family of origin work
be the person who breaks the cycle
Our family is our first experience about the world. They set the standard for what we believe is “normal.” Oftentimes, our family comes with a history of unhealthy patterns that can look like the following:
absent parents
unstable relationships (high conflict — lying, cheating, disrespect)
verbal or physical abuse
addiction
Our family teaches us how to communicate, how to take care of ourselves, & sets the standard for what we believe we deserve in life & in our relationships. If you come from a family with a history of toxic patterns, it is likely that you are struggling as you navigate adulthood. Some of these struggles look like:
guilty feelings when you say no / an intense need to please others
issues maintaining stable relationships or friendships
struggles with trusting others / fear of others leaving you
feelings of not being good enough
urges to hide what you think & feel from others in fear of judgment
We cannot choose the family that we were born into, but we can choose not to inherit the dysfunction. We have the power to create & maintain healthy relationships, believe in ourselves, & pave our own way with confidence.
we cannot become what we want by remaining what we are
Processing & working through your childhood experiences can help you gain insight into why you are the way you are. Once you connect the dots it allows you to explore your values, to unpack any irrational beliefs that you carry from your family, & to alter your mindset to one that will better serve you & your goals.
Doing this work is not about placing blame — it is about gaining self-awareness & addressing unresolved issues.
Things we can work on related to family of origin issues:
healthy communication & conflict resolution
positive self-worth
learning what healthy boundaries look like & how to set them
understanding how your past influences you
identifying irrational core beliefs you may have about yourself & the world
how to have more open, accepting relationships
old ways won’t open new doors
You are capable & worthy of positive change! I am here to navigate the pain with you.