Pattani, S. (2019). A phenomenological enquiry into how Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioners conduct surrogate EFT [Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Alef Trust & Middlesex University.
Surrogate EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a distance healing energy psychology technique which involves an individual tapping on their acupressure points for the benefit of another. Whilst cases of surrogate EFT have been documented, not much is known about practitioner experiences. This study is a phenomenological enquiry into how EFT practitioners conduct surrogate EFT, with the aim being to elicit lived experiences as well as protocols being used. The research method employed was an interpretative phenomenological analysis, in which six participants were interviewed using a semi-structed interview approach. Interview transcripts were carefully analysed, resulting in the emergence of seven themes: 1) protocols; 2) connection; 3) physical experiences; 4) practitioner skills; 5) permission; 6) practitioner beliefs and 7) contraindications. The findings suggest that conducting surrogate EFT is a multi-faceted procedure, going far beyond just a step-by-step protocol. The findings have revealed a transpersonal aspect, with many of the lived experiences described being similar to those experienced by spiritual mediums. Whilst further consideration still needs to be given to the ethical framework and practitioner safety, the insight provided by both the lived experiences and the specific protocols used, provide the foundation for developing a standardised protocol for further systematic studies.
