Tapping for Emotional Self-Regulation in Chalkidiki Schools
[English translation from Greek] “Heracles and His Lernaean Hydra: Tapping for Children” is an educational program that is being rolled out in the Chalkidiki region of Greece during the 2025–2026 school year. It is offered to primary education schools that choose to participate. The program is implemented by the experienced educator and EFT Practitioner, Ms. Marina Koutra. It aims to introduce students and educators to the basic process of the EFT/tapping method as a technique for self-regulation and relief from emotional issues affecting students. Tapping for emotional self-regulation helps children manage stress and, as a result, cope more easily with difficult emotions such as anxiety, anger, and jealousy. It is therefore a useful skillset for children to develop in order to support their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) development.
Learning Through A Picture Book: Tapping for Emotional Regulation
The main educational resource of the program is a picture book written and illustrated by Ms. Marina Koutra. It’s called “Heracles and His Lernaean Hydra.” It serves as the starting point for students to engage with the basic process of the tapping method.
A young primary school student named Heracles faces various situations that hinder his adaptation to school: a classmate who takes his things without permission, another who mocks him, and a very strict teacher.
He works on his anger, jealousy, and fear. He discovers that gently tapping with his fingers on specific points on his body -corresponding to those used in the basic EFT/tapping process – helps him process his emotions, restoring his inner peace and self-confidence.
From then on, he applies the tapping practice to support himself with other concerns, and it enables him to address them effectively. You can view the illustrated story via the link.
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
After being approved by the Greek Ministry of Education, the program was posted on the Primary Education website for the Chalkidiki region of public schools and announced at a meeting of school directors.
Schools could opt in voluntarily. The program lasted 2 teaching hours per participating class and required parental consent forms. Furthermore, Ms. Marina Koutra offered a short briefing on EFT/tapping for the school’s teachers, which could be integrated into their in-school training (INSET/In-Service Training program for staff continued professional development).
Initially, only 6 out of 64 primary schools in the region signed up. Dates were coordinated with each participating school. The low participation may stem from various reasons; in my view, one key factor is the excessive pressure on teachers, preventing them from exploring new tools – even those that the tapping program could substantially help out.
TAPPING PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
Through the program, students learn four tools: the basic EFT process, the butterfly hug, the havening technique, and a breathing technique (balanced breathing exercise) referenced in the book by Lambrou & Pratt (Lambrou, P. & Pratt, G. (2000) Instant Emotional Healing, London: Rider), all of which are practices integrated into EFT.
From the students’ oral and written comments, questions, drawings, spontaneous crafts, and stories related to their experience, it is evident that these practices are not only well-received but excite the students. Some students experienced immediate relief from issues bothering them. During classroom application, it also became evident that different students may prefer one of the four practices over the others.
As an educator, I call upon those involved in the educational process to act on the need for students to become familiar with and trained in practices that can help them self-regulate and manage their emotions. It is important that negative emotions do not remain unprocessed because of all of the associated negative consequences on them and on the school/classroom learning environment.
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR
MORE ON TAPPING IN GREEK SCHOOLS
Marina Koutra bringing EFT Tapping into Greek Primary Schools.
Eleni Vardaki teaching kids tapping in a Primary School in Pelion for SEL.
Marina Koutra tapping in Greek Schools to help children learn.
Eleni Vardaki teaching Secondary School staff tapping for relaxation in Volos.
For Parents & Educators: Resources for teaching Greek kids tapping.
