Many people have heard of the concept of “filling your cup,” whether this refers to self-care, relationships, finding joy, etc. “My cup is full” is something people often say when they feel that all of their needs are met. Consider this example: a child, in different ways, will hold out their ...
Healing From Family of Origin Wounds: The Authoritarian Parent
Parenting. Arguably one of the most challenging and rewarding roles that a person can take on in life. A role we are often expected to just know how to perform because we have been parented for most of our early lives. For some, this “on-the-job” training has instilled a sense of security that ...
The Deep Wounds of Playing Favorites
Is there a “black sheep” in your family? One that’s not so much like the others, whether in personality, temperament, or even physically? Many families will deny the existence of a “black sheep,” often because the presence of a black sheep requires the balance of its counterpart, “The Favorite.” But ...
Healing Family of Origin Wounds: The Permissive Parent
What does the phrase “permissive parent” make you think of? I often think of Regina George’s mother from the film Mean Girls. Mrs. George provided her high school-aged daughter (and her friends) with adult beverages and made it her prerogative to be her daughter’s “bestie.” I’m also reminded ...
Trauma, Development, and Spirituality: Protective Factors for Family of Origin Wounds
Childhood is a critical stage in human development. It is during these years that our view of the world, ourselves, and even God is often shaped. Unfortunately, many children grow up navigating painful experiences such as divorce, abuse, alcoholism, poverty, or even natural disasters. These events ...