Healing from Emotional Incest: Joe Ryan's Guide to Self-Worth
Being used as a child to fill somebody else's needs makes love frightening. You're filling yourself underneath that table. You don't need to get it back in the same ways.
Imagine growing up in a household where your emotional well-being hinges on the moods and needs of your parents. In this episode of 'It's Not You, It's Your Trauma', Joe Ryan tackles the unsettling topic of emotional incest. Often misunderstood, emotional incest occurs when parents use their children to fill emotional voids left by their own unfulfilled relationships. This dynamic can leave lasting scars, impacting self-esteem and the ability to form healthy adult relationships.
Joe doesn't shy away from sharing his own experiences, offering a raw and honest look at how these early life patterns can shape us. He explains how recognizing these harmful patterns is the first step toward healing. Joe provides practical advice on setting boundaries and finding self-worth independent of others' approval. He acknowledges that the journey involves confronting guilt and shame, but emphasizes that self-compassion is key.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the lingering effects of a parent's emotional dependency. Joe's insights and guidance serve as a beacon for those ready to reclaim their lives and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.