There are many advanced Emotional Freedom Techniques. Here are 7 of my favourites. They are in no particular order. Please pick & choose the techniques you resonate with most.

Movie Technique

This is also known as the story approach. It is a gentle way to clear traumatic events. When recounting a past event, start at the beginning. Pay attention as soon as you feel any emotional intensity.

Tap on whatever is happening at this point until your intensity level reaches a zero. Ensure you repeat your story from the beginning (stopping at the first signs of emotional distress). Keep doing this until your whole event can be recounted without upset.

This technique is useful to ensure all aspects of a trauma are treated. It also allows you to work through an issue without being overwhelmed. It is important to go slowly & respect your limits.

Tearless Trauma Technique

This technique was developed by Gary Craig to help clients deal with trauma too intense to even think about. TTT is extremely gentle, yet it is as effective as any other approach (its simplicity should not be overlooked).

Begin my identifying the problem from a distance. Ensure you are not thinking about the trauma yet. Ask yourself what you think the intensity level would be if you were to visualize your trauma. Now treat this probable feeling with EFT in the usual way.

Once your intensity has reached a zero, slowly start to get closer in your mind to the trauma. Treat each step that raises your intensity level. Do this until all stages are complete & you can not only think about, but describe in vivid detail your trauma without any emotional intensity.

Keyword Focus

In EFT a keyword or short phrase can be identified & substituted instead of your issue. Use when a reminder phrase becomes too long (& awkward to use), or if you are too distraught to talk about your issue.

A keyword can either be of relevance, or be completely unconnected to your issue. Ensure you link your word in your mind to your issue.

Volcano Technique

This is a little controversial within EFT. The idea here goes against EFT's softly, softly approach. Use the volcano technique to provoke yourself. The reason being you want your emotions to rise quickly to the surface.

The advantages are speeding the process of reaching your core issue. You can get to the underlying, root issue rapidly. By pushing the core issue to the surface, you can avoid going through many layers.

EFT Short-cuts

Many therapists are now leaving out the 9 gamut procedure - using it only when someone is getting stuck. Leaving out the points on the fingers also seems to gain the same results. In most cases going straight to the karate chop point after doing the face & body works just as well as the full sequence.

Using the karate chop point instead of the sore point for the set-up phrase at the beginning of each round works most of the time.

If you are experiencing intense emotional pain in the present moment - often the set-up & reminder phrases can be dropped. This is because your attention is already focused on your problem.

Memory Retrieval

EFT has the ability to often find lost or hidden memories. This can be used for convenience, such as 'I can't remember where I left my car keys', or for therapeutic treatment. In treating yourself, it is useful for finding why a pattern or emotion has been established.

Sometimes the memory comes back instantly. Other times it may be delayed or just trigger related memories that (once treated) lead to the desired one. Once your memory has surfaced - treat in the same way as usual.

Stepping Stone Approach

Sometimes it is important for you to take things in stages. If you have had an issue for a long time, your identity can become built around this issue. In this case taking it slow & working in baby steps is much better than rushing straight in.