It is common knowledge that our families shape who we are. But what happens when we have family of origin issues? Even the most well-meaning of parents can impact us in ways that are not helpful, but when we grew up with unhealthy family dynamics it can impact the way we see ourselves, our world, and our partners. Without awareness, we can act out the patterns of our family of origin. Because we felt unloved by our family, we now feel unworthy of love and uncomfortable when we experience it. When we try communicating with friends and feel rejected, that can make us feel like we did when our parents did not want to spend time with us. We might constantly try to prove ourselves to others because we feel unworthy, which makes us seek perfection to feel validated.

You may feel guilty thinking of your parents or caregivers as contributing to the way you are in the world. Maybe you grew up with a mother with Narcissistic Personality Disorder who made you feel insignificant. Or a father whose emotional coldness pushed you away and made you feel like you could do something to earn his approval. But, even the best families are imperfect. Your perception of the world and your childhood is important to you. With understanding comes growth, and with growth comes the opportunity for a fulfilling life. Family of origin therapy can help get you started on that path.

• Romantic relationship issues that follow similar patterns

• Difficulty with emotional intimacy

• Perfectionism

• Feeling unloved and unlovable

• Feeling inadequate

• Insecure attachment to others

• Feeling anxious, worthless, wounded, frustrated, and misunderstood

• A desire to prove yourself and your worthiness to others

• Rejecting or emotionally distant parents

• Critical parents

• Parents with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, or unhealthy communication styles

• Childhood trauma

Seeking counseling for family of origin issues can help you:

• Heal your inner child

• Better understand your family dynamics and how they impact your life

• More effectively set boundaries to protect yourself, your feelings, and your time

• Identify your relationship patterns and how to change them

• Understand what happened, why it happened, and how you can feel loved again

• Practice self-compassion and see yourself more kindly

• Identify unresolved childhood trauma

Start family of origins issues counseling today to grow in your awareness of the impact your family had on your life. Get started with a compassionate and caring therapist today!