A Tribute to a Pioneer
It is with deep sadness and immense gratitude that we announce the passing of Gary Craig, the creator of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Gary passed away peacefully at his home, leaving behind a legacy that has fundamentally transformed the landscape of modern healing and energy psychology.
Born on 13 April 1940 in the United States, Gary was a man of both intellect and intuition. A Stanford engineering graduate and Ordained Minister, he possessed a unique ability to bridge the gap between the mechanical and the spiritual.
The Birth of EFT
Gary's journey into energy work began in earnest in 1991 when he became a student of Dr Roger Callahan, the founder of Thought Field Therapy (TFT). While Gary admired the efficacy of TFT, his engineering mind sought simplification and universality.
In the mid-1990s, Gary refined the complex algorithms of TFT into a singular, elegant sequence known as the "one-stop protocol", which we now know as Classic EFT. In 1995, he released the seminal EFT Course on VHS, effectively launching a movement that would touch every corner of the globe.
A Legacy of Generosity and Professional Growth
Perhaps Gary's greatest gift to the world, aside from the technique itself, was his philosophy of generosity. Through his "open hand" policy, he allowed EFT to spread organically. By making The EFT Manual available for free as an eBook in the early 2000s, he ensured that financial status was never a barrier to healing.
As the popularity of Gary's methods grew, so did the need for a professional framework to support the practitioners using them. In 1998, responding to the desire for ethical standards and public safety, Silvia Hartmann and Chrissie Hardisty founded The Association for Meridian Therapies (The AMT), now known as The Guild of Energists (GoE).
The AMT was established to nurture this emergent field, providing the first professional EFT qualifications. This crucial step allowed therapists to obtain the insurance necessary to practice Gary's techniques professionally, ensuring his work could be delivered safely and widely. Gary himself acknowledged this professional evolution, praising Silvia Hartmann's early contributions to the field.
A Spiritual Evolution
While the world focused on the "tapping", Gary's focus continued to evolve. In his later years, he spoke openly about a profound spiritual experience known as a "Revelation", which shifted his perspective from the mechanical tapping of meridians to a reliance on the unseen. This culminated in his development of "Optimal EFT", a practice that invites a higher intelligence into the healing process.
A Message from Christina (Tina) Craig
Gary's daughter, Tina, has released a touching tribute to her father. Here is an excerpt from her message:
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Gary Craig, Founder of EFT and my father. He was his usual enthusiastic and charming self until the very last moment, and he went peacefully in his sleep, lying in his favorite recliner, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
With the creation of EFT, he opened new doors, combining scientific approaches and an energy component to revolutionize the healing of emotional issues. Personally, I cherished the opportunity to work by his side; in partnership with his teachings, with a front row seat to his generosity, and inspired by his spirituality.
As I sit here now, in his favorite recliner, I can see that Gary Craig raised me in a Palace of Possibilities. He showed me, starting at 5 years old, that anything is possible, and he provided me with the tools to get anywhere I want to go. I believe he has given the same to the world, and in exchange, his Revelation will now be eternal. May he rest in paradise."
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A Message From Silvia Hartmann
Silvia Hartmann is the President of The Guild of Energists & author of "Adventures In EFT":
☆ In the spring of 1998, I saw a message on an NLP forum, making fun of some kind of crazy tapping technique that was said to be quite miraculous. Instead of joining in with the fun, I found the source and phoned the USA. Spoke to a lovely gentleman by the name of Gary Craig, who sent me his EFT collection of video tapes and audio tapes.
I remember sitting down and watching, tapping along - and a significant, extremely painful memory arose, then transformed as if by magic, and I knew here was finally a way to work with energy that could be transmitted to other people.
There began my "Adventures in EFT" - a five year exploration of what you can do with this this technique, but most importantly, how it can be taught in a structural manner, so therapists and clinicians can work with it too. Gary Craig accomplished something in his lifetime that others dream of - to leave a legacy of love, to not be just a guru but a person who has significantly helped so, so many people, by putting the power over their own emotions literally at their own fingertips.
Thanks to Gary, none of us have to be afraid of our own emotions any longer. This is an inconceivable gift for humanity. From the very bottom of my heart, I thank you, dear Gary. You will be loved forever.
Honouring His Legacy
Per Gary's request, there will be no formal ceremony to mark his passing. However, he has left us with instructions on how best to honour his memory. He asked that we continue to "stretch", to look deeper, ask better questions, and improve our connection with the unseen.
Every time a practitioner taps on a meridian point, every time a client experiences a shift from distress to peace, and every time we help one another in the spirit of the "Palace of Possibilities", we are honouring the life and work of Gary Craig.
The Guild of Energists extends our deepest condolences to Tina, the Craig family, and the millions of lives Gary touched.
Soar in Joy, Gary.
In Tribute:
"It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Gary Craig, a legend whom I personally owe so much gratitude to on many levels." - Karl Dawson
"For myself and for the millions around the world who have healed and become emotionally free, changing their lives after learning this simple energy tapping method we owe a debt of gratitude." - Sandra Hillawi
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The Guild of Energists (GoE) joins the global energy community in mourning the passing of Gary Craig, the visionary founder of EFT. From his roots as a Stanford engineer to becoming a pioneer of modern energy healing, Gary's "open hand" policy changed millions of lives. We reflect on his profound legacy, the early support of The AMT (now GoE), and share a moving tribute from his daughter, Tina Craig.