Helping Children with Cancer Using EFT: Deborah Miller, PhD
ACEP is always happy to hear stories of energy psychology in action, and we were delighted to learn about the work of Deborah D. Miller, PhD. She shared an inspiring story of helping children with cancer using EFT in a hospital. She found that she not only provided comfort and relief to children with cancer, but also to their families, medical staff, and even other support workers. You can read more about using energy psychology with cancer following our blog series here.
Deborah has been an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping expert and trainer since 2003. She is a Reiki Master, an internationally recognized author, and holds a PhD in cell and molecular biology. She has been living and providing care in Oaxaca, Mexico for over 20 years. Her website features resources including “Compassion in Action - Emotional First Aid for Children” (How to Quickly Help in Times of Trouble). Deborah's brand-new book, EFT For Cancer, is co-authored with Stephanie Marohn.
EFT can go where it’s needed.
In our recent chat, we focused on Deborah’s work with children in a hospital cancer treatment ward. This opportunity developed when she was invited by a friend to help support a child who had cancer. They met with a small group in a park, and Deborah shared EFT exercises. The response was immediate. The kids and their parents felt more relaxed and hopeful. They wanted more, and the idea popped up: “what about the kids in the hospital?”
Helping children with cancer using EFT.
In the hospital setting, Deborah developed EFT techniques specifically for children. She also used tools including the TappyBear (created by Till Schilling), and the work grew from there. Seeing their children smile and play during the tapping exercises, parents also started to relax. Deborah provided tapping groups for families, parents, nurses - and even cleaning staff, as all people who work in a cancer ward feel sadness, worry, and fear. People saw how the use of EFT can lighten the mood, dissolve fears, and even reduce pain.
Stories from the children.
For a child with osteosarcoma in his femur, Deborah’s use of EFT helped reduce his reported pain from a 10 to a 1.5. The child shared a profound realization that deep sensitivity to suffering in his village had contributed to his own pain. As he voiced this insight, while using EFT, he experienced a decrease in the pain of his cancer.
Another child had to undergo difficult spinal taps and hated the process. Using visualization and tapping ahead of the procedure, he imagined the whole event. He pictured coming back to bed, finished and relaxed. The practice helped so much that he began using visualization and tapping ahead of other procedures.
In a different situation, Deborah began tapping with a young girl who had been semi-comatose and mostly unresponsive. The girl started in bed, but over the course of 10 days of tapping, she began to brighten, tap along, and eventually got up and out of bed. The change in her motivation and energy was clear to see. The relief her mother felt was tremendous.
Energy psychology in many spaces.
After working at the hospital for several years, Deborah moved on. Happily, she still corresponds with some of the kids. Many have gone on to earn accomplished degrees and even participate in the Paralympics. She continues to bring energy psychology to various communities. For example, she has published a tapping book for kids, The Dragon with Flames Of Love. She has worked with groups of breast cancer patients and their supporters. Finally, she also provides education about EFT in multiple languages.
Deborah says that “empowering a child to be their own teacher, to have a voice in their own life and be a part in their own healing journey” is one of the incredible ways that EP has impacted her work. That is a message we can all take to heart.
Do you feel inspired? Here are some steps you can take.
Are you a clinician or stakeholder wanting to bring energy psychology to your community? Enroll in ACEP’s free Emotional First Aid training. If you want to learn more, deepen your skills, and build your community while earning continuing education credits, sign up for ACEP certification in EFT.
Author
Ramona K Clifton, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and coach, with a private practice in Brooklyn, NY. She works with artists and creative people to help them heal the pain in their life and live to their full potential. Ramona uses EFT, mindfulness, and a deep appreciation for individual experience and creative drive. She is a member of ACEP and the ACEP Communications Committee. Learn more at ramonaclifton.com.
Photo by Johnathan Borba on unsplash
