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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW support for adult children of dysfunctional families, codependency, perfectionism, people-pleasing, family estrangement| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW support for adult children of dysfunctional families, codependency, perfectionism, people-pleasing, family estrangement| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Letting go without closure from a narcissistic parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re waiting for an apology or acknowledgment that may never come. Narcissistic parents often prioritize their own needs over yours, using manipulation, emotional neglect, and control tactics to maintain their position. They typically lack empathy, avoid responsibility, and remain unwilling to recognize … Letting Go Without Closure: How to Heal from a Narcissistic Parent Read More » The post Le...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you’re reading this, you’re probably grappling with one of the most difficult decisions a person can face: cutting ties with family over politics. You might be questioning whether you’re overreacting, wondering if you’re being too sensitive, or feeling guilty about distancing yourself from people who raised you or shared your childhood. Let me be … Cutting Ties with Family Over Politics: How to Know When It’s Time Read More » The post Cutting Ties with Family Over Politics: Ho...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you’re wondering how to stop being controlling, you’re not alone. Many people feel compelled to manage every detail of situations and other people’s choices. For example, you might feel anxious when someone else is driving, find yourself redoing tasks that others have already completed, or feel the urge to jump in with suggestions even … How to Stop Being Controlling: Break Free from Micromanaging Everyone Read More » The post How to Stop Being Controlling: Break Free from Microma...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
No parent expects to find themselves searching “how to deal with abusive adult child” in the middle of the night, yet here you are. The child you raised, worried about, and sacrificed for now leaves you walking on eggshells, questioning your reality, or dreading their phone calls. This isn’t the relationship you imagined when you … How to Deal with an Abusive Adult Child: A Guide for Parents Read More » The post How to Deal with an Abusive Adult Child: A Guide for Parents appeared fi...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Going no contact with parents isn’t a decision anyone makes lightly. Yet when someone chooses this path to escape abusive or toxic family dynamics, they’re often met with judgment, disbelief, and harsh criticism. Society tends to view these decisions as impulsive, selfish, or evidence that someone hasn’t tried hard enough. The reality is far more … Going No Contact with Parents: A Trauma-Informed Perspective Read More » The post Going No Contact with Parents: A Trauma-Informed Perspe...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Key Takeaways: We often associate grief with death. However, we can also experience grief when significant changes occur in our relationships with living people. This type of loss, known as a living loss, comes with unique challenges and emotional complexities—especially when society fails to understand or validate it. This is often the case for adult … How to Grieve and Recover from Family Estrangement Read More » The post How to Grieve and Recover from Family Estrangement appeared firs...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Highly sensitive people often feel emotions more deeply and are naturally attuned to the needs of others, but this strength can sometimes lead to codependency. In this post, we’ll explore the link between highly sensitive people and codependency. What Is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)? Have you been told you’re “too sensitive” or that you … Why Highly Sensitive People Are Prone to Codependency Read More » The post Why Highly Sensitive People Are Prone to Codependency appeared firs...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Estranging yourself from family is a profoundly painful experience. Adult children go no contact, or reduce contact, with family members for many reasons, including abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), conflicting values, or a lack of acceptance regarding their identity. It’s a difficult decision, even when it’s the right one for your well-being. Creating a “chosen … How to Create Chosen Family When You’re Estranged from Family Read More » The post How to Create Chosen Family Wh...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you identify as an adult child of a dysfunctional, toxic, or emotionally immature parent, you may have noticed a relentless inner pressure to do everything just right. For many, perfectionism as an adult child is a survival strategy learned in childhood. When love, approval, or safety depended on performance, perfectionism becomes a way to … What Every Adult Child Needs to Know About Perfectionism Read More » The post What Every Adult Child Needs to Know About Perfectionism appeared fir...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Having a narcissistic parent can be draining and take a serious toll on all aspects of your life. In this article, I use the term narcissism to describe someone who needs constant attention, struggles to show empathy, and often puts their own needs above everyone else’s. As an adult child of a narcissistic parent, you … How to Set Boundaries with a Narcissistic Parent Read More » The post How to Set Boundaries with a Narcissistic Parent first appeared on Live Well with Sharon Martin. The...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Being estranged from family—even when it’s by choice—is a painful experience. Supportive friends can be instrumental in helping people cope and recover from the effects of family conflicts and abuse, as well as the stigma of family estrangement. Unfortunately, many of us don't know how best to support a friend who's estranged from family. This article will| Live Well with Sharon Martin - Support for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Fa...
Holidays can be a challenging time for those who’ve cut ties with relatives, whether you have no contact or limited contact with toxic family members. Society often equates happy holidays with idealized family gatherings and meaningful family traditions. So, it’s not surprising that so many estranged adult children find the holiday season difficult. Holidays can …| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Journaling is a simple yet effective therapeutic tool. Learn how to use journaling to improve your mental health.| Live Well with Sharon Martin
How to accept when someone doesn't want to change or doesn't want your help. When to stop trying to help people who don't want to change.| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Mother's Day is painful is you aren't close to your mother. Learn how to navigate the holiday and prioritize your well-being.| Live Well with Sharon Martin
