Sherapy Sessions: Cutting Toxic Family Ties

Society expects them to be strong, stoic, and unshakable. But what happens when the weight of trauma becomes unbearable? 

What happens when the very qualities that make them resilient also become the barriers that keep them from healing? 

In this unfiltered conversation, retired police officer Kevin Donaldson sheds light on the silent struggles of men, ranging from masculinity and emotional suppression to toxic family dynam...

Society tells us that family is everything—that blood is thicker than water. But what happens when that very bloodline is the source of deep emotional wounds?

What happens when the people who are supposed to love and support you are the ones causing the most harm and abusing you?

In this powerful conversation, Josh Connolly shares about the harsh societal pushback against survivors who choose to go no contact, the misplaced sympathy...

If you have endured the emotional wounds of toxic parenting and are ready to step into your power, this episode is for you.

Cari Fund shares her story and the critical importance of choice, the liberating power of boundaries, and the redemption found in becoming the person your parents could never be.

🌿 Defining moment and experiences that inspire healing

🌿 How our personal journey, when examined, can help us evolve and deepen our...

For those who have left toxic relationships, whether familial or romantic, curating a space that feels safe, nurturing, and reflective of one's authentic self is essential. The way we design our homes, organize our surroundings, and incorporate elements that bring us peace can be an act of self-love and reparenting, providing the stability we may have lacked in childhood or past relationships.

In this episode, let's explore the pro...

One of the most critical components of emotional well-being is feeling seen—not just physically but emotionally and psychologically. True recognition goes beyond mere presence; it involves being acknowledged, understood, and valued for who you are.

In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of toxic family systems, the importance of being seen, and so much more.

✅ What does it mean to be “seen”

✅ Why many survivors have develope...

Have you ever felt torn between loyalty to your family and the need to protect your own mental health?

Have you lived through the pain of toxic family relationships and are seeking hope, healing, and a path forward?

Drawing from the powerful stories shared by Tanya Dube, join me as we explore the many facets of life within toxic families. From the yearning for acceptance, the intricate tactics of manipulation, and the courage it ta...

Are you feeling trapped in a relationship where love feels more like pain, inconsistency, and power struggles?

Have you ever found yourself questioning your own worth because of a loved one’s manipulative or abusive behavior?

In this episode, Dr. Nadine provides you with insight, validation, tools to help you reclaim control, and so much more.

✅ Trauma Bonds are based on an imbalance of power.

✅ The abuse of power is abuse

✅ Parent...

In this episode,  we uncover how toxic family dynamics mirror cult-like control.

Drawing on personal experiences and clinical expertise, this thought-provoking conversation with Vanessa Reiser will explore how toxic family environments resemble cults, tactics abusers use to manipulate, and the path toward reclaiming autonomy. 

✅ Cult of One - the qualities that make up a psychopathic personality 

✅ The power of isolati...

Navigating life after enduring the turmoil of a toxic family background can be one of the most challenging journeys. 

The process of unlearning negative beliefs and building a positive mindset is a profound and ongoing effort. 

In this episode we will delve into the various aspects of this journey with life coach, Jacqueline Hurst, offering practical advice and encouragement to help you find your way toward a healthier and ...

Drawing on insights from breathwork expert, Josh Connolly, we explore the transformative power of truth, the significance of acceptance, and the role of alternative therapies in overcoming the shadows of a toxic upbringing.

✅ Understanding our toxic family members, doesn’t change them or heal us

✅ Forgiveness doesn’t change our toxic family members

✅ The belief that “Everyone is good inside” irrelevant.

✅ The value of breath-work an...

In a society that often downplays or dismisses men's emotional struggles, Dave's willingness to share his story and engage in open dialogue is a powerful testament to the importance of breaking the silence.

In this episode, Dave shares how he navigated growing up with a narcissistic mother, married a narcissistic woman, found healing and reclaimed his life.

✅ All things toxic family 

✅ The Value of No Contact when nothing else ...

Join me in a powerful conversation with Laura K. Connell as she talks about her experiences growing up in a dysfunctional and emotionally abusive family, where she was subjected to a narcissistic mother and an emotionally neglectful father. And how she battled with alcoholism while addressing the deep-seated trauma she endured. 

✅ How and why survivors turn to various addictions (alcohol, substance abuse, eating disorders, etc)...

While the holiday season is often associated with warmth, love, and familial bonds, for survivors of toxic family systems this is not the case. Toxic family members gift wrap holiday nightmares packaged as love. They ruin holidays for sport.

In this episode, you'll learn

✅ The time period between Halloween and Valentine's Day is the time when survivors of family abuse are subject to the most intense “hoovering” from their family.

...

Join Dr. Sherrie in a candid conversation with Kimberly Shannon Murphy as Kimberly tells her story of survival from sexual abuse perpetrated by her family,  as told in her book, Glimmer. 

In this episode, you'll discover: 

✅ The pain of being an unprotected child. 

✅ Why family members tend to take the side of the perpetrator. 

✅ Why self harm is so often involved as a way to cope in victims of sexual abuse.&nb...

Understanding the differences between the silent treatment and no contact can help you navigate your relationships with toxic family members.

Let's explore these topics:

✅ It is natural to have many moments of questioning ourselves around no contact because we never want to be like our toxic family members.

✅ The difference between the silent treatment and no contact comes down to intent. 

✅ Signposts to when silence is being depl...

Our family members are famous for their pristine ability to play the victim. 

Playing the victim can manifest in a variety of contexts.

In this episode, we are going to unpack:

✅ Our psychologically abusive family members get thrills off any opportunity they can create that affords them the opportunity to take the stage to put on their Oscar-worthy winning performance of the victim.

✅ They use this victim role to gain pity or symp...

In this bonus episode, we will explore one of the most deadly emotional games that our toxic family members play — the emotional game of gossip.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Not all gossip is created equally.

✅ Our emotionally abusive family members use gossip to avoid looking at their part in any negative interaction.

✅ Signs you’re being gossiped about.

✅ In psychologically abusive families, gossip is used primarily to expend negative energy wher...

In this bonus episode, we are discussing a controversial topic - toxic grandparents.  

✅ Toxicity in a family doesn’t leave anyone out regardless of a person's title or role in your life, and this can include grandparents.

✅  As a culture, we place importance on having an extended family, with grandparents being a big part of that. When grandparents are healthy, this makes sense. When grandparents are abusive, it does ...

Another free, bonus episode! 

In this episode, the silent epidemic of cutting off with family will be covered along with the common reasons why people make this choice. 

✅ The silent epidemic of family estrangement.

✅ The reason we know so little about the lives of those who have been forced to cut off from family is because cutting off is not accepted in the larger culture. 

✅ Because family estrangement is seldom talke...