EFT and family dynamics

[Trudy]

Since EFT strives to rid people of useless patterns of behavior, can successful treatment create problems in family interactions? I ask because many families create or pass on poor mental hygiene to keep their members emotionally available.

Finding a better way to deal with life could remove that emotional availability, resulting in reactions that range from slight disappointment and bewilderment to flat out rejection by those now denied easy access.

Have there ever been any studies addressing family dynamics before and then after successful treatment?

[PhoenixDawn]

You make a good strong point here, and after treatment, it certainly can be a challenge to family and friends who have come to 'expect' a pattern of reaction. The individual then needs to be set up to cope with this aspect of their life as well as changing the initial behaviours.

This doesn't just apply to EFT, it applies to all forms of psychological and behavioural change.

I'm unsure whether there's been any studies which will have been taken as far as you suggest. I suspect that most of the time the focus has been on the individual rather than the whole family for most of the time, unless there have been special relationship studies which involve everyone as in drug, alcohol or eating disorder rehabilitation where the family is encouraged to participate. Though then, the whole family is being adjusted at the same time, so that wouldn't count would it?