If you’re dealing with toxic in-laws and feeling unsupported by your partner, this episode is for you.
Today we’re talking about one of the most requested topics I’ve avoided covering for a long time: navigating dysfunctional in-law relationships when you’ve married into a toxic family system.
We’ll talk about why dealing with toxic in-laws is different from dealing with your own family dynamics, how family enmeshment can make it incredibly hard for your partner to recognize unhealthy behavior, and why “not wanting to take sides” is still taking a side when abuse or mistreatment is happening.
In this episode, we cover:
- How to talk to your partner about their family's toxic dynamics
- Why focusing on patterns of behavior is key
- The emotional impact of being mistreated by your partner’s family
- What happens when your partner validates your pain but refuses to take action
- When couples therapy and individual therapy can help
If you’ve ever felt stuck between protecting your peace and protecting your relationship, I hope this episode helps you feel less alone and gives you language for what you’ve been experiencing.
The Cycle Breaker's Vault is Torie's self-guided course for adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic traits covering dysfunctional family dynamics, boundaries, manipulation, grief, and reconnecting with yourself.
Get it at confidentboundaries.com/vault
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Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in crisis, please call the 988 Crisis Lifeline.
You're Not Crazy is owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
