A Technique to Eliminate Math Anxiety | Dr. Katie Nall | TEDxOcala

NOTE FROM TED: This talk, which was filmed at a TEDx event, contains assertions about Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) that lack sufficient scientific support. While some viewers might find advice provided in the talk to be helpful, please do not look to this talk for medical advice. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...
A solution to eliminate math anxiety led to a journey to handling other fears and worries. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping) proves to be a powerful method to deal with emotional challenges. Dr. Nall earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education in 2011 from Florida Institute of Technology while she worked full-time, authored her book, “CR8 UR F8”, and tried to keep it all together. While researching for her dissertation, Dr. Nall looked for a solution to help students who had fear, worry, and anxiety about taking college level math classes. It was this topic that led Dr. Nall to find a way to help not only students, but also others eliminate fear, worry, and anxiety using a new and exciting method. Dr. Nall is a Certified Practitioner in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or tapping) to assist others in overcoming fear, anxiety, and stress. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Psychokitten113]

maths brings me to tears and panic attacks, ... I don't do maths anymore

[@KatieNallPhD]

So sorry Math brings you to tears and panic attacks. Hope this video may help. Thank you for watching.

[@Konrad_Wallenrod]

Psychokitten113 I used to be like you, but I don't have a comforting and hope inspiring story to share 🙁 I never really resolved it, I simpky left high school! No more math no more anxiety 😎 Naturally, the least said about my high school math grades the better!

[@KatieNallPhD]

It's never too late. I was 54 when I returned to school. Let me know when you are ready to return!

[@xavierkreiss8394]

Same here (minus the tears). And videos like this one don't help at all.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Xavier, the TedX talk video demonstration is a sample of the Tapping experience. Hope you continue searching.

[@DaveNanan]

Math teachers love math, but have a hard time understanding that students may experience math anxiety, which is a difficult barrier to overcome.

[@KatieNallPhD]

I agree, Dave. I felt the same way - I love math and it was strange to me why so many students had math anxiety - until I started asking my students questions about how they grew their anxiety. Then finding tapping helped so much.

[@shinobu_study7984]

Truee

[@xavierkreiss8394]

This will continue until someone somewhere asks the simple question: why do so many people experience this anxiety or phobia? Maths is a unique subject, a system of refasoning with no link to other subjects. Why is it hated by so many? You don't hear of history or geography anxiety or phobia.

[@Snakepit_Media]

It's not only math anxiety that math teachers don't understand, it's the math rage as well that comes with the lack of understanding the numbers and people that insist they need to do the math

[@Airsoftfrreak96]

​​@@xavierkreiss8394It's very easy to understand. if you skip one single step or lesson or are exceptionally bad at it, let's say basic factoring. But still were able to pass, once you start going forwards in your academic life and maths become more complex, having difficulty in something that's so important will become a burden fast. There's a time limit, and you might start to blame maths itself for being too complex or the system for not providing enough time to solve a test. Other explanation might be that there are certain people who actually suffer from dyscalculia , but it's a rare occurrence.

[@MoBlackjack]

My father 'helped' me do my math homework since first or second grade and beat me if I got even a single question wrong. That's how I got my math 'anxiety'.

[@KatieNallPhD]

So very sorry. You may want to tap with a practitioner to move forward. Blessings to you.

[@KatieNallPhD]

I am so sorry to hear how you got math anxiety. Tapping can help you - try it and let me know how you feel.

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@banzaaiiiii Yes, our environment can make a difference. Did you try tapping on how your feel about your early environment? I didn't have an early environment which promoted math - just my natural curiosity.

[@shobud71]

Yup. My father slapped me across my face with a yard stick cuz he was so frustrated and disappointed that I could not get it. And for years until this day and I'm 47 my brain won't shut down at Panic every time math serious math complicated math has brought to my attention

[@rajaraajeshwari6725]

Indian parents ....

[@holycow8155]

I like maths, but when I’m asked questions face to face I panic. Especially when it’s easy ones. My thoughts are “I’m supposed to know this, what if I get held back? “

[@KatieNallPhD]

Your thoughts are exactly what many of my students voiced! Sometimes it's difficult to overcome the voices in our heads. Tapping is a great way to move forward. Part of learning is making mistakes so you can figure out what you do and do not undertand. Keep going!

[@holycow8155]

Katie Nall thank you for your advice !!!!

[@chelseateachesenglish7361]

@@KatieNallPhD hey...math was like my best subject from grade (1-7)..then due to some family problems my marks started to drop which kind of left a scar on my self-esteem..then covid happened.. After 1 and an half yr (during this time i was practicing maths to make it all good again),i toke a math test today...i will be honest the questions were not hard at all but when i was writing my Heart was beating very fast and i was barely able to write and my hand got slow..that's how i screwed up a easy math test..whenever i enter the math exam hall, the first thing which comes to head is whether i would be able to complete the paper before time ends...can you pls give me some advice to cope with it?

[@yamnafarooq9642]

Same

[@givemechoco9753]

The worst thing is, I can always imagine the reaction of the ones who asked me these questions They're like, "Are you serious?". And that gave me even more anxiety

[@graysonkovar9473]

Math is THE WORST taught subject in the country. "Here, remember this formula, okay, moving on."

[@KatieNallPhD]

In some ways, I do wish we would adjust the way we teach math in the US - math is more exciting if we would allow students to find the patterns themselves - and that process takes time. Just memorizing formulas doesn't demonstrate the beauty in math.

[@neptune0909]

@@KatieNallPhD So true!!

[@neptune0909]

They are just teaching math as a theoretical subject whereas math is all about practicality

[@graysonkovar9473]

@@neptune0909 agreed. As I went through my electrical engineering degree, I found I learned WAY more when my professors had us find applications for the math we were learning

[@abhyudaychakraborty3818]

@@neptune0909 not really, math is pretty theoretical and requires imagination, all the practical utility math has derived because of its advancement in its pure and abstract form.

[@guntherss2672]

People don't fear math i know by my own experience that the bad memories of failing tests & unable to understand math associated with it keeps giving us anxiety, i'm a high school student & exactly 6 month from now i'll be graduating from high school & majoring physics & my interest in physics brought my interest in math & believe me it is not your enemy it is the most interesting you will ever study more than physics.

[@KatieNallPhD]

I agree. Congratulations on your studies!

[@guntherss2672]

Thankyou mam

[@wiamerrahj1908]

How do u get rid of the memos??

[@youwillneverknowmynamelol7401]

How is it going?

[@veryconfused9768]

agreed plus with me adults around would always ask difficult maths question to me who is a 6 year old, i developed a fear of maths, they would ask how much is 20345 and 300 and would say its so easy but it all scared me as they would laugh when i answered wrong, second my school did nt even had math teachers T.T each year someone new would come.

[@cinnamonrolls6027]

My teacher can explain something to me for two hours and I won’t understand it

[@KatieNallPhD]

Right? One of my clients yesterday had the same response. After tapping together, she is now excited and eager to learn math. Stay the course!!

[@erolb.shexani1706]

Same

[@aloethej.o.a.t5566]

That's me, but back then. The reason why I can't understand difficult problems is I skipped learning the basics, thinking that it doesn't matter but boy am I wrong, didn't really think that it will be the foundation.

[@aloethej.o.a.t5566]

Now my problem is finding motivation.

[@aloethej.o.a.t5566]

@glass_shids the unfair truth

[@vkrgfan]

I think more than Tapping it's imperative to have a compassionate math teacher, which is quite rare, just the fact that you have identified anxiety as an issue and proposed possible solutions to your students shows that you deeply care about your students, that alone already puts them in a better position.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. I do care about the students. Some students were so traumatized by prior math experiences, that no amount of my caring was enough - they had to get past the trauma and Tapping helped them.

[@o_o7518]

*Maths makes me CRY during my exams...* 😔😔😔😔😔😔🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello! Before your exams, try tapping to see if it makes a difference. Let me know what happens.

[@wholesomekeanureeves9466]

I got close once,my panic from the test completely throws me off

[@suhani551]

No matter how many times I solve a question my answer's always wrong and that's when I start getting panic attacks... I hate maths.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Right? Sometimes your panic gets in the way. Try tapping on how you feel about math and see if that helps. Best of luck!

[@dose.of.happiness]

@@KatieNallPhD need to talk

[@nehaluciaalosious2330]

even i have this ...no matter how many times i try...it always slips away from my hands.....

[@nehaluciaalosious2330]

@@KatieNallPhD will trying a lot more help.....or is it better to avoid

[@dose.of.happiness]

@@nehaluciaalosious2330 self belief can help

[@toysandfun4240]

how does this help me learn? I am so lost trying to do a course it makes me cry and im a grown man

[@KatieNallPhD]

Math can make some people cry! Tapping helps move negative emotions which may block your ability to learn. It doesn't hurt to try it. Contact me if you need additional information. Best of luck!

[@judithkimball2125]

I just left my doctor’s office. I have been refer for an evaluation to deal with this anxiety. The testing will be four hours long. I also have to have blood work done. Talk to your doctor about your situation and how this emotions are having a negative effect in your life. We have to take control of our emotions because failure is no longer our option.

[@alexharper213]

Seeing that others are going through the same thing makes me feel a little better I had a total break down in class today OVER FRACTIONS it’s been a while since I’ve gone to school and it’s been the second day and I’m feeling just really defeated

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. You are with a large group of others who are frustrated when they cannot quickly understand math. Try the tapping and see if it helps.

[@mminha]

Math honestly makes my body shiver and tremble sometimes.I watched this video some days before and I tried it during math classes and it was fine and all but today mam gave a surprise test on the first and one of the most basic of the basics she taught in the begning of this year and I got so shocked and panicked that i forgot everything even about this video to calm down. To be able to use this technique I need to be first on my right mind.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. When you have a tapping session with a Certified Practitioner, you can ELIMINATE the panic of math. There are various tapping techniques which go beyond this brief video. Keep tapping!

[@elim243]

I liked math until my teacher started to beat, yelled and humiliated my in front of the class. From that day, I was done with math.

[@KatieNallPhD]

O! I'm so sorry. Unfortunately I have heard this story more than once. I apologize to you on behalf of all math instructors. I hope someday you can try it again in a safer environment.

[@elim243]

@@KatieNallPhD Thank you! 🤗

[@philellis3463]

I am one of those students who hate math. I've stayed after, had multiple tutors, and watched all the videos. Its always been hard for me. I hate when math teachers try to convince me to break out pencil and paper every single time I need even rudimentary math and say its useful to do an equation. I've repeated almost every math class i've ever taken. I put the work in, and I still fail. I try my own appraoches, my professors and other people's. It all ends the same. I am so sick of math. All I want to do is pass, not become an expert in calculus, algebra, or statistics. Math is one major hurdle keeping me from graduating, and if I keep falling, i'll just drop out of college. Because its a waste of money to keep failing after trying everything.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Phil. Many of my students felt the same way and said the exact same words. Consider tapping to be able to pass math! Let me know how it gotes.

[@soon-cq3by]

Hi bro. Me too, experiencing the same stuff. How about u bro? Any update? Did u overcome it bro?

[@chibiyaten15]

same here

[@mariamtarek6014]

You will never do it in your life if you hate it it will never work Just one tip try loving it search about how great it is many mathmaticians hated mathematics in their early life search about them too

[@JG-td3qw]

I find this ted talk good (and very relatable - my math teacher once said that when our highschool class graduates, she will only remember the best and the worst in math--that's me) just because it shows how a teacher can be so passionate about teaching students going beyond the numbers and into some aspects of anxiety.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Don't we all recall the extremes? I bet you can excel in math once you eliminate your stressors!

[@daniahmed]

My fear of math is that i will forget what to do in the exam.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Try the tapping - it relieves the fears so you can concentrate on sharing what you know. Let me know how it works for you.

[@gungholio3416]

Thank you for helping me calm down with math. I am still anxious but I am trying to get better.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Keep tapping!

[@morgand5004]

I’m definitely going to try this so I can pass math and then never deal with it again.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Be careful with tapping - you may find that math has a lot more to offer once you contain the anxiety.

[@morgand5004]

@@KatieNallPhD I appreciate the reply! I hope you know this was a joke. Thank you for what you do!

[@Emoechaiti]

I don't have anxiety from maths I get PTSD from just a view of it

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, many of my students felt the same way you do! Try tapping on the fact you get PTSD just from viewing math and let me know what happens.

[@shatakshijadhav7954]

I had math anxiety and EFT WORKS LIKE CHARM! thankyou so so so much x you're the best rn. p.s. haven't touched my math books but completed one chapter a day cuz of her

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch this video. Glad to hear your were able to be helped using tapping!

[@shubhammathur027]

Can you please tell me how to use this method of tapping.. And iff you are an indian then please tell me things in hindi.. 🙏🙏please

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@shubhammathur027 I do not know Hindi. Please translate the video and follow along. There are many KZbin videos demonstrating Tapping as well. Good luck!

[@palomapaloma7875]

I am glad to know i am not alone. I have tried everything to pass my math class to finish my degree! I mean everything, tutoring in person on line, even cheating and i failed. I finally gave up. Some say math is a language...I speak, read and write three languages... how is it possible i cant pass simple math?? Math has hindered my life!🥺

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Paloma, thank you for watching. It breaks my heart that math is the only barrier to completing your degree. Please try tapping and see if it helps. My KZbin channel has more examples if you want to learn more.

[@zainabsegilola9951]

@@KatieNallPhD i have the same issue. I’m terrible. I’ve tried I’ve tried. Tutors videos everything. And I want to study computer science. My maths always affects my grades. What is tapping?

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@zainabsegilola9951 Watch my video to see a brief and abbreviated sample. It is a method to eliminate negative emotions which may be blocking your ability to study math. Let me know how you do!

[@neptune0909]

I can proudly learn fuckin 6 languages but learning math feels so overwhelming... Yes I said 'learning 'math coz that's what we are taught..

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Impressed you can learn so many languages! What if you considered math another language and approached it in that manner? Vocabulary and definitions in math can make a huge difference!

[@emilie8356]

Me too

[@melodyrichardson5051]

I like the idea of addressing math anxiety, but my issue is that I don’t see why others love it. I’m very musical and right-brained with an aptitude for languages and art, and technical subjects bore me to tears. Numbers just don’t have any meaning to me beyond counting and measurement. Math was always my weakest subject in school and kept me from getting straight A’s from 4th grade on. I stopped taking high school math after Algebra 2. I got a B in College Algebra and scraped by my statistics class in order to complete the two-course requirement for my degree. What would you suggest for people like me who don’t relate to math beyond basic arithmetic?

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Melody, Thank you for watching. Yes, I agree that meaningless numbers may not garner interest. And math becomes interesting when we can apply it. Just like learning the musical scales is boring until you can incorporate them into a 'Melody' or understanding the techniques of art may be necessary before you create art, learning the numbers and beginning functions are helpful for when you apply mathematics. Glad you were able to pass your math classes. There will be moments in your life when your Algebra and Statistics will be helpful. Look for those moments.

[@alinameanslight2897]

Check out Eddie Woo!! he single handedly turned this maths agnostic into a passionate student! I still can't really DO math as I've got traumatic experiences with it that need working through, but I'm now obsessed with all that math represents. Maths is literally life! A great place to start is fractals as they apply to everything around us, from the microscopic to bolts of lightning.

[@vkrgfan]

@@alinameanslight2897 Agree, the great passionate teacher could inspire students to do things that they've never done before and see them from a different perspective.

[@hamnakhan3656]

I just had an anxiety attack and shed tears over maths. I need to learn math to get into my dream college. I have been trying for 5 years now and I haven't been able to. My inability makes me so sad. At the age of 22 struggling like this makes me feel so ashamed. I might never be able to apply again after this one. Yet ironically happen to be the genius in my whole batch in my current degree.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Please use Tapping and let me know how it helps you. Good luck! You can do this!

[@whocares5584]

I've been quite skeptical of EFT but it's worth a try so I started reading a book on EFT.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Good for you! Let me know how you are doing!

[@letsgoBrandon204]

Aaaaand? 😃

[@justreem5318]

Was it effective

[@letsgoBrandon204]

@@justreem5318 The silence doesn't fill me with confidence 😒

[@hadishams5732]

@@KatieNallPhD Kill me please

[@seastorm9548]

My mind seems to want to block out anything math related for some reason. When I was younger and the teacher was explaining how to do math I tried really hard to listen but her words were inaudible to me, it's like my brain didn't want me to hear her because it couldn't make sense of the topic she was teaching.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Rose, many people share your beliefs. Because I have worked with and seen attitudes and abilities change with regard to math, I would encourage you to be open to the possibility math may be understood. Stay the course!

[@empuwm]

My mom is so good at math and my dad and i are horrible

[@ahmedelhassen9403]

how are you now, i need hope

[@givemechoco9753]

I always hate it when I'm the only one who is so bad at math in our house. Yet no one in our house helped me when I was in school, and all they say to me is that I should've paid attention to the class. I'm willing to learn math but I'm not just good at it

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Try tapping to see if it helps.

[@user-dm4ey3pu6i]

This is what school should teach us.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching! I agree with you!!!

[@MorriganSlayde]

Maths was the argument my mother and I all had while growing up. I thought I hated it. Then in uni I cam across Statistics....It opened me up SO MUCH. I loved it. I wanted more. You know I am getting a minor in Statistics now, but I still get mathematical anxiety... and sometimes I still need a pick me up...the theory I was always "bad" at it failed the significance test (or passed it, depending on your model. ;) )

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for your input. Yes, the opinions of others (especially those we hold in high esteem) may affect our attitude towards math. Excited you are enjoying Statistics! When you do feel anxious about math, try tapping and let me know how it works for you!

[@nanou9413]

When I was 12 or 13 my math teacher slapped my head against the chalkboard because I was incapable of solving an equation I cried sooo much i felt anger and shame at the same time I forgive her time to move on I was just a child having some learning disabilities especially in math I was good in science I understood nothing in physics but I managed somehow to go to the university I am now 43 and I am learning math all over again just for my self and to get another degree and start a business wish me luck I will definitely try this technique thank you sooo much 🥰

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Sarah's life. Thank you for watching. I am so sorry about the experience you had from your math teacher and proud of you for moving forward. Yes, please tap on the emotions surrounding that young experience and let me know how you progress.

[@nanou9413]

Thank you so much for your interest 😍🌹🌹 I will keep you updated for sure 👌☀️

[@mali7559]

I get scared and have panic attacks just by looking at math I hate it so much I can't explain but sis that doesn't mean I am bad at other subjects you can give me biology. Or literature or history anything but math........

[@KatieNallPhD]

Exactly! So many students feel the same way you do! And yet the students excel in other subjects, many of which are based on math. Thank you for your comment.

[@mali7559]

@@KatieNallPhD thank you girl werk.

[@thanujasiriwardana5363]

@@KatieNallPhD ma'am, I'm literally good at maths , since grade 8 to 11 I got ahead of 90 for every test and most of marks are 100 , and I got A+ for maths in my o/l s now I'm in grade 12 , now I'm struggling with physics, even I know how to solve it when it comes to me as a paper in the exam hall I got afraid and esed to think I gonna make it wrong then nothing will come to my mind , can you help me please??🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@thanujasiriwardana5363]

Used to think A mistake

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@thanujasiriwardana5363 Thank you for your comment. Hopefully you watched the video. Pattern your feelings and tap on yourself with your own words to see how it helps. Let me know.

[@ckellymiller]

Excellent! A creative and brilliant approach to help people with so many challenges and anxieties. Thank you Katie and well done.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you! Try it!!!

[@MakeitPossiblechannel]

@@KatieNallPhD it is still not working for me 😢

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@MakeitPossiblechannel The technique works best with a certified practitioner. You can still have an effective session once you learn it yourself. I'm a Master Trainer now and offer classes in Level 1 Foundation, Level 2 Intermediate, and Level 3 Advanced. Happy to work with you personally!

[@xavierkreiss8394]

A great many people recommend techniques to overcome maths anxiety or phobia, but what depresses me is that (almost) no-one asks the central question. By this I mean that I've never heard of people with a phobia of history or geography, or literature. Some may not like these subjects but maths is the only one that triggers such intense negative reactions in so many people. So the question is : why? I've seen several people suggest different ways of treating what is, in effect, a symptom, but if no-one has really identified its root cause, the problem will persist. One reason is that maths is a unique subject that has nothing in common with the others. It is a system of reasoning. So there is something that, to some (including me) is uniquely impenetrable. A closed book. Some hypotheses have been suggested as to the root causes of this anxiety/phobia, the effect of maths on the brain in some people. Also the fact that maths is not a natural subject: French mathematician Cedric Villani once stated that humans were made to communicate by speaking languages, not by "speaking maths". Maths, he said, goes "against nature". So the system has to be understood and mastered. It seems reasonable to suggest that some of us have more difficulties than others. The question: why? remains. BTW C.Villani is not only a mathematician but also a Fields medallist. So he knows his subject.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for a great response. Yes, maths is the singular subject which appears to cause anxiety (although I have helped students overcome writer's block and other test and performance anxieties). Agreed, math does appear to go "against nature" when considered as only symbols. When you explain math as stories, and explain the symbols, math becomes more relatable. Unfortunately, too many math instructors have given students math and test anxiety and tapping does help students overcome the issue.

[@xavierkreiss8394]

@@joe_z I understand the point of maths, but I can't understand the subject itself. And I've found out that I could get along fine without knowing any maths (except basic calculation).

[@brendanh8193]

You asked "why does maths cause such anxiety?" I'll give you four reasons. All are true in different ways. Firstly, maths is hierarchical, more so than any other subject taught at school. You can't understand exponents (powers, indices) unless you understand multiplication, you can't understand multiplication unless you understand addition, and you can't understand addition unless you understand counting. Maths is full of hierarchical chains like that. And if you miss out on the understanding of some of those early or middle concepts, say through illness etc., it is very difficult to catch up as the teacher keeps going ahead, adding more concepts onto the one you don't yet understand. It's like trying to swim up the back of a wave that has gone past you - a lot of effort for little effect. Secondly, maths is exacting. Even practice produces either right answers or wrong ones. But learning also couples it with emotions. If you get it right, you get a little thrill (which drives you to learn more). If you get it wrong, you can have several emotional reactions, depending on the self belief in your own ability. If it is high, curiosity is the emotion ("That's interesting, why did I get that wrong?"). If you continue to get it wrong, you become frustrated. That can lead to increased resilience and self belief, if you eventually get it right. But if you don't, this emotion can turn to despair ("I'll never get it right."). Do this often enough, and your brain starts to try to avoid the despair, by shunting straight to the pain centres when it recognises clues that it is a maths problem. This is maths anxiety - actual pain. Thirdly, you may have had a bad teacher, one that caused you to fear them and the subject they taught. You begin to associate fear with maths. Finally, you may have had a teacher who themselves were afraid of maths, and the emotion began to be mirrored by you - it rubbed off onto your own emotional responses as a social contagion. Each of these can cause it, and often an individual can have several causes. But each issue has a different strategy to overcome. I suspect that this suggested method (EFT) changes the shunting trait, allowing the parts of the brain that deal with maths to be activated instead of the pain centres.

[@lyopdalyop2831]

I've simply come to accept that if you always ask why (like myself); you may struggle. Math makes sense for some because it makes no sense. For me. skipping a simply step can make a whole equation not make any sense. There's a lot of assumptions that goes into the subject. It's sad because you can study for months and one strange question then boom; it makes no sense. Honestly, it shouldn't be compulsory.

[@xavierkreiss8394]

@@lyopdalyop2831 I agree: beyond a certain point, beyond simple arithmetic or calculation, it shouldn't be compulsory.

[@deeptisingh7757]

Thank you so much for sharing this. You're a wonderful mathmatics teacher. May we've more teachers like you. love from India.

[@deeptisingh7757]

I hope, this will help me.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for your comment. Please share with others who need this information.

[@gianb3952]

There is nothing I hate more in the world than maths. I hate it with a burning passion and my brain just shuts off during class. And if I do pay attention, or if Ido math problems my body enters fight or flight, my heartbeat gets faster and all i want to do is rip the paper apart. I would rather get tortured physically than doing maths, which I consider a form of psychological torture. I'm in my third year in a row trying to get to university; this university doesn't have admission exams, it has an admission year before you start your career. I still haven't been able to get rid of maths and physics so I'm still unable to start my career. Yesterday I got anxious and dropped out. I hate myself now.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for stopping by and watching the video. So sorry to hear about how you feel about maths. You know, I dropped out of a few classes during my college years because I didn't think I could make it. And yet, I kept returning. Try the tapping to find out if it helps. I admire you for taking the time to make your comment and want you to know I care about how you feel. You can go after your dream - you just need to go again.

[@gianb3952]

@@KatieNallPhD Thank you for taking time off your day to reply to my comment. I'll definetly try to overcome this math anxiety, there are worse things in life than numbers after all haha The fact that you care so much about people who struggle with math shows not only your quality as a professional, but also the quality of your character. Thank you 🙏

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@gianb3952 You can do this! Try the tapping and see how it helps.

[@Dreamer3K]

I need to re learn math and calculus, is till hate learning math. I hate math more than i hate ISIS

[@KatieNallPhD]

Please keep trying! Tapping can help! Thank you for watching.

[@McDe22]

LOL huh

[@univerakaz]

Katie, I really enjoyed your talk and the information you provided. Your presentation was EXCELLENT!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you! Had a blast!

[@hienienguyen6766]

this is wow it's an eye-opener for me. because i have to take a business math class to graduate. i could feel the worries too. i am definitely going to tap

[@KatieNallPhD]

Let me know how you feel after you tap!

[@hienienguyen6766]

@@KatieNallPhD Yeah, i know that tapping is a good thing. I felt pretty good after that

[@niurkabarroso9664]

Thank you Katie !! Excellent presentation! Creative, entertaining and very helpful!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watiching!

[@JustMat01]

I had rough math teacher. Bad luck this year teacher is quite mean and he have anger issue. One day, he called me to stand up in front of the class to do an exercise I did well ! Yet I didn’t understand a “basic math thing”. He asked a question about that “thing” I panicked, I didn’t know what to say. I looked on the ceiling out of stress. He leaved me alone and didn’t helped me. It was fun for him. Now I don’t ask any question, I’m afraid of him and math and my grades are lowering. Thx for reading this !

[@KatieNallPhD]

Mat, I am so sorry to hear about how your teacher is treating you and probably the rest of your class. Please know you have the ability to stand up and learn in spite of the personalities of instructors. Math can be fun and enjoyable. Congratulations on doing well in front of the class! Relish that feeling and stick with the math. Thank you for watching!

[@lifeguardclaude8933]

I am an immigrant here in Canada and these coming Monday will be my Math and English assessment. I did take an exam before and I failed it and that's how I got my Math anxiety.

[@KatieNallPhD]

You know, there were exams I failed as well. And yet one teacher taught me a failure was a good way to check on what I did know so I could return to learn it better. Check out tapping, keep studying, and you will be able to get through it!

[@Sher-Burt]

My math anxiety came from a 5th grade teacher complaining that more and more students were failing every year. Instead of using that as introspection, she blamed all of us.

[@KatieNallPhD]

I'm so sorry your 5th grade teacher focused on past experiences rather than look for solutions like tapping! You can tap today on those past experiences to unclog stuck emotions and be able to move forward. Thank you for watching.

[@lisalalita]

I have exam anxiety and this semester I am also studying datahandling & statistics (I am SO not a math-kid...or a statistics one). I am dreading this as I only ever studied basic maths (back in 1986 in year 10) & now I am having to suddenly learn this now at MSc. level :-P I use EFT but haven't done it so much on these problems. This talk has inspired me to do it regularly once more. Thanks for a great talk on a subject which touches many of us.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Let me know how this process helps you! Best of luck!

[@zam6133]

It really is a a pain having Math Anxiety, I have this feeling when everybody judges me when i count. Im trying okay?

[@user-pl7tf9gv8e]

F@&# 'em

[@KatieNallPhD]

Yes, I understand that Math Anxiety can be a pain. That is one of the reasons I looked for an answer. I hope you try tapping and see if you feel better. Let me know.

[@joshuaalestre]

I want to do Math but when the concept gets difficult I often lose interest Nevertheless I would still want understand Mathematics

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching, Joshua. Yes, when concepts seem out of reach, we lose interest. Can you ask the instructor to break the concepts into smaller pieces? Also, feel comfortable to return to where you understood and review again before moving into difficult concepts. And tap along the way!

[@naimaafoukass4212]

Thank you so much. You helped my child a lot. Continue please.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for letting me know. Best wishes for your child!

[@thosesinclairs2686]

Math has been impossible for me for a lifetime but this video gave me hope. We are also going to do a series of tapping videos as a family to approach difficult issues. Thank you so much - your caring and courage for your students has helped so many more people as you have subsequently shared the power of EFT. ❤

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. What a sweet comment! Yes! Tapping can be used for so many issues! Let me know how it all works out for you and your family!

[@renaromano8578]

Tapping works, even Jack Canfield recommends it. Beautiful Job Wonderful Talk!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for your comment - great to know Jack Canfield supports EFT!

[@carolben-davies3659]

What a great presentation!!! Entertaining and sooo insightful. I've had a math phobia much of my life. Reading the comments I see I'm not the only one! Love the idea of using tapping to get over the emotions around math:-)

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thanks for watching, Carol! Yes, tapping has been helpful for many!

[@Grandmapreneur]

I hated math as a student. I wish I had learned this technique when I was in high school! Uplifting presentation!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching! Even though you're not in high school, this technique is helpful for dissolving any WAFFLES - Worries, Anxiety, Fear, Frustration, Lethargy, Exhaustion, and Stress (R).

[@paradise2946]

Quarantine has been weird, especially since online school started. In the school that I'm doing, I don't have math until next quarter. However, the next quarter starts in a few weeks and I'm going into geometry. I was thinking about that tonight and it was causing me a lot of anxiety, especially since I'll probably be learning trig along with that, which sounds terrifying. Honestly, I'm so glad I searched this up. I tried tapping along with the video, and it helped me feel so much better about the entire situation. Thank you!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Yes, the quarantines have been weird. Glad to hear the tapping helped. Good luck with your math!

[@JondiWhitis]

Hurray, Katie! Your hard work paid off; you looked great and like you were having such fun, too! Great job. : )

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you!

[@samiracorreia3963]

can't believe i just came across this video just now and not years ago. im in university and have failed pre-calculus 2 times already, im doing it for the third time this therm. failing math gets me so anxioyus that i end just giving up on studying it in the first few weeks when i realize i'm not going so well. i did the tapping technique dr Nall instructed during the video (im about to start trying to study some calculus) and it already made me feel a lot better. i wish i had known about this when i started university.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. So happy you have felt better after short tapping! Clinical studies have shown working with a certified practitioner can eliminate the "stuck" emotions permanently! Congratulations on looking for answers and good luck with completing your degree!

[@manalbarakatfakhoury]

Thank you Dr. Katie.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank YOU Dr. Fakhoury for all your hard work and providing this opportunity to so many of us.

[@TigerJammies]

I remember in 6th grade this was in the dreadful year of 2020 so it was an online class one day my teacher asked us to recite the multiplication table, to see if we memorized it all, I know the multiplication table that time so I didn't think it was a big deal, but at the corner of my mind I suspected that I would choke and freeze when asked the question, so I wrote up a cheat sheet, so that I can recite it when I failed. And the next day, my teacher asked me the question... I immediately choked and stuttered so much that they could not understand what I was saying, so I repeated the tables of 3 again but with the cheat sheet so I wouldn't stutter so much. I used the cheat sheet all the way to the tables of ten. After I muted my mic and I turned off my camera asked to go to the bathroom and immediately cried and sobbed I was legit traumatized I was so shaken that I went to my mother for comfort and she tried to comfort me but she was trying to comfort me because in her pov I did it fine, but when I told her I cheated she got annoyed and she said with an annoyed tone to let it go there would be more chances to redeem myself in the future, still crying I told her that I would never use or learn math ever again. She got angry and we had a full argument, so I went back to class to avoid the argument and I told my teacher that I was having internet issues and that's why my cam and mic isn't working thank god math was the last subject. Moral of the story, stop trying to force kids to learn math and stop punishing them for wrong answers.

[@KatieNallPhD]

I am so sorry for your experience. Please try tapping about how you feel about the experience. Math can be so exciting and fun. Memorizing facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) make the next step easier and can be done in a fun fashion. Please know math can be valuable to you and you don't need to be punished to learn it. Let me know how you are doing.

[@iamloke6255]

Good Day Dr. Nall Can you recommend journals, researches or other readings that can further prove the effectivity of this technique? Thank you!

[@xavierkreiss8394]

For that tapping technique to work you need to believe that it will, you have to be "suggestible". I'm far too sceptical for that. And yes, I'm one of those who "can't do maths".

[@goliathtigerfishes]

I’ve tried it as many times I have had to do a math test and this never worked. I even believe in methods like this but it just didn’t work for me.

[@michellehughes07]

no you don't have to believe

[@mulonzee8773]

@@michellehughes07 what do you mean?? Isnt believing the whole point of this exercise??

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@mulonzee8773 As it turns out, you don't have to believe to see positive effects from tapping.

[@furan8477]

Actually, tapping (stimulating) certain points in both sides of the body stimulates a neurological response. You can look up EMDR to know more about this, as EFT shares common traits with EMDR.

[@abbys8230]

Actually yesterday i had a panic attack because i was on the white board to solve a math ex but i couldn't focus and got it wrong...The teacher started to yell at me in front of the class and saying that i don't even deserve A's and she won't stop yelling until i passed out and ended up in hospital. I went to school today and she didn't even ask me how i was, apologies or whatever so now i don't even want to go to school..... I ain't going tomorrow

[@KatieNallPhD]

I'm so sorry to hear how you were treated - no one deserved to be treated that way. I don't blame you for feeling like not wanting to go to school! Were you able to relate your experience to any advisor or parent or anyone else who can protect you? Please let me know how you are doing.

[@11nica5]

Thank you for this video, I homeschool my children and I’m familiar with EFT and never considered it for learning - blessings

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching! Yes, I use EFT for everything! If you are interested, I offer zoom training as well.

[@innocentiangoetjana8095]

Never clicked on a video so fast

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching - I hope you found this video helpful.

[@woodworkingaspirations1720]

Its amazing what you can do once you get your physiology involved.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Right?!? Tapping (EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique) is a brain-based somatic method to dissolve WAFFLES: Worries, Anxiety, Fear, Frustration, Lethargy, Exhaustion, and Stress (R).

[@ClaudiaBVogas]

Well done, Katie! EFT rocks!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you!

[@nopphere8362]

Dr. Nall i want to hug you too! thank you so much!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching!

[@benc65753]

Fantastic out of the box thinking for a problem that plagues so many people! A non-math approach to math difficulties.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you. Finding EFT was so exciting - it is wonderful to watch students change their attitudes before your very eyes.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you!

[@Daniel-pw8pk]

I used to love Mathematics - loved learning how numbers fit into our lives. Of course that changed when the students beat me up and called me a show off. I never opened a textbook ever again.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Daniel, thank you for your comment. Students can be so mean sometimes, can't they? Do you think they may have been jealous of how easily math comes to you? Are you going to let a few bullies keep you from your studies? You can tap away the negative emotions and open a textbook again.

[@thestep65]

what a great technique and entertaining and educational presentation!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for your kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@priachaurasia]

I have been working in a job role where Iam needed to look at nos (some companies has the culture, others don't) so now i have joined a company where I need to look at data closely but i have realised that I have this anxiety! it gives me shivers

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Try tapping for your anxiety and let me know how it helps.

[@rickykynd]

Ironically, I got kicked out of Math for literally tapping on tables and never saw another word problem again. And now my solution for overcoming Math anxiety resembles tapping?. FML.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Try it! We see word problems every day!

[@brianfeuerman1732]

I saw this video a while ago. I’m not really anxious about math. However, I am really anxious about roommates. I remembered this video today, so I figured I’d go and try it out for my anxiety about roommates. We’ll see how it turns out.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you, Brian. I appreciate you returning to the video. Yes! Tapping can help about anxious with roommates. Focus on where you feel the anxiety in your body and tap away! Good luck and let me know how it goes.

[@ishmamtasdik265]

This is life-changing.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@tsaver6941]

Sometimes I stay until very late at night in order to finish my math homework. Sometimes I look at the problems and immediately start feeling anxious just by looking at them. The anxiety is way too much for me to handle this and I stop trying. I really wanna keep trying to solve the problems but if I can't, I start blaming myself and thinking Maths may not be my subject. I may not be good at maths. I give up and then I'm angry with myself but what can I do? I'm so disappointed because maths is a really interesting subject for me.... But I'll keep in mind everything I just heard

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Did you try the tapping in the video? Let me know how you are doing.

[@dhritibharadwaj4105]

I am going to try this Dr. Nall. Will update to see if it works after my next Mock Test

[@KatieNallPhD]

Looking forward to hearing how you are doing!

[@dhritibharadwaj4105]

Katie Nall I have a mock exam tomorrow, will let you know! 😀 edit: 78/80...it helped me!

[@S0FIAV]

I understand 100% that maths are necessary for life, but there are a FEW things that high school teaches you that are unecessary. Im just saying, itll help if teachers were as good as her and showed actual interest and the education system taught necessary things.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. I agree knowing how to solve a quadratic equation is not critical in everyday life.

[@LILY-wn6ev]

I will try this for my next test i got 8.5/20 last time and i worked really hard

[@KatieNallPhD]

Try Tapping and let me know how your next test goes!

[@LILY-wn6ev]

@@KatieNallPhD ok thanks you

[@TheGRider56]

The audience is totally into it!

[@KatieNallPhD]

Right? They were so open and receptive! It was exciting to see all 500+ audience members participate! Afterward, so many came up to speak with me about the technique.

[@anonymous4724]

5:51 EFT begin

[@tanyaatrey6435]

I have math phobia , more precisely numbers anxiety . I got quite low marks in maths in past unlike my other subjects . I get anxious with solving and avoid practicing. And last week during my maths exam I got anxiety attack and ear bleeding . And now I have my maths exam day after tomorrow. I am afraid but I will try tapping

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Let me know if the tapping helped.

[@taruntyagi1836]

M - meri A - aatma T - tujhe H - har dam S - sateygi

[@Zeba_a]

🤣😌

[@barbarawinters646]

Great information, very entertaining.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you. I hope it helps!

[@nehaluciaalosious2330]

my greatest fear of subject is math....i wish i could get along with the subject......i really need to understand this subject....not a pro but at the least not feared and quite good at it.....god help me overcome this math anxiety and get along with it......

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Neha, thank you for watching the video. Please try tapping to overcome math anxiety. Let me know how you are doing.

[@Madshiyer]

Watching this one day before my Annual Exams.

[@KatieNallPhD]

How did your Annual Exams go?

[@politicaldisc]

May be this will save my exam grades and my life - because i am frustrated about maths problems mainly arithmetic and doing questions in secs for exam 😢

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching! Yes, please try this method using your own words - like frustrated! Let me know how it goes.

[@ttylgirlzrock6]

I have anxiety rn an I’m watching this

[@KatieNallPhD]

Are you ok? You can always tap without words as well.

[@ttylgirlzrock6]

Katie Nall yes I’m okay thank you ❤️

[@ttylgirlzrock6]

Katie Nall i just had a Math test for college an i was really stressed out about but i did very good 47/50 😁

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@ttylgirlzrock6 So proud of you!

[@Summyer]

Her voice is lovely.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you. I hope you enjoyed this information and it was helpful!

[@edwardseverinsen5598]

The thing is I love computer science and a lot of the fields of study within it require some form of math. Linear algebra is a recurring one as well as Calculus. I love it when I get a concept down pat but the issue sometimes is that a number in and of itself doesn't hold any particular meaning. A word has a well defined definition that holds its spot in my brain very well and is fixed. A number in math could be referring to the quantity of a number of different things and take on different properties accordingly. On my SAT I scored in the 92nd percentile for reading comprehension and got so frustrated with the math section I eventually gave up and started filling in bubbles in zig-zag patterns. I'm hoping that this will help and will come back with an answer.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. You are correct that a number is a symbol which can mean many different things. Once you see math is about finding patterns, and tap on your frustration, you might view math / numbers in a different way. Let me know how you are doing!

[@edwardseverinsen5598]

@@KatieNallPhD I started diving into Linear Algebra again. I've been studying it to then use that knowledge with C++ and OpenGL (3D graphics programming). The concepts are finally starting to make sense. I even bought an e-book specifically dedicated to quaternions because those have been giving me some trouble. When you break mathematical concepts down into their parts it isn't that hard to comprehend after all. I found out I can't learn from audio and visual media as well. Reading from a text book works wayyyyy better for me. But your talk gave me the spark to try again. Thanks for that!

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@edwardseverinsen5598 Yea!

[@homo_sapien_]

I will start tapping and after about a year report the progress

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Actually, tapping can make a difference quickly. Most of my clients feel relief after the tapping session is complete. Keep tapping!

[@julijafirer3969]

I’m not that bad at math i sometimes like it it just makes me so nervous and that’s why i mess it up and than I think i mess it up because I’m bad and that makes me anxious. Then the circle repeats itself.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Hello Julija, Thank you for watching. Yes, you are probably very good at math. There may be some blockage keeping you from performing at your best. Try the tapping to see if it helps.

[@ashish5675]

Everytime my answer is different in math😂

[@KatieNallPhD]

Depending on the given formula, I can see how different answers can appear. Look for the patterns, tap on how you feel about math, and seek out others who may understand! Stay with it.

[@ashish5675]

@@KatieNallPhD yes ma'am....i am trying my best to overcome my fear of maths...... Recently i did some progress ...

[@kathleenlang3747]

The only thing I need to alleviate math anxiety is the non-judge mental environment to make enough mistakes to establish a smooth mistake-free process. If I can make a mistake, after all, without being a mistake, it is only a beautiful learning process. If you would drill me about which processes I may need to apply rather than which answers I need, won’t I feel more able to face the mistake-mines in a field of math?

[@KatieNallPhD]

I agree! When I'm allowed to teach math, I allow students to continue to make mistakes and learn. Good for you to figure it out!

[@eeriedan]

I am determined to get over my math trauma 😤

[@KatieNallPhD]

Good for you! Thank you for watching. Try tapping and let me know how it goes.

[@utkarshsaxena5100]

Is our ability to learn math linked to genetics in some way? I haven't dabbled in maths for years, however now i want to pursue some career path that requires me to learn some college level maths and programming. My past experience with the subject is coming back to haunt me now, to the point that i am even terrified to pick up a math book. I believe i am not genetically gifted enough to get better at math, and no matter how much effort i throw at it, i believe i will never get better. That's my biggest fear. Can EFT help with this situation?

[@Chicabonita9804]

I’m terrified of higher level maths and I may need it. It makes me cry and have panic attacks even thinking of maths. I don’t know how to get over it :(

[@KatieNallPhD]

Try the tapping technique I briefly demonstrated in the video. Know you can control those panic attacks and are able to study higher level maths - in fact, that is where the fun part begins! Let me know how you are doing!

[@Proxima_Centaurii]

To be honest I'm really interested in math, but I just need someone to explain it in a easy way for me to understand

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Yes, when someone explains anything in an easy way to understand, life is easier! Sometimes, we enter the classroom with preconceived ideas like Math is hard or I can't do math - those kinds of ideas get in the way of our learning.

[@_bloshie8532]

My mom always wanna help me with math but everytime I said something wrong she’ll always scream at me and when I start crying she won’t care

[@KatieNallPhD]

So sorry to hear. Please try the tapping and let me know how you feel afterwards.

[@black-dj9mr]

There is this fear that I developed which makes me not to be sure if I solved the problem correctly or not. When I am doing a test, I do some problems up to 10 times, because I'm not sure if I answered them correctly, even the easy questions. This anxiety has made me really depressed.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching. Please try tapping before you go into the test and let me know what happens. You are successful in other subjects and can be successful in math once the anxiety is removed.

[@marianagutierrez6891]

My adhd makes it so difficult to understand even the simplest problems. I overthink every part of a problem and have a hard time focusing. It doesn’t help that in elementary no one knew I had adhd so I don’t know many basic principles because of the focus problem. I am going to try tapping and see if it helps. I had a breakdown today and really hope this helps me.

[@katienall6981]

Thank you for watching. Let me know how the tapping helps. I do work with students individually as well.

[@babylonabora1805]

I empathize. I am on the same boat. Have a very important exam on Wed and I'm so very anxious about the math bit. :( I fail to even do the basic sums cause of anxiety induced by my inability to focus.

[@KatieNallPhD]

@@babylonabora1805 Thank you for watching. Try the tapping and see if it changes your anxiety. Let me know!

[@techisgod]

I am an Electromechanical Engineering Technologist. I had to tell myself that I love math...its my friend. What do you recommend for people with dyslexia, like myself? It took me 10 times the effort to learn the formulas for electronics college courses. I did distance education at George Brown College so that I could take my time passing the courses.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Bless you for all your hard work. I have not worked with any clients yet with dyslexia. Why not try tapping on how you feel about having dyslexia and find out what happens? Good luck!

[@lazlo686]

Just want to say you’re an inspiration. I want to major in Computer Science but I get so nervous in Math. I always think whatever I write will be wrong

[@lolagracew3671]

Thank you Dr Katie Nall, for inspiring humour and motivation. I will start tapping and log my improvement. I’m feeling positive about this, thank you.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for your comment. Hope your experience with Tapping was successful!

[@ivanbuljanvanboelken4676]

Lola Grace Humor? Thats funny for nerds.

[@ummeabihaali9449]

im 13 and it took me a minute to solve 500-451 not because i didn't know the answer because i was too scared to say it out loud thinking it might be wrong, In that moment i was just afraid.

[@KatieNallPhD]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Many students feel just like you - it's not the math, but rather the way others make them feel about having the right answer. Please follow the tapping and let me know if you notice any changes.