Positive Tapping and Positive Anchoring (Positive EFT)

Presentation

Positive Tapping (also called Positive Anchoring or Positive EFT) is a complementary and distinct application of classic EFT, using meridian point stimulation not to reduce or desensitize negative emotions, but to install, amplify, and anchor positive emotional states, inner resources, helpful beliefs, and desired qualities. This approach was formalized notably by practitioner and author Silvia Hartmann in her book 'Positive EFT' (2013).

It is absolutely fundamental to understand Positive Tapping's place in the global EFT protocol: it comes after and not instead of work on negative aspects. This precision is not a technical detail — it is a crucial clinical rule. Attempting to install positive states through tapping while intense negative emotions or contrary limiting beliefs are still active in the nervous system generally yields little results, or even produces uncomfortable psychological dissonance.

Gary Craig himself regularly warned against what he called 'the problem of positive affirmations': affirming 'I am confident and capable' in the presence of a nervous system that deeply believes the opposite produces no authentic change — it may even reinforce resistance and dissonance.

Developed notably by: Silvia Hartmann (Positive EFT, 2013); multiple inspirations from the EFT community, with concerns shared with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) for resource anchoring

Core Principles

1. Preparing the ground: essential prerequisite
Positive tapping is not an alternative to work on negative aspects — it completes it. The applicability criterion: SUD ≤ 2.

2. Present tense, first person
Affirmations must be formulated in present tense and first person: 'I am confident,' 'I feel safe,' 'I have the right to be happy.' Not 'I will be confident' or 'It is possible to be confident.'

3. Mind-body congruence
Combining a positive affirmation with meridian point stimulation simultaneously engages verbal language (conscious), mental imagery (preconscious), and the body (autonomic nervous system). This triple activation creates much deeper and lasting anchoring than a verbal affirmation alone.

4. Positive mental imagery as amplifier
Positive EFT effectiveness is significantly amplified by associating vivid mental images of the desired states.

5. Between-session consolidation
Positive Tapping is an excellent tool for consolidating therapeutic gains between sessions.

Technical Sheet

Conceptual basis

Positive application of meridian stimulation; NLP inspirations (resource anchoring) and positive psychology

Main contributors

Silvia Hartmann (Positive EFT, 2013); international EFT community

Optimal application moment

After negative aspect reduction (SUD ≤ 2); at session closing; in self-practice between sessions

Application duration

2 to 5 minutes (2-3 rounds) at session closing; 1-3 minutes in daily self-practice

Formulation

Present tense, first person, direct positive affirmation congruent with desired change

Points used

Same 8-9 meridian points as standard EFT, without karate chop point (no negative setup phrase)

Self-practice

Strongly encouraged — particularly suited to daily wellness and reinforcement practice

Evidence level

Memory reconsolidation and positive emotional learning principles well established in neuroscience

Main Indications

• EFT session closing
• Installing new beliefs after dismantling limiting beliefs
• Preparation for anticipated anxiety-provoking situations
• Self-esteem reinforcement
• Performance management
• Developing specific resources
• Daily wellness self-practice
• Complement to positive affirmations

Positive Tapping Application Procedure

Phase 1 — Verify the ground (SUD ≤ 2). Phase 2 — Identify the target positive state. Phase 3 — Formulate the positive affirmation (present tense, first person, positive, concrete). Phase 4 — Activate positive imagery. Phase 5 — Tapping with positive affirmation (2-3 rounds on all meridian points). Phase 6 — Anchoring breath ('breathe' the positive state through every cell). Phase 7 — Verify and calibrate (positive scale 0-10).

Example affirmation sequence: Top of head: 'I feel safe' → Eyebrow: 'I open to safety' → Temple: 'My nervous system learns safety' → Under eye: 'I can feel safe' → Under nose: 'Safety is my deep nature' → Chin: 'I let myself feel safe' → Collarbone: 'I receive this safety' → Under arm: 'I deserve to feel safe.'

Variations and Associated Techniques

• Silvia Hartmann's Positive EFT: Centered on amplifying 'energy stars' — past experiences of joy, success, or positive connection used as positive anchors to amplify
• EFT Reframing: After treating a negative aspect, formulating a positive perspective on the same situation
• Future self tapping: Imagining one's future self having already integrated desired changes, then tapping on that future self's qualities
• Gratitude tapping
• Evening closing EFT: Positive tapping in the evening, particularly useful for patients with insomnia or nocturnal rumination

Contraindications and Warnings

• Positive tapping without prior work on negative aspects: This is the main and most important contraindication. Warning: positive tapping alone does not treat trauma, phobias, clinical anxiety, or depression.
• Affirmations too distant from perceived reality: If the chosen positive affirmation seems totally implausible or even threatening to the patient's nervous system, it can activate resistance rather than integration. Start with more progressive affirmations.
• Use with patients in acute crisis
• Confusion with magical positive thinking: Must be clearly distinguished from simplistic 'positive thinking.' It does not mean denying reality or forcing artificially joyful states.