Stress Center Peer Support

Has anyone heard of or tried this tapping technique for dealing with a specific phobia? Is it quackery? Is it compatible with our program? Just curious.

Not sure if this is what you are referring to but I've had a tapping technique done by a therapist for post traumatic stress. She alternately tapped each knee while I was sitting while going over the scene in my mind that was causing the stress. It was very effective and I think (but not positive) it has something to do with connecting the right and left side of the brain transmissions. I've also heard of a technique where you wrap your arms around yourself and alternately tap your shoulders when you are feeling a lot of anxiety. For some crazy reason this seems to be very effective for me and works pretty well.

I think it's officially called EMDR. It began by using eye movements back and forth, but now it involves alternatively stimulating the right and left side of the body rapidly. It's meant to stimulate parts of the brain to process trauma that has not been processed. I had it done a few times. The first time, I used eye movements by following lights. The faster it went,the more effective it was. I think it did help, but I was afraid of doing it multiple times. One time, I just held these things that alternatively vibrated my hands, and I was more comfortable. It didn't hurt me at all, and I wasn't out a lot of money to do it. I admit that I kind of do it on my own with my eyes sometimes if I'm thinking about a traumatic event, and it does seem to help me process it. There is controversy over whether or not it really works.

I've never used it but my sister has and she said it really does work. I think what it does in a moment of anxiety or obsessive thinking, is pull all of your focus on the tapping and repeating phrases to yourself. Sort of distracts your brain from focusing on what it is that's causing you to be anxious. Of course, it's not the sort of thing you can start doing out in public,hehe Or I guess you could, whatever you're comfortable with So in that sense it's not that convenient. But if you're at home and worrying, it's suppose to be quite effective.

I have used it. They do use it for post tramatic stress disorder. They can also use a light bar that makes the eyes move back and forth, as well as a head set with beaping from one ear to the other. I use it with mild sucess however due to an insurance change I was unable to continue with my therapist at that time.

There is a book out by Dr. George Pratt called Accupressure for the Emotions. It involves a lot of tapping. It may be of interest to you. You can purchase it on Amazon.com

There are a couple tapping methods. One is called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). You can find it at www.emofree.com. I think it would be an excellent support to the Stress Program and highly recommend it. They have a free online manual in which you can learn the technique as well as a free newsletter that comes out every couple of days. It is used for many different areas of life and the moderators are very interactive on the Forum and offer an amazing amount of guidance and recommendations. For anyone who gets stuck in the MWProgram, this would be an excellent resource.

EMDR is used for PTSD and not recommended for other types of issues. It really should be performed by a qualified specialist. EFT is used for just about any psychological and physical disorder and can be done on your own or with a trained practioner either in person or over the phone.

I've used EFT and it has helped for a variety of things from cravings to fears to not being able to fall asleep. I don't know why I don't do it more, it's easy to forget! But it's very easy to do, you can go on to you tube and search for EFT and learn the different pressure points and language to use.

Shifrah, that is an excellent suggestion. I just went to you tube and found EFT and Resistance to Change one that would be very beneficial to all those having difficulty getting into the StressCenter.com Program because of a fear of change.