When Close is Too Close
It’s nice when a family is close. Relationships are responsive, respectful, and reciprocal. Yet, in some cases, family bonds from our family of origin can be too close. Enmeshment is characterized by feeling responsible for the wellbeing of your parents at the expense of your own relationships, wants and desires. These relationships may cause anxiety or depression. This may make the individual unable to create boundaries with members of their families.
What Does it Look Like?
If it feels like the needs of your family of origin come before your own. You are plagued by feelings of inadequacy or your self-worth is tied up in what you do not who you are. Your adult relationship with your family of origin interferes with your current romantic relationships. You struggle to commit to a romantic relationship despite meeting some wonderful people. You may find yourself sexually shut down or compulsively acting out. These are just a few examples of enmeshment that may play itself out in your life.
The Risk of Doing Nothing
Not addressing dysfunctional relationships with the family of origin possess at least two significant risks. The first is that you miss your life. Constant feelings of living behind a mask or chronic loneliness keep you from showing up in life in a meaningful authentic way. The journey away from enmeshment is a journey toward freedom and the ability to live an authentic, values-congruent life.
The second risk is that you pass the pattern to the next generation. If you find yourself unthinkingly repeating family patterns you may be. It’s easier to see looking backward but without careful attention and introspection, we risk passing this forward that we never want.
Freedom is possible.
Learning to set boundaries. Finding yourself and realigning your relational priorities. This can lead you to a life of freedom and healthy more balanced relationships.
How Therapy Can Help
The first steps of enmeshment therapy involves helping the individual set boundaries and learn assertive communication. Next we look at the impact of enmeshment and help develop a sense of self that is separate from your family of origin. Enmeshment Therapy helps you make sense of and ultimately break free from the emotional patterns that keep you in distress. Matt Driggers has undergone additional training that to understand and help people break free from enemeshment. If you are looking for additional resources on enmeshment, a great starting point is work by Dr. Ken Adams at www.overcomingenmeshment.com.
Start Therapy for Enmeshed Men in Georgia
Learn how you can break free from enmeshment and set boundaries in your relationships. At East Cobb Relationship Center our caring therapists provide the support you need to help overcome enmeshed relationships. To start getting the support you need follow these simple steps:
- Contact us for a free consult
- Begin meeting with one of our skilled therapists
- Start your healing journey
Other Counseling Services at East Cobb Relationship Center
We know that mental health is important and challenges many individuals. Therefore, therapy for Enmeshed Men in Georgia isn’t the only thing that East Cobb Relationship Center offers. We also offer effective counseling for adults, teens, and young adults suffering from eating disorders, depression, compulsive sexual behavior, and anxiety treatment. Our therapists also specialize in couples counseling, emotionally focused therapy, and affair recovery. To learn more about us check out our FAQs and blog!