EFT for Chronic Pain
By Charis Kaps, BSc (Hons) Neuroscience, Accredited EFT Practitioner and Counsellor.
Neuroscience-informed EFT for people living with
persistent pain.
There is a close relationship between pain, stress and the nervous system. EFT works with that relationship. Studies have found that it can reduce pain and improve quality of life for people living with chronic pain.
The science of pain has changed significantly in recent years.
We now know that pain is influenced not only by the body, but also by the nervous system and our stress response. This gives us additional opportunities to influence how pain is experienced.
EFT works with these processes.
Studies have found that it can reduce pain and improve quality of life for people living with chronic pain.
Hi, I'm Charis
Counsellor, Accredited EFT Practitioner and Neuroscience Graduate
I help people reduce pain and improve quality of life by working with the relationship between pain, stress and the nervous system. My approach combines evidence-based EFT with current understanding from neuroscience and pain science.
To read more about my approach, background and qualifications, click the button below.
" Four months on, I still feel it shifted some really old wounds and lightened my heart in a permanent way "- Client AB
What does neuroscience tell us about chronic pain?
Modern pain science has transformed our understanding of how pain is created and maintained and what we are coming to understand is that pain is that it is not simply a signal travelling from the body to the brain.
Pain is a dynamic process involving the brain, nervous system, emotions, memories, expectations, attention and stress responses.
Pain pathways communicate in both directions. Signals travel from the body to the brain, but the brain also sends signals back down that can either amplify or dampen pain.
Over time, pain systems can become increasingly sensitive. Sometimes called central sensitisation, this means the nervous system becomes more efficient at detecting and responding to pain signals.
The good news is that this adaptability works both ways. Just as the nervous system can learn patterns of protection and sensitivity, it can also learn patterns of safety.
EFT works with these processes directly. By helping the nervous system move from patterns of protection and sensitivity towards patterns of safety and regulation, it can help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
What's the Evidence?
In a 2024 randomised clinical trial involving 147 adults with chronic pain, participants who completed a structured EFT programme reported significant reductions in both pain severity and the extent to which pain interfered with daily life. Improvements in quality of life were also observed and remained present six months later.
The treatment protocol involved between four and ten EFT sessions delivered over six weeks, suggesting that meaningful change may be possible without years of therapy.
Another study used brain imaging to explore what may be happening in the nervous system after EFT for chronic pain. After a six-week online EFT programme, brain scans also showed changes in connectivity between areas involved in pain modulation and pain-related processing.
You can access an up to data database for the research into EFT by clicking here
How does it help?
- Reducing stress and tension associated with pain
- Supporting nervous system regulation
- Addressing fear, frustration and distress related to pain
- Reducing some of the factors that can amplify pain
- Increasing confidence and sense of control
- Improving quality of life and day-to-day functioning
Click the button below to learn more about EFT and to read testimonials from past clients
Your pain is real.
But so is your nervous system's capacity to learn new patterns.
What A Session Is Like
Sessions are gentle, collaborative and tailored to you.
We do not ignore your physical symptoms or assume that pain is psychological. Instead, we explore the relationship between your pain, your nervous system, stress levels, emotions and life experiences.
We begin by talking about your experience of pain and how it affects your daily life. I listen carefully to understand how it shows up for you, both physically and emotionally.
You then tap on specific points on your face and upper body while I guide you through the process step by step. I tap along with you, so there is no need to remember anything or worry about doing it "right".
The aim is not to fight the pain, but to help the nervous system feel safer, calmer and less burdened.
You remain in control throughout, and many clients find the process surprisingly calming and empowering.
How does it work?
Modern pain science has shown that pain is influenced by more than injury or tissue damage alone.
Fear, stress, frustration and difficult life experiences can all contribute to increased sensitivity within pain systems. As a result, pain can sometimes persist long after an injury has healed, or become greater than would be expected from tissue damage alone.
EFT provides a structured way of working with these influences.
By reducing stress and supporting nervous system regulation, it can help calm an overprotective pain system and reduce the experience of pain. In doing so, it may help interrupt some of the cycles that keep pain going.
Research suggests this can lead to reduced pain and improved quality of life for people living with chronic pain.
How I work
Acceptance and respect
I believe your pain is real.
My role is not to convince you that your pain is psychological, nor to minimise what you are experiencing. Instead, I aim to provide a supportive and non-judgemental space where we can explore the many factors that may be influencing your pain and identify opportunities for meaningful change.
Collaboration
You are the expert on your own experience.
My role is to bring knowledge of EFT, pain science and nervous system regulation. Together, we can explore what may be contributing to your pain and work with the factors that are within our ability to influence.
Hope and possibility
Modern pain science has transformed our understanding of chronic pain and opened up new possibilities for treatment and recovery.
My aim is to help you experience greater comfort, freedom and quality of life, whatever your starting point.
Is EFT a replacement for medical treatment?
No.
EFT is intended to complement, not replace, appropriate medical care. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, it is important that your symptoms are assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional. All persistent or unexplained pain should be medically evaluated.
EFT can be used alongside conventional medical treatment, but it should not be used as a substitute for it. If you have been prescribed medication or other treatments, you should continue to follow the advice of your healthcare team and should not stop or alter treatment without consulting them first.
If you are unsure whether EFT is appropriate for your situation, I encourage you to speak with your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional.
Get in Touch or Book In
Not sure where to start?
You can book a free introductory consultation to ask questions, find out more about how I work and explore whether I'm the right therapist for you.
Consultations are available online or in person at my therapy room in Slaithwaite.
Ready to begin?
If you've already decided you'd like to work together, you can book an initial session directly.
Looking for more information?
You can also view my session options, packages and fees before deciding what feels right for you.
Please note, I am not a crisis service. if you are currently experiencing mental health or emotional difficulties and need immediate support you can follow this link to access contact information for other organisations who offer support.
If you are a resident of Kirklees you can contact the Kirklees emotional support helpline on 0800 183 0558. It is a 24 hour service and can support you if you are experiencing mental distress or are seeking information, support or advice regarding your mental health.