Mastering Emotions: Dr. Joan Rosenberg's Guide for Parents of Addicted Children
The bottom line is: be open to your own experience, and the better you are able to experience and move through again the whole range of what you're feeling, but especially the unpleasant feelings, because they tend to be the ones that are more difficult for us- not only will you start to feel more capable in life, you'll start to have a greater sense of inner peace, and the more you line that up with actually speaking your truth, speaking what you feel from a kind and well-intentioned place.
Parenting a child with addiction is a journey fraught with emotional challenges. In this episode of 'Living With Your Child's Addiction', Heather Ross sits down with Dr. Joan Rosenberg to discuss the importance of emotional mastery. Dr. Rosenberg shares her insights on how emotions, even the painful ones, can be our greatest teachers if we allow ourselves to fully experience them.
She reveals that emotions typically last only 90 seconds, but our tendency to avoid or distract ourselves from these feelings can prolong our suffering. By learning to sit with discomfort and process these emotions, parents can build resilience and confidence in their ability to support their children. Dr. Rosenberg emphasizes that facing your own emotional pain can also make it easier to handle your child's struggles, fostering a more compassionate and open relationship.
This episode offers practical advice on how to embrace unpleasant emotions and use them as a stepping stone towards a life filled with inner peace and stronger family bonds. For parents feeling overwhelmed by their child's addiction, this conversation provides a roadmap to emotional strength and effective communication. Dr. Rosenberg’s wisdom on navigating difficult conversations and tolerating emotional pain is invaluable for anyone looking to support their child while maintaining their own well-being.