As an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) therapist, I sometimes work with clients who have unique ways of processing emotions, memories, and sensations. Recently, I've noticed more clients with aphantasia — the inability to create mental images in the mind's eye. If you have aphantasia, you might have a different experience when it comes to visualizing, recalling, or imagining scenarios, which can shape how you engage with therapeutic practices like EFT.
In this post, I’ll explore what aphantasia is, why people with ADHD or autism may be more likely to experience it, and how we can adapt EFT to work effectively without relying on mental imagery.
What is Aphantasia?
Aphantasia is often described as "blindness of the mind’s eye." If you have aphantasia, you may find that mental exercises involving visualization, like picturing a relaxing beach or imagining a past memory, don’t produce clear mental images or sometimes any images at all. For some, aphantasia means a complete lack of imagery, while others might experience faint or incomplete images.
Why Are People with ADHD and Autism More Likely to Experience Aphantasia?
Recent research suggests that individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a higher likelihood of experiencing aphantasia. Here’s why:
ADHD: If you have ADHD, you might notice that your mind is naturally more abstract or verbal. People with ADHD often think in terms of words, concepts, or emotions rather than vivid images. This can mean that visualizing an experience, like a memory or future event, might feel elusive or not particularly clear. ADHD also affects working memory, so the ability to hold mental images might not be as prominent.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): For those on the autism spectrum, aphantasia could stem from sensory processing and cognitive differences. Many people with autism describe their thinking as more logical, spatial, or verbal, prioritizing concrete details over imaginative visuals. This focus on the tangible aspects of life rather than the hypothetical or abstract may naturally lead to a reduced ability to form mental images.
How Aphantasia Impacts Therapy
In many therapeutic approaches, visualization is a common tool. Techniques like guided imagery, future-rehearsal, or certain trauma therapies often rely on the client’s ability to “see” or “feel” themselves in a particular mental scene. For someone with aphantasia, this approach can be frustrating or ineffective, leading to questions like, “Am I doing this right?” or “Why can’t I picture what others seem to?”
In EFT, for example, I might usually guide clients to imagine specific memories, emotions, or calming scenes while tapping on acupressure points. But if you have aphantasia, a session that relies too much on visualization might feel inaccessible or even stressful, which can take away from the therapeutic benefits.
Adapting EFT for Clients with Aphantasia
Fortunately, EFT is a flexible tool that can be adapted for those with aphantasia. Here’s how I approach EFT for clients who don’t have a strong visual sense:
Focusing on Sensations and Emotions: Instead of asking you to picture something, I’ll guide you to focus on the physical sensations or emotions that come up as you tap. This approach allows you to tune into what you feel rather than what you “see,” which can make EFT feel more grounded and accessible.
Using Words and Concepts: For clients with aphantasia, I often use more verbal prompts during tapping. Instead of imagining an image, we might focus on affirmations, words, or metaphors that resonate with you. For example, if we’re working on releasing stress, we might use phrases like, “I release the weight of my stress,” rather than picturing yourself putting stress down.
Drawing on Other Senses: If mental imagery isn’t your strength, EFT can still be highly effective by engaging other senses like sound, touch, or even taste and smell. For instance, I might encourage you to think of the feeling of warmth, relaxation, or a particular texture as we tap, helping to create a sensory experience that doesn’t depend on mental pictures.
Building Body Awareness: Body-focused practices that highlight physical sensations rather than visual images are often helpful for clients with aphantasia. In EFT, I might invite you to notice the feeling in your hands, the rhythm of your tapping, or the relaxation in your shoulders as we work. This lets you stay present in the body without needing to “see” anything.
Creating Anchors Through Words: We can also work on setting intentions and affirmations that focus on verbal or logical anchors. For example, rather than “seeing” a calm space, we may create a mantra or phrase that embodies calmness for you, such as “I am grounded” or “I am resilient.” These can become powerful anchors during tapping and in daily life.
Aphantasia and Your Therapeutic Journey
If you’ve felt frustrated by visualization exercises or wondered why imagery-focused approaches don’t resonate, aphantasia could be part of the reason. Therapy can be just as effective with adaptations that honor your unique way of processing. In EFT, as with other therapies, there’s no “right” way to feel progress — what’s most important is finding a method that works with your strengths.
If you relate to these experiences, I invite you to explore EFT from a new perspective. By focusing on sensations, emotions, and the power of words, EFT can still offer profound healing, allowing you to connect with yourself and work through challenges in a way that’s authentic to you.
Moving Forward
Aphantasia is a unique trait that might change the way you approach certain therapeutic exercises, but it doesn’t limit the possibilities of healing and growth. If you have questions about adapting EFT or other therapeutic techniques to better fit your experience, feel free to reach out. There’s always a way to find a path that honors your way of thinking and feeling.
Comments