Changing old patterns
The Rescuer’s Heart Many of us who care deeply have a rescuer inside us. We see pain in others and want to make it better. We spot potential, we believe in people, and we feel a powerful urge to help them become who we know they can be. But sometimes, that beautiful instinct crosses into …
Continue reading “When Love Becomes Rescue: Understanding Rescuer Syndrome in Relationships”
Many people who struggle with codependent behaviours describe a constant urge to rescue, fix, or manage others. If this sounds familiar, it’s important to know: these patterns are not a personal flaw. They are learned survival strategies developed in response to early emotional experiences. Understanding how childhood trauma shapes codependency is the first step toward …
Many people assume trauma only comes from big, dramatic events. Yet, often the most lasting emotional wounds come from subtle, everyday experiences that shape how we see ourselves and the world. As a trauma psychotherapist, I’ve seen countless clients who describe their childhoods as “idyllic,” only to discover that beneath the surface, small experiences left …
Continue reading “When Trauma Isn’t Obvious: How “Little” Childhood Events Shape Our Self-Worth”
When addiction affects a family, the focus is often on the person using drugs or alcohol. But behind the scenes, loved ones can slip into unhealthy patterns that are harder to see. One of the most common — and most misunderstood — is codependency. Codependency happens when a person’s sense of identity, worth, or wellbeing …
Continue reading “The Hidden Signs of Codependency in Families Affected by Addiction”
“When I was a kid, I used to get hit all the time. In public places—restaurants, anywhere—if I spilled a glass of water or made a small mistake, my dad would grab my head and dig his knuckles into my forehead or slap me. I never understood it: why would a father feel so embarrassed …
Continue reading “How Our Childhood Experiences Shape Us as Adults”