During his keynote session on the final day ACEP’s 25^th International Energy Psychology Conference, Dr. David Feinstein gave a riveting presentation about a range of ways EP can help individuals and even communities in crisis after an event like a natural disaster or a tragic shooting. Indeed, we learned about ways that tapping works beyond treatment in an office, the four main tiers of healing from trauma, and how we can share EP with large groups of people to provide immediate stress reduction and ongoing support.
 

David Feinstein

David Feinstein is a familiar name in the EP world, having taught thousands of people. He has shared the benefits of tapping, providing training to mental health, medical, teachers and other professionals around the world. Less well known may be his deep connections to organizations that provide trauma interventions in the most critical situations. These include work with Veterans and in places such as Kosovo, Sandy Hook, and recently Ukraine. During his talk, Feinstein emphasized the crucial nature of a quick response and coordinated effort. With these, we can make a lasting impact on the whole community.
 

Taking EP out of the office and into a community in crisis

Feinstein shared that he had consulted with Carl Johnson, who has used tapping for trauma in South Africa, Rwanda, and Kosovo. Johnson’s message is that connecting with community leaders and organizers, local doctors and direct care workers is essential to build trust. Feinstein observed that when traumatized individuals can release some of the trauma, they are more available, and often spontaneously give help to others.

Sandy Hook + Rwanda

We heard an incredible story about children who survived the shooting at Sandy Hook. These children became fearful and school avoidant. Fortunately, they connected (through people like tapping advocates Nick Ortner and Lori Leyden) with children from Rwanda who had learned tapping after their traumas. The children from Rwanda had developed peer leadership groups. Kids from Sandy Hook learned skills from the Rwandan youth. In time, they were able to return to school and start their own leadership groups, where they shared tapping with their peers.
 

Four tiers of trauma recovery

Recovery from trauma is a process that evolves over time. Feinstein outlined the four main tiers that most people experience when they have support. EP is effective during each tier:

1. Immediate relief and stabilization, through reduction of hyperarousal in the limbic system.
2. Neutralize limbic responses to traumatic cues.
3. Overcome problems activated by trauma (including work issues, addictions, anxiety responses).
4. Promote optimal functioning (where individuals regain the ability to cope with uncertainty and change).
    

Helping communities in crisis

Clinicians are adept at working with clients one-on-one. But what about large groups? How can we help a community in crisis? The challenges of reaching large numbers of people in a community can be daunting. Feinstein suggested that we can address this challenge by teaching EP skills in a group. This idea will be familiar to people familiar with EFT’s group work and borrowing benefits. A facilitator can demonstrate EFT techniques with a volunteer. Meanwhile, the whole group watches and taps along together, and everyone receives the borrowed benefits of the experience.

Feinstein concluded with an inspired message, encouraging us to imagine a world where local communities are already prepared, where therapists and practitioners are immediately available and will help share the skills of tapping when a community is in need.
 
Are you an educator, first responder or clinician wanting to bring EP to your community? You can learn skills right away through ACEP’s free Resources for Resilience web site and Emotional First Aid training. Thanks to ACEP's Humanitarian Committee for creating these wonderful resources.

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 at their full potential. Ramona uses EFT, mindfulness and a deep appreciation for individual experience and the creative drive. She is a member of ACEP and the ACEP Communications Committee. Learn more at ramonaclifton.com.



Image: Bouy on Unsplash