It's time to stop the cycle.
A toxic parent raised John*, and now that toxicity is impacting the relationships he has with his children, spouse, and other significant people. He's anxious, a perfectionist, controlling, irritable, and lacks self-confidence in certain areas of his life.
"The phone rings and 'Dad' flashes across my cell. My stomach sinks, my throat tightens, and I dread the thought of having to talk to him. My ongoing quest to prove myself to him has only ever been met with words of disappointment and an attitude of disgust. No matter what I do, I'll never be enough."
"Now, the most important people get the worst of me. I'm irritable with the kids and annoyed with my partner."
"I've become so uptight about everything, and my anxiety takes over. I have to fix this, but I don't know how."
Therapy offered John a solution.
John contacted me, overwhelmed and frustrated. He was apprehensive about starting therapy, but knew something needed to change.
He'd been trying for years to 'fix things' for himself and his family, but continued to struggle, so he decided to give therapy a chance.
We started with solution-focused therapy, which used specific strategies to produce noticeable changes in his life. As John would say, 'The proof was in the pudding.'
As the therapeutic alliance strengthened, we began to work on the dynamic relationship between him and his father. Over time, John was able to forgive his dad for the pain of the past. Now, he is more present and patient with his family.
