Too many cycle breakers know that moment when your phone lights up with the latest family emergency and you drop everything to try to calm the storm.

When you grow up with a narcissistic parent or a parent with unmanaged borderline personality disorder, you learn early on that keeping the peace is what keeps you safe. So, when there's a crisis, of course you spring into action.

In this episode we dive into:

  • The difference between what you're capable of and what you actually have the capacity for
  • The cost of being designated the family fixer
  • The "I should be able to handle this" story, and how it keeps you stuck in burnout and self-blame
  • One honest question to ask yourself this week that brings real clarity to how you spend your time, energy, and resources

Ready to go deeper?

The Cycle Breaker's Vault is Torie's self-guided course for the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic traits. It covers dysfunctional family dynamics, boundaries, manipulation, grief, and reconnecting with yourself.

Learn more and get started: confidentboundaries.com/vault

Want the more episodes of You're Not Crazy? Join The Private Feed for access to bonus and ad-free episodes plus the full archive: confidentboundaries.com/private

Follow Torie on Instagram: @cyclebreakertherapist

Follow Torie on TikTok: @cyclebreakertherapist

Free guide: 10 Boundary Mistakes That Keep You Stuck

Learn what actually gets in the way of setting successful boundaries with toxic parents by downloading my free guide: confidentboundaries.com/opt-in

Support the show

A huge thank you to our podcast sponsors!

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.

Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Torie Wiksell. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Torie Wiksell och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.