Do you find the 0 - 10 scale and the ratings needed during EFT sessions puzzling? Are you unsure if 0 is better or if you should strive for a 10?
Keep reading as we explain everything for you.
Let's begin with the SUD, which stands for Subjective Units of Distress scale. It is used to evaluate emotional intensity and physical sensations and it spans from 0 to 10, where:
- 0 means there is no emotional distress (completely neutral), and
- 10 indicates the highest level of emotional intensity (overwhelming distress).
The SUD is taken before tapping and after each Tapping round to gauge the progress and identify emotional shifts. A decrease in the SUD level indicates tapping is helping in releasing emotional charge, while stagnant or high levels may indicate on the need to explore other aspects or memories.
Examples of using the SUD scale:
"I feel a burning sensation in my throat" - The higher the SUD score, the more intense the discomfort in the throat is. When the SUD moves down towards 0, it indicates a relief.
"I'm extremely angry about what happened, I feel like steam is coming out of my ears" - A high initial SUD score reflects significant anger, and a decrease in the SUD indicates a reduction in anger.
As you can see, the SUD scale offers a practical way to monitor negative emotions or physical sensations and their progression during the EFT sessions.
Now, let's delve into the VOC, which represents Validity Of Cognition. The VOC scale is another essential tool in EFT tapping, used to assess the strength or authenticity of positive self-beliefs or statements. Unlike the SUD scale which focuses on distress, the VOC scale evaluates the conviction level in a specific positive cognition related to an issue.
The VOC scale also ranges from 0 to 10, where:
- 0 indicates disbelief in the positive statement (it feels untrue), and
- 10 means a complete belief in the positive statement (it feels very much true).
The VOC is assessed prior to tapping and reassessed following tapping on the associated memories/events. As emotional distress is addressed, the positive belief becomes increasingly authentic, leading to a higher VOC rating.
Examples of using the VOC scale:
"I am worthy of love and acceptance" - A low VOC means the person doesn't believe they are worthy; as the VOC approaches 10, the belief in deserving love and worthiness strengthens.
"I feel safe now" - A rating of 3 or 4 means that this statement feels only partially true. When the VOC gets higher and approaches 10 it means that the positive belief feels more genuine.
An alternative way of dealing with statements or beliefs that are framed in either a positive or a negative manner, is done by asking yourself: "Do I want more of this?"
If the answer is "Yes", such as in the case of: "I'm healthy and radiant", then moving towards 10 is a favourable result.
On the other hand, if the response is "No!!", as seen in statements like: "I'm always fearful" or "I have a terrible back that is always in pain", progressing towards 0 signifies advancement towards the intended goal.
Observing the SUD and VOC scales in EFT sessions tracks progress from distress to emotional relief and positive belief integration. Now it's your chance to apply this knowledge. Rest assured that with practice, it will become more effortless and instinctive. Try it out!
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