Research has shown that clients who complete EFT have significantly improved outcomes in comparison to where they started, i.e. Pre-Post improvements. This effect has also been found in studies which compare the levels of change against control groups. (see Elliott & Freire, 2008 for a meta-analysis). EFT is an approach that has been fashioned by 25 years of research, and continues to find ways of testing its efficacy. The good news is that most people who complete psychotherapy can expect a recovery or improvement (Cooper, 2008).
Asking someone who feels very depressed to go for therapy can be akin to asking a person with a broken leg to walk to hospital. It is okay to ask them how they are really doing. Therapy could help them and its thoughtful to suggest they consider it without making them feel pressured. Talking helps. We have evolved to have caring emotions so we can be supportive. If you feel they need more regular support, or have issues that need more in-depth exploration, then they may benefit from seeing a counsellor or therapist. Celebrate their right to choose.
Friends and family matter. I always recommend that clients carefully choose with whom they work. There is a simple way to know if you are happy to recommend someone for counselling. Ask yourself, "would I be happy referring a family member to this counsellor?" If the answer is 'yes', then proceed. If it is "no", then don't. If you would like to discuss referring someone for counselling, please don't hesitate to contact us.
"People are already taking greater responsibility for their own health through lifestyle changes designed to produce better health outcomes." - Mental Health Strategy for Scotland: 2012-2015, Scottish Government.
There are other types of support for mental health problems.
Talk to your GP
GPs are able to provide medication and Psychological services referrals. This is the typical route towards getting treatment on the NHS. As time is usually short when you have a consultation, be sure to write down what your main issues are, and how severe you feel they are. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to ask for an onward referral. Waiting times can vary and are often close to a year. People who qualify for mental health support via the NHS are normally offered short-term Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Exercise
There is a growing body of evidence which suggests that regular exercise can help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with mild depression or anxiety. However, exercise alone may not be sufficient to address psychological distress (Daley, 2008). Consider doing exercise that you find enjoyable.
Meditation
Regular meditation can result in small to moderate reductions of multiple negative dimensions of psychological distress (Goyal et al., 2014). There are many approaches and fads relating to meditation. Take care against enlisting in programmes which require large upfront payments. Consider visiting the open source meditation initiative webpage to find out more.
Focusing
Focusing is an exercise which involves turning your attention inwards, consulting what your body is experiencing and then accessing the emotional information that is present. Focusing is commonly used in EFT practice, and you may wish to consider trying it on an ongoing basis. I would highly recommend reading Ann Weiser Cornell's book, the power of focusing: finding your inner voice.