An Introduction to EFT for Social Workers - A Gentle, Evidence-Based Tool for Supporting Clients and Ourselves

Capability level: Emerging, Evolving, Established

Event description:

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a gentle, accessible, and evidence-based therapeutic approach that integrates the body and mind by combining somatic stimulation (tapping on specific acupressure points) with focused cognitive statements. By working with both the nervous system and the subconscious mind, EFT can quickly reduce distress and bring about a sense of calm, clarity, and resilience.

A growing body of research highlights EFT’s effectiveness across a wide range of concerns, including reducing stress and anxiety, processing trauma and PTSD, managing cravings and addictions, relieving physical pain, shifting limiting beliefs, and supporting emotional regulation. Because EFT is non-invasive, easy to learn, and adaptable, it can be safely used in clinical practice, community settings, or for personal self-care.

In this interactive workshop, you will be introduced to the foundations of EFT and gain practical experience with simple techniques that can be applied immediately. You will learn how to use EFT on yourself as a tool for stress relief and emotional balance, and how to begin integrating it into your work with clients. Whether you are new to tapping or looking to expand your therapeutic toolkit, this workshop offers both insight and hands-on practice to help you feel confident using EFT as a supportive resource.

Who should attend?

This workshop is for Social Workers across practice areas seeking practical, evidence-based techniques to support clients with stress, trauma, cravings, and limiting beliefs, while also enhancing their own wellbeing and self-care strategies.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basic principles of EFT
• Identify a range of applications of EFT for working with clients
• Recognise and challenge common myths and misconceptions about EFT
• Apply basic EFT techniques for emotional regulation and stress reduction
• Explore how EFT can be used in trauma-informed social work practice and ways to safely integrate EFT into client work

Event structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Learning Session 1: Introduction to EFT (30 minutes)

Activity 1: Guided demonstration + group reflection

Learning Session 2: EFT in Practice (30 minutes)

Activity 2: Applying basic techniques

Learning Session 3: Integrating EFT with Social Work Practice (30 minutes)

Activity 3: Case study discussion + application strategies

Learning Session 4: Self-Care and Personal Use (20 minutes)

Activity 4: Individual practice and reflection

Conclusion + Q&A (15 minutes)

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health (FPS), Clinical SW

FPS Relaxation Strategies will be incorporated in this workshop and falls under d. Relaxation Strategies of Medicare schedule (https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.7.4&qt=noteID&criteria=MN%2E7%2E4)

In the event of an audit, it is the member’s responsibility to clearly demonstrate how this FPS training is relevant to the delivery of FPS in their specific work context.