Emotion Release Technique (ERT)

Emotion Release Technique (ERT): A Complete Guide to Emotional Healing

Last Updated: Feb 2026

What is Emotion Release Technique (ERT)?

Emotion Release Technique (ERT) is a therapeutic approach that helps you identify, process and release underlying emotions and stress patterns. It's built on the principle that emotions produce a response in the nervous system, and can impact the body’s physiological functioning, impacting the way we think, feel, and show up in the world. This can contribute to unconscious thought patterns and behaviours, alterations to our belief systems, as well as a range of different physical symptoms in the body. 

The nervous system is our key transmitter of information in the body, functioning as our central operating system. It is responsible for functions such as regulating our heartbeat, our breathing rate, and can help us respond to a myriad of different internal and external stimuli. It keeps us alert and alive, and can help bring us back to a state of calmness, steadiness, and clear focus when it is deemed safe to do so. 

ERT is essentially an assessment of a person’s nervous system.

The subconscious mind is where we hold thoughts, memories, beliefs, and emotional patterns, which help to form the way we see meaning in the world, contributing to how our worldview is shaped and moulded over time. This subconscious functions below our level of conscious awareness. 

The nervous system is deeply interwoven with the subconscious mind, with each of these impacting the other in a bidirectional way. Both the nervous system and subconscious mind are automatic, in that they are working constantly in the background without us even having any conscious awareness of it. Past experiences may have triggered our nervous system to respond in a way that sets in motion an emotional response, which at the time, if not fully felt and experienced in the body, can result in an unfinished physiological response.

For example, if in a situation it was deemed unsafe or too inconvenient to feel and express an emotion, then the body adapts by redirecting that energy inwards. This may, in the immediate circumstance, result in feelings of tension, altered breathing patterns, changes to our posture or other compensations. However, in the long run, these unprocessed emotions remain in the body as an incomplete physiological response, which not only may contribute to physical symptoms but also shapes the lens through which we see the world and respond to everyday situations in our lives.

ERT assesses the body’s responses via the use of prompts, which are used to gauge whether there is an emotional component at play. For example, prompts can include sentences the participant speaks out loud, visualisations they are guided through, or even particular points on the body that represent different organ systems in the body. ERT uses muscle testing to assess the nervous system’s response to the prompt, and then incorporates the use of acupuncture points and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping points to help process the emotion. ERT therefore functions as a translator, communicating directly with your nervous system and subconscious, thereby bringing deep-rooted issues to the surface so they can finally be released.

ERT is suitable for anyone who may want to explore the emotional drivers impacting their overall health and wellbeing, including those experiencing emotional pain, trauma or persistent challenges that seem difficult to shift. Often, we don't understand where these emotions originated or why they keep surfacing in our lives. This modality serves as a tool to help provide you with the freedom to let go and create space for growth.

The Origins and History of Emotion Release Technique

Created by Australian naturopathic practitioner Karlie McKeand, ERT draws from concepts of kinesiology, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).

The TCM  understanding of meridian systems and energy blockages in the body provides an existing framework that, for thousands of years, has acknowledged how fundamental the mind-body connection is in our overall health, and our modern-day understanding of the nervous system serves to build upon this understanding. The technique evolved as practitioners recognised that many physical symptoms couldn't be fully addressed without acknowledging and releasing the emotional components stored within the body.

How Does ERT Work and What's Involved?

The ERT process begins with a personalised initial assessment where your practitioner gains a deeper understanding of what your current challenges are and what your goals are within the sessions. Your ERT practitioner will be able to generate specific prompts based on the particular challenges you would like to work on right then and there, and will help you process at a pace that works for you.

It is important to note that the ERT process engages the subconscious and the underlying nervous system response, which means you do not need to share any insights or disclose any information unless you choose to. This is often quite different to other modalities, which may engage the conscious mind, requiring you to actively recall memories of events and situations.

While you are always welcome to share anything that comes up in session with your practitioner, the ERT process does not require this and will work either way, making it accessible for a range of different people.

Access and Release Methods

ERT will use muscle testing to assess your nervous system’s response to a specific prompt, in conjunction with gentle pressure applied to specific acupressure points, to assess whether there is an emotional component related to the prompt. 

Your practitioner will then assess the meridian pathways, which can be thought of as small rivers of energy that flow just beneath the skin. These meridians can be accessed via specific pulse points on the wrist, which your practitioner will use to assess where the specific emotion lies.

Your practitioner will use a chart to assess which specific emotion within that particular meridian is at play for the specific prompt you used. You may have multiple emotions contributing to the nervous system’s response to a single prompt.

The next step is to process the emotion, which involves guided, steady breathing while making physical contact with the relevant pulse points and incorporating meridian “tapping” as is used with EFT. This last step in processing the emotion can feel quite rapid for some people, while others may take more time to process. Sometimes people may experience yawning, sighing, crying, or any manner of sensations such as tingling in certain areas of the body, temperature changes, seeing certain colours when their eyes are closed, or no obvious changes at all. Processing is a unique and subjective experience for each person, and your practitioner is trained to hold a safe, non-judgemental space for you while you process in your own way, in your own time. 

Benefits of Emotion Release Technique Sessions

Regular ERT sessions can provide significant relief from stress and anxiety while improving your coping skills for life's challenges. Many clients experience reduced physical symptoms as unprocessed emotions are finally processed from their bodies.

The emotional healing aspect of ERT helps you process experiences that may have been affecting your daily life, whether in the short-term or for many years. This often leads to improved focus and performance in both personal and professional areas.

ERT excels at addressing the physical manifestation of emotional issues, allowing you to reach the core issue that's been blocking your health and well-being. It serves as a powerful tool for creating behavioural change, helping you break free from patterns that no longer serve you so you can achieve your personal goals more easily.

This technique is suitable for clients of all ages and genders, making it an accessible healing option for families and individuals at any stage of life.

Complementary Therapies alongside ERT

Many people find that ERT works beautifully alongside other mind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation, massage and acupuncture. This integrative approach often enhances the overall healing experience.

Possible Outcomes and Wellbeing Improvements

• Emotional Healing: ERT provides a safe, non-intrusive way to work through life's challenges, enabling you to develop resilience and cope more effectively in daily life
• Stress Reduction: The technique eases physical symptoms of stress while encouraging healthy self-care practices and promoting a feeling of lightness and ease that can last well beyond your session.
• Healthier Relationships: As you release old emotional patterns, you'll often find you can create deeper connections with others and communicate more clearly and authentically in your relationships.
• Improved Self-Awareness: ERT helps you feel more comfortable in your own skin while developing better emotional management and regulation skills that serve you in all areas of life.
• Enhanced Physical Wellbeing: The technique supports your body's natural healing processes and can help restore hormonal balance while providing relief from physical symptoms that may have had emotional roots.

Common Issues ERT Can Address

Emotion Release Technique effectively addresses a wide range of health concerns including anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD symptoms, and chronic pain conditions that haven't responded well to conventional treatment.

The technique is particularly helpful for relationship issues, career blocks and self-limiting beliefs such as low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness that keep you from reaching your full potential.

Preparing for Your ERT Session

When attending an ERT session, arrive ready to be fully present for the experience. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and gentle touch work, ensuring your wrists, hands, and forehead are especially accessible.

If you are attending an online session, ensure that your audio and visual settings are working, as your practitioner needs to be able to see and hear you so they can instruct you appropriately on where to position your wrists so you can access pulse points and any other relevant body points for prompts. Consider setting a clear intention for what you'd like to release or heal during your session.  

Most practitioners recommend attending ERT sessions 3 to 6 times initially, scheduling appointments every 1 to 2 weeks. This frequency allows time for integration while addressing new issues that may surface as older patterns are released. 3 to 4-week intervals may eventually work well as maintenance, or sometimes less often in the later stages when ERT has been used for a long time and has allowed you to effectively recalibrate your nervous system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ERT safe?

ERT uses a completely non-invasive approach with gentle techniques that work with your body's natural healing systems. Because ERT is a process that engages the autonomic nervous system directly, it is optional but not essential for participants to disclose or talk about what is coming up for them, which makes this modality a gentle and safe process even for those who have experienced significant trauma in their lives. All qualified practitioners must complete the ERT Certification facilitated by founder Karlie McKeand with accompanying training to conduct ERT sessions in an informed, ethical, and safe way.

Who should exercise caution with ERT?

ERT is a safe, easy, and gentle process. It is always advised that if a participant themselves or the ERT practitioner feels that the participant may require additional support outside of ERT sessions to navigate what they are experiencing, the participant is encouraged to seek appropriate care. For example, ERT pairs well and works effectively alongside the work facilitated by certain mental health professionals, including psychotherapists. A collaborative, patient-centred care model is encouraged for cases of severe mental illness or for people experiencing chronic or complex health concerns that would benefit from a multi-modal, integrative approach.

How quickly will I see results from ERT?

Results vary among individuals, but many people notice changes quite quickly. Some clients experience immediate results on the same day, including emotional relief, muscle relaxation and improved mood. Within 1-3 sessions, you might notice stress reduction, better sleep quality and decreased anxiety levels. For longer-term benefits that typically emerge after 4-8+ sessions, expect to see behavioural changes, improved relationships, enhanced emotional regulation, increased resilience and an overall better quality of life.

How much do ERT sessions typically cost?

ERT session costs vary depending on your location, the practitioner's experience and session length. In Australia, you can expect to pay between $90-$200+ per session. Some practitioners offer package deals for multiple sessions.

How do I find a qualified ERT practitioner?

When choosing an ERT practitioner, look for someone who has undertaken the ERT Certification process, which requires thorough theoretical and practical training in ERT before certification can be granted. Bodhi Holistic Hub offers carefully vetted and verified Emotion Release Technique practitioners, giving you confidence that you'll be working with qualified professionals who meet high standards of practice and care.

Can ERT be combined with other treatments?

Yes, ERT works well alongside conventional therapy, medical treatment and other complementary healing modalities. Many practitioners encourage an integrative approach to healing. Always inform all your healthcare providers about the treatments you're receiving to ensure the best coordinated care.

References and Further Reading

• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
• "Waking the Tiger" by Peter Levine
• "Emotional Freedom Technique Manual" by Gary Craig

This guide was written by the Bodhi Holistic Hub team according to their editorial policy and reviewed by Gabby Pavlovic, certified ERT practitioner.