EFT Ethics & Professional Boundaries 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client discloses a traumatic memory during an EFT session that triggers visible distress. What is the most ethical immediate response?
- Continue tapping to clear the memory as quickly as possible
- Pause, check in with the client, and allow them to set the pace (Correct answer)
- Refer the client to a psychiatrist and end the session immediately
- Distract the client with a different topic to reduce distress
Correct answer: Pause, check in with the client, and allow them to set the pace
Pausing to check in respects client autonomy and ensures the session remains within their window of tolerance.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the EFT practitioner's scope of practice regarding diagnosis?
- Practitioners may diagnose anxiety and phobias after completing advanced EFT training
- Practitioners may offer informal assessments but should never formally diagnose medical or mental health conditions (Correct answer)
- Diagnosis is acceptable when the client requests it and no licensed professional is available
- EFT practitioners with coaching credentials may diagnose adjustment disorders
Correct answer: Practitioners may offer informal assessments but should never formally diagnose medical or mental health conditions
Formal diagnosis is outside the EFT practitioner's scope unless they hold a separate licensed clinical credential.
Question 3: A practitioner notices romantic feelings developing toward a client. The most ethical course of action is to:
- Disclose the feelings to the client to maintain transparency
- Continue sessions while keeping the feelings private to protect the client
- Consult a supervisor or colleague and consider transferring the client (Correct answer)
- Wait to see if feelings resolve naturally before taking action
Correct answer: Consult a supervisor or colleague and consider transferring the client
Seeking supervision and considering transfer protects the client from harm caused by the practitioner's countertransference.
Question 4: When is it appropriate for an EFT practitioner to break client confidentiality?
- When a family member requests information about the client's progress
- When the client's employer pays for the sessions
- When there is credible risk of imminent harm to the client or others (Correct answer)
- When another practitioner asks for a case consultation
Correct answer: When there is credible risk of imminent harm to the client or others
Imminent danger to self or others is a recognized ethical and legal exception to confidentiality.
Question 5: A prospective client asks an EFT practitioner to guarantee that tapping will cure their chronic pain. The practitioner should:
- Provide the guarantee to build trust and encourage enrollment
- Explain EFT's evidence base honestly and avoid making cure guarantees (Correct answer)
- Decline to discuss outcomes until after the first session
- Offer a partial guarantee based on the number of sessions purchased
Correct answer: Explain EFT's evidence base honestly and avoid making cure guarantees
Honest representation of EFT's potential benefits without overpromising is an ethical obligation.
Question 6: An EFT practitioner is asked to work with a minor. What ethical step is essential before beginning?
- Verbal consent from the minor is sufficient if they appear mature
- Written informed consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian (Correct answer)
- A signed waiver from the school counselor is required
- Sessions may proceed if the minor's pediatrician refers them
Correct answer: Written informed consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian
Minors cannot legally consent to treatment; written parental or guardian consent is required.
Question 7: Which scenario represents a dual relationship that an EFT practitioner should avoid?
- Attending a public event where a former client is also present
- Providing EFT sessions to a close personal friend on a regular basis (Correct answer)
- Accepting a referral from a client's acquaintance
- Offering group EFT workshops to the general public
Correct answer: Providing EFT sessions to a close personal friend on a regular basis
Providing ongoing sessions to a close friend creates a dual relationship that compromises objectivity and professional boundaries.
EFT Ethics & Professional Boundaries 2
A client discloses a traumatic memory during an EFT session that triggers visible distress.
What is the most ethical immediate response?