technique: 5 Surprising Benefits You Didn’t Know About EFT.” Breathe + Bloom, 6 Mar. 2023, https://www.breathenbloom.com/post/unlocking-the-power-of-emotional-freedom-technique-5-surprising-benefits-you-didn-t-know-about-eft.