The Top 10 Reasons People Seek Therapy—and How Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Can Help
- AMANDA OWLES
- Dec 31, 2025
- 5 min read
Real-life examples, research, and guidance for choosing the right therapy for you
Seeking therapy is a powerful act of self-care—one that millions across the globe are embracing in their journeys toward greater wellbeing. In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, the need for emotional support is more evident than ever. But with so many therapy types available, how do you know which one is the right fit?
In this blog article, we'll explore the top 10 reasons people seek therapy, dive deeper into the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and provide concrete examples of how various therapies can address the real issues people face every day.
1. Anxiety and Stress
Feeling overwhelmed, nervous, or constantly on edge? Anxiety and stress are among the most common mental health challenges. For example, imagine Rachel, a university student whose panic attacks before exams keep her awake at night.
How therapy helps:
· Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches practical coping strategies and helps reframe negative thought patterns.
· Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Combines gentle tapping on acupressure points with verbal affirmations to reduce anxiety. Rachel learns to tap while repeating, “Even though I feel anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself,” and sees her symptoms diminish over time.
2. Depression and Low Mood
Persistent sadness can drain the joy from life. Mark, for instance, lost interest in activities he once loved after a breakup and struggles to get out of bed.
How therapy helps:
· Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving relationships and social support.
· EFT: Offers a gentle, non-invasive way to address negative feelings and beliefs. By tapping through feelings like “I’m not good enough,” Mark gradually feels lighter and more hopeful.
· CBT: Helps break the cycle of negative thoughts and behaviours.
3. Relationship Issues
Communication breakdowns and unresolved arguments can strain any relationship. Sam and Hazel, for example, constantly fight about finances and parenting.
How therapy helps:
· Couples Counselling: Provides a safe space to rebuild trust and understanding.
· EFT: Helps partners explore emotional triggers and reconnect. Sam and Hazel learn to tap together during conflict, using phrases like, "Even though we disagree, I accept myself and my partner," which fosters empathy and calm.
4. Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress
Experiences like abuse, accidents, or loss can leave lasting scars. Jasmine, for example, avoids driving after a car accident and suffers from nightmares.
How therapy helps:
· EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing): Helps process traumatic memories safely.
· Trauma-focused CBT: Builds coping skills and gradually addresses trauma.
· EFT: Jasmine uses tapping to release the emotional intensity of her memories, slowly regaining the confidence to drive again.
5. Grief and Loss
Loss—whether of a loved one, job, or cherished pet—can be devastating. David, grieving the passing of his partner, finds it difficult to feel joy.
How therapy helps:
· Grief Counselling: Supports processing of grief stages.
· EFT: David taps through layers of sadness, guilt, and anger, allowing suppressed emotions to surface and gradually finding moments of peace.
· Person-Centred Therapy: Provides compassionate support throughout the journey.
6. Life Transitions and Adjustment Issues
Major changes—becoming a parent, moving, retirement—can feel overwhelming. Julia, for example, feels lost after leaving her decades-long career.
How therapy helps:
· Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Helps set goals and highlight strengths.
· EFT: Julia taps to process feelings of uncertainty and loss of identity, gradually building new confidence in her next chapter.
7. Self-Esteem and Personal Growth
Low confidence or the desire for personal growth are common reasons to seek therapy. Alex is successful at work but plagued by “imposter syndrome.”
How therapy helps:
· Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores the roots of self-esteem issues.
· EFT: Alex taps on statements like, "Even though I doubt myself, I choose to believe in my abilities," helping to build genuine self-confidence.
· CBT: Challenges negative self-beliefs and promotes healthier thinking.
8. Addiction and Compulsive Behaviours
Substance misuse, gambling, and other compulsive behaviours can disrupt lives. Gina, for instance, spends hours gambling online, affecting her finances and relationships.
How therapy helps:
· Motivational Interviewing (MI): Builds motivation for change.
· CBT: Identifies triggers and modifies behaviour patterns.
· EFT: Gina taps when she feels the urge to gamble, replacing compulsion with calm and self-awareness.
9. Parenting and Family Dynamics
Raising children and managing family dynamics can be challenging. The Williams family struggles after welcoming a new baby, with older siblings feeling neglected.
How therapy helps:
· Family Therapy: Improves communication and strengthens relationships.
· EFT (for children): Playful tapping helps young children express and manage their emotions, reducing sibling rivalry and family stress.
10. Managing Chronic Illness or Health Concerns
Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally taxing. Lee, diagnosed with diabetes, feels anxious and overwhelmed.
How therapy helps:
· Health Psychology: Supports adaptation and acceptance.
· Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages constructive changes and emotional flexibility.
· EFT: Lee taps on fears about the future and feelings of helplessness, cultivating a sense of resilience and control.
How to Choose the Right Type of Therapy for You
· Identify Your Main Concerns: Reflect on your biggest challenges—anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or personal growth.
· Research Therapy Modalities: Evidence-based approaches like CBT, EMDR, and EFT have strong research support for specific issues.
· Consider Therapy Formats: Individual, couples, family, or group-based therapy may suit different needs.
· Check Credentials and Experience: Look for licensed professionals with expertise in your area of concern.
· Therapeutic Relationship Matters: A good fit between therapist and client is often the biggest predictor of success.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Spotlight
EFT stands out as a versatile and accessible therapy. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, trauma, or self-doubt, EFT provides a gentle method for processing emotions and shifting unhelpful patterns.
EFT is based on the principle that tapping on specific acupressure points while voicing affirmations can help release emotional blockages. Research, including studies published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (Church, 2013), demonstrates its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Specific Example: Imagine Michelle, whose fear of public speaking holds her back at work. Through EFT, she learns to tap while acknowledging her nerves and affirming her competence. Over several sessions, she finds it easier to speak up, her anxiety replaced by newfound confidence.
Conclusion
Seeking therapy is an empowering step toward well-being. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, loss, relationship issues, addiction, or simply wish to know yourself better, there is a therapy—and a therapist—suited to your needs.
With research, self-reflection, and openness, you can make an informed choice and embark on a journey toward healing and growth. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) offers a gentle, effective option for many, but whatever path you choose, support is available.
If you have questions or need help choosing the right therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your mental health matters, and the first step is often the most important.
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