Just about all of us carry emotional bruises from childhood—some subtle, some deeply painful. As adults, those old family dynamics don’t magically disappear; they often resurface in moments of stress, conflict, or closeness, pulling us back into roles we learned long ago. In this episode, Rowan and guest host Lawana explore why family-of-origin wounds run so deep, why we can feel “smaller” or more reactive around the people who raised us, and how early attachment patterns continue to shape our relationships today.

Together, we’ll unpack common family roles, unspoken rules, and survival strategies that once protected us but may no longer serve us. Drawing from family systems theory, differentiation of self, and parts-based approaches, we’ll talk about how to show up as your adult self—setting healthier boundaries, regulating your nervous system, and choosing which patterns you want to carry forward. Whether you’re navigating difficult family gatherings, considering emotional distance, or learning how to reparent yourself with compassion, this conversation offers both understanding and practical tools for creating healthier relationships and a freer inner life.

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Email - embracementalhealthnsc@gmail.com