Below is a complete, word-for-word therapeutic script for Case Study 00205, integrating EFT Tapping with Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT-E) principles. It is trauma-informed, shame-reducing, and nervous-system focused, suitable for adults, teens, and children (with simplified language) and can be used clinically or self-guided.
Case Study 00205 – 8 Jan 2026
Stuttering
EFT Tapping – Emotionally Focused Therapy Script
Theme:
From speech anxiety and pressure → safety → ease and self-trust in expression
Core Understanding:
Stuttering is not a flaw in intelligence or ability.
It is often a stress-based nervous-system response linked to pressure, fear of judgment, interruption, or emotional overwhelm.
Speech flows more naturally when the body feels safe, unhurried, and accepted.
Session Objectives
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Reduce speech-related anxiety and anticipatory fear
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Release shame and self-judgment around speaking
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Calm the nervous system before and during speech
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Restore trust in natural expression
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Separate identity and worth from speech patterns
Important Safety Note
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You do not need to force fluency
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There is no pressure to speak differently
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Progress comes from safety and ease, not control
Session Preparation
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Sit comfortably, feet on the floor
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One hand on the chest, one on the belly
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Slow breathing: inhale 4 seconds, exhale 6 seconds
Intensity Rating:
“On a scale of 0–10, how stressful does speaking feel right now?”
Phase 1: Emotional Awareness & Validation
Therapeutic Framing (say aloud):
“Your voice is not broken.
Your body learned to protect you when speaking felt unsafe.”
Reflect or ask:
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“When does stuttering increase the most?”
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“What does your body fear might happen when you speak?”
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“What emotions arise before words come out?”
No correction. No pressure to change speech.
Phase 2: EFT Setup Statements
Tap the Karate Chop point
Repeat 3 times (choose what fits best):
“Even though I struggle with stuttering,
and even though speaking feels stressful to my body,
I deeply and completely accept myself right now.”
Alternatives:
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“Even though I feel pressure to speak perfectly…”
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“Even though I fear being judged when I speak…”
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“Even though my words sometimes get stuck…”
Phase 3: EFT Tapping Sequence – Acknowledging the Experience
Tap through:
Eyebrow – Side of Eye – Under Eye – Under Nose – Chin – Collarbone – Under Arm – Top of Head
Round 1 – Naming the Stress
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Eyebrow:
“This fear around speaking” -
Side of Eye:
“This tightness in my throat” -
Under Eye:
“This pressure to get words out” -
Under Nose:
“This fear of being judged” -
Chin:
“This frustration” -
Collarbone:
“My body braces when I speak” -
Under Arm:
“It feels unsafe to slow down” -
Top of Head:
“And my words get stuck”
Phase 4: Emotionally Focused Reframe
“Stuttering often appears when expression feels rushed, unsafe, or evaluated.”
Round 2 – Honouring the Protective Response
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Eyebrow:
“My body learned to protect me” -
Side of Eye:
“It learned to be careful” -
Under Eye:
“It learned to watch for danger” -
Under Nose:
“Even in conversation” -
Chin:
“This response had a reason” -
Collarbone:
“I didn’t choose it” -
Under Arm:
“It formed under pressure” -
Top of Head:
“I can thank my body”
Phase 5: Releasing Shame & Performance Pressure
Round 3 – Letting Go of Judgment
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Eyebrow:
“I release the need to speak perfectly” -
Side of Eye:
“I release the fear of interruption” -
Under Eye:
“I release the belief that I’m less because of this” -
Under Nose:
“My worth is not in my fluency” -
Chin:
“My voice matters” -
Collarbone:
“Even when it pauses” -
Under Arm:
“Even when it stutters” -
Top of Head:
“I am still worthy of being heard”
Phase 6: Creating Safety for Expression
“Speech flows best when the body feels unhurried and safe.”
Round 4 – Installing Safety
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Eyebrow:
“I am allowed to take my time” -
Side of Eye:
“There is no rush” -
Under Eye:
“I can breathe before I speak” -
Under Nose:
“I can pause mid-sentence” -
Chin:
“Nothing bad happens when I slow down” -
Collarbone:
“My body begins to relax” -
Under Arm:
“My throat softens” -
Top of Head:
“It is safe to express myself”
Phase 7: Reclaiming Trust in the Voice
Round 5 – Gentle Repatterning
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Eyebrow:
“My voice belongs to me” -
Side of Eye:
“I don’t have to fight it” -
Under Eye:
“I can work with my body” -
Under Nose:
“Not against it” -
Chin:
“I trust my pace” -
Collarbone:
“I trust my breath” -
Under Arm:
“I trust my expression” -
Top of Head:
“My words find their way”
Phase 8: Integration & Regulation
Hands on heart. Slow breathing.
“Notice your throat, chest, and breath now.
Even a small softening is meaningful.”
Re-rate speaking stress (0–10).
Reflect:
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“What feels lighter?”
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“Where did tension reduce?”
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“What helps your speech feel safest?”
Post-Session Affirmations
Use daily or before speaking:
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“I am safe to take my time”
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“My voice deserves space”
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“I speak at my natural pace”
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“I am accepted as I am”
Week 1 Homework
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Use this tapping before conversations
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Practice pausing and breathing before speaking
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Journal prompt:
“When do I feel safest expressing myself?”
Therapeutic Note
Fluency improves as pressure decreases.
When the nervous system feels safe, speech often regulates naturally.