Struggling with challenging family relationships? I’ve got you. Join me for a live trauma-informed session Q and A on handling toxic family dynamics with confidence and compassion. Whether you’re dealing with a critical parent, a dismissive sibling, or an overbearing relative, I’ll help you set healthy boundaries, manage your emotional well-being, and build resilience.
In this episode, you’ll discover practical techniques to prepare for family interactions this holiday season and beyond. You will learn to set boundaries without guilt and stay grounded even in stressful situations. This is perfect for sensitive, empathic souls. This session will empower you with insights that can make a real difference in your relationships.
Toxic Family Dynamics Topics Covered
- Identifying traits of difficult family members
- Understanding the impact of family dynamics on mental health
- Trauma-informed techniques for setting boundaries and staying calm
- How to communicate “no” with compassion and stand firm
- Self-care practices for after challenging interactions
You’ll hear from Kim. Kim and her older sister were close at one time, but in retrospect, Kim realizes that that was when she leaned on people-pleasing as a coping mechanism. After getting counseling for herself to heal past trauma, she began setting limits with her sister. This changed the dynamics in their relationships completely. Listen to Kim share her story and how I coach her to prepare for the holiday parties, which she hopes will be filled with peace and joy.
Watch ” Dealing with Toxic Family DYnamics: Trauma-Informed Tips” Here:
Resources Mentioned in “Dealing with Toxic Family Dynamics”
EnCompass Game: Navigating Challenges Through Conscious Purpose Order here!
Redirect Negative Thought Reframing Cards: Order here!
Grounding Techniques Episode:
My Avoidant Attachment Episode:
Listen to the show on your favorite podcast app:
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5 Trauma-Informed Techniques for Managing Challenging Interactions
Prepare Yourself to Protect Yourself.
Learn grounding techniques before and during the event to keep upsetting and uncomfortable emotions, like anxiety or anger, from taking your bandwidth. It is okay to feel these things, but they can cause you undue suffering, which will also make you more vulnerable to the person’s toxic behaviors.
Set Boundaries with Realistic Expectations.
Don’t expect them to be okay with your boundaries. They feel very threatened by boundaries, even when you are not threatening. People often ask how to set boundaries without the other person being upset. You can’t control them. You can only control if you are upset that they are upset. When you manage your expectations, you won’t be as upset.
Also, you don’t have to communicate your boundaries or ask them to respect them. Actually, it is better if they don’t know. You have to set boundaries that they can’t cross. ⃪⃪
Manage Pushback.
If and when they do notice your boundaries, expect them to push back, be upset, make fun of you, or gaslight you. This is their way of trying to get you to drop them. Expect it, and don’t let it work.
Emotional Safety Practices.
Have self-compassion. Have a self-care activity set up afterwards to recovery. Plan your best friend to be available by text so they can validate you when you need a reminder of how great you are. Make sure you are not in a relational victim position.
Have an Exit Plan.
Use nontriggering prompts to get out of conversations, like going to the bathroom, or needing to help with dishes. You are not trying not to trigger them to “people please,” you are making the event easier for yourself.
Takeaways from Dealing with Toxic Family here
- It’s Not You, It’s Them: Toxic behaviors often reflect fear or insecurity in others, not your worth.
- Set Boundaries That Stick: Boundaries don’t rely on others’ compliance—they’re about what you will or won’t allow.
- Compassion-First: Validate your feelings without absorbing the negativity directed at you.
- Ground Yourself: Prepare for interactions with techniques that keep you steady and calm.
- Know When to Let Go: Choose how much energy and access you give to challenging relationships.
See you every Monday at 8 PM E! When you attend Live on YouTube @doctorjodi, you can ask Dr. Jodi your questions. Get on the list to get reminders about the show, including the topic for the week, PLUS, receive my Gen Z Mental Health Resource Guide here: