Practicing the Emotional Freedom Technique: How Black Girls and Women Can Heal Race & Gender Injuries Produced in Schools and Society

• In Event: Introducing Extraordinary Literacies and Empyreal Logics: Regarding the Thriving Praxes of Black Girls and Women in Schools and Society

Abstract

This paper explores the application of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as "tapping," as a transformative tool for Black girls and women seeking to heal from race and gender injuries inflicted within schools and society. EFT is an alternative therapy grounded in the concept that the body functions as an electrical system, with subtle energy points that influence meaning-making and memory. By pressing specific acupuncture points on the body while focusing on emotionally charged issues, EFT aims to reprogram entrenched patterns and promote emotional and psychological healing.
The paper begins by delineating the theoretical framework of EFT, highlighting its foundation in the principles of energy psychology and its premise that activating particular points on the body can disrupt negative emotional patterns and facilitate positive change. This technique integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with traditional Eastern practices, positing that addressing the body's energy system can lead to significant shifts in emotional and mental states.
A significant portion of the paper is dedicated to discussing how EFT can be specifically applied to address the unique experiences of Black girls and women who have endured systemic race and gender-based injuries. Schools and societal institutions often perpetuate inequities that manifest as microaggressions, discriminatory practices, and emotional trauma. EFT offers a potential pathway for these individuals to process and alleviate the emotional burdens associated with such experiences. By targeting the body’s energy system, EFT helps individuals reframe their emotional responses, build resilience, and foster a sense of empowerment.
The research presented draws on a variety of qualitative data, including interviews, focus groups, and personal narratives from Black girls and women who have engaged with EFT. These accounts illustrate the diverse ways in which EFT has facilitated healing and personal growth, providing a deeper understanding of its impact on emotional well-being. Through these narratives, the paper examines the practical benefits of EFT in enhancing self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.
In addition to individual healing, the paper explores the broader implications of EFT for fostering collective resilience and social change. By empowering Black girls and women to reclaim their emotional narratives and challenge systemic oppressions, EFT contributes to a broader movement towards justice and equity. The practice not only supports personal healing but also encourages community solidarity and activism by equipping individuals with tools to address and overcome racial and gender-based trauma.
The scholarly significance of this paper lies in its integration of EFT with the experiences of marginalized populations, offering a novel perspective on emotional and psychological healing within the context of systemic oppression. It contributes to the growing body of research on alternative therapeutic approaches and their applicability in addressing complex social issues. By highlighting the intersection of emotional freedom techniques with race and gender justice, the paper provides valuable insights for practitioners, educators, and activists committed to advancing emotional and social equity.

Author

• Azaria I. Cunningham, Boston University