You might have grown up with a parent or parents who were critical, emotionally neglectful or simply not there for you in the way that you needed. And now, as an adult, you find yourself feeling guilty, never quite good enough, or unsure how to express your emotions. You might be struggling with low self-esteem, feeling burnt-out, overwhelmed, and anxious as you try to be everything to everyone — constantly striving for perfection. Maybe you’re still navigating difficult family dynamics, trying to parent differently, or feeling stuck in roles that no longer fit — the peacekeeper, the people pleaser, the scapegoat, the one that doesn't make a fuss or the overachiever.
This work is about gently untangling what never really belonged to you in the first place.
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You're the one doing things differently
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You’re trying to break the cycle. Whether that’s in your parenting, your relationships, or simply in the way you talk to yourself — you’re choosing a different path. But being the one who changes things often means carrying the emotional weight too.
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You might be raising your children in a way that feels more nurturing and respectful — while still being pulled back into old patterns with your own parents. Or you might not have children, but still feel like the one who's always had to grow up fast, keep the peace, or never rock the boat. It’s a lot to hold.
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The guilt is real
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Even when you know things weren’t right growing up, it’s common to question yourself: "Was it really that bad? Am I being dramatic?"
That inner critic can be loud — especially if your family still expects you to keep quiet, stay small, or pretend everything was fine. You might feel guilty for needing space, for wanting better, or for saying no. That guilt isn’t proof you’re doing something wrong — it’s often a sign that you’re doing something new.
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You’re not broken
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You’ve likely developed all sorts of ways to keep yourself safe — people-pleasing, overthinking, shutting down, holding everything in. These were clever, protective responses to the environment you grew up in or toxic situations you may have been in. And they probably helped you survive.
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But survival mode isn’t meant to last forever. You’re allowed to outgrow it.
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Therapy can help you:
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Heal from difficult or painful childhood experiences
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Process feelings of grief, anger and guilt connected to your upbringing
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Make sense of how the past still shows up in your present
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Understand and change beliefs and patterns that no longer serve you
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​Learn practical strategies for coping with triggers, anxiety, and difficult dynamics
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Set healthier boundaries
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Feel more confident in your parenting or relationships
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Reconnect with your needs, values, and emotions
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Manage the emotional toll of family estrangement, tension, or expectations
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Move from coping to actually living
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You don’t have to become a completely different person — just more of you, with less of the pressure, overwhelm, fear, and guilt.
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You don’t have to untangle this alone
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You don’t need to know where to start, or have the full story ready. You can show up messy, unsure, or scared — that’s okay. In therapy, there’s space for all of that.
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If you’re tired of repeating the same cycles, tired of doubting yourself, and ready to feel more grounded in who you are, this can be the beginning of something new.
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Ready to break free from old patterns and find a new way forward?
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Get in touch via the contact form to find out how we might work together.​