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Family

Our families have the potential to be our biggest supporters, those we turn to when we need help or comfort. At the same time, many family members come with “baggage,” and spending time with them can even be triggering. If your family of origin included abuse or toxicity of any kind, time with family can be painful. 

If you have complicated feelings about your family, or even need to sever ties with them to live most healthfully — that’s OK. A good therapist can help you work through these relationships and forge a better understanding of your family dynamic and what created it. For most of us, enforcing boundaries with difficult family members can go a long way toward building better relationships, allowing future encounters to be less problematic, and more satisfying.

A therapist can help you set boundaries that are clear, consistent, considerate, and healthy for you. It can be hard to communicate boundaries with your family, and they may be resistant at first. But you have every right to assert your needs, even with family.

Elderly Woman in Eyeglasses Telling Off Young Blond Woman
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Published on: 02 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

What Is Generational Trauma? Signs, Causes, & How to Heal

Published on: 02 Feb 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byReshawna Chapple, PhD, LCSW
  • Feb 02, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
It’s no secret that trauma is a global issue. According to a study done by the World Health…
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Published on: 30 Jan 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

How to Care for Someone with Dementia

Published on: 30 Jan 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byKarmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Jan 30, 2023
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
While caregivers play an essential role in the well-being of people living with dementia, caregiving can be challenging…
family eating together
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Published on: 03 Oct 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

How to Deal with Verbally Abusive Parents

Published on: 03 Oct 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byBisma Anwar, LMHC
  • Oct 03, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
Abuse can take many forms — this includes (the often-ignored) verbal abuse. Although you may not get physical…
sad woman crying
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Published on: 24 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • 6 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC

How to Deal with Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Published on: 24 Aug 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Written byKarmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Aug 24, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Meaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
Losing a pet is something very difficult we can go through in life. For many of us, it’s…
multigenerational family on couch
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Published on: 04 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

How to Set Family Boundaries: A Therapist’s Guide

Published on: 04 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byJill E. Daino, LCSW-R
  • Feb 04, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Updated 11/10/2022 Families can be tricky. They’re always there, you don’t get to choose them, and they can…
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Published on: 04 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

How to Set Boundaries With Parents: A Therapist’s Guide

Published on: 04 Feb 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byAshley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Feb 04, 2022
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Updated on 1/11/2023 Sometimes our relationship with our parents evolves into an unhealthy place that can result in…
mother and daughter arguing
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Published on: 16 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • 9 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C

What to Do About an Angry Teenager

Published on: 16 Dec 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
  • Written byKarmen Smith LCSW, DD 
  • Dec 16, 2021
Clinically Reviewed by Elizabeth Keohan, LCSW-C
Any parent who’s been through it can tell you, the teen years can be challenging. Dealing with an…
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Published on: 19 Oct 2021
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Child Divorce Counseling: How to Help Your Child

Published on: 19 Oct 2021
  • Written byCatherine Richardson, LPC
  • Oct 19, 2021
No matter how amicable the divorce is, if children are a part of the picture, divorce is going…
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Published on: 31 Mar 2021
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Ask a Therapist: What Can I Do to Help Someone I Love Who Is Clearly Struggling With Their Mental Health?

Published on: 31 Mar 2021
  • Written byMeaghan Rice PsyD., LPC
  • Mar 31, 2021
Our Council of Experts are available each week to offer insight, guidance, and tips to answer your questions.…
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Published on: 22 Dec 2020
  • 5 minute read

A No Nonsense Guide to Setting Holiday Boundaries

Published on: 22 Dec 2020
  • Written byClare Wiley
  • Dec 22, 2020
Boundaries are tough. Asserting your needs, or turning people down with a gentle but firm “no,” can feel…

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