In her essential book on writing and life, Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott introduces a concept that many consider vital for recovering from perfectionism: “shitty first drafts.” Lamott explains that nearly all good writing begins as something deeply imperfect. You…
For many children of immigrants, growing up involved an unspoken contract: our parents sacrificed everything—their homeland, their comfort, their language—so that we could succeed. Our role in this contract is to be grateful, hardworking, and, above all, okay. To struggle…
The start of a new year often comes with expectations to improve, achieve, or correct something about ourselves. For many Asian Americans, these expectations can feel especially heavy. Cultural messages about discipline, success, family obligation, and perseverance may make New…
Many adults who grew up with emotionally immature parents carry a persistent feeling that something about them is “wrong.” They might describe themselves as too sensitive, too needy, too emotional, or, on the other hand, as not emotional enough, too…
There are seasons in life when survival becomes the only goal.Not flourishing.Not growth.Just making it through the day without losing yourself entirely. For many, recovering from narcissistic abuse is one of those seasons. It’s not dramatic the way a movie…
Support for Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents For many adult children of emotionally immature parents, the holiday season brings up a mix of anticipation, anxiety, hope, and dread. You may find yourself slipping into old roles, bracing for criticism…
Saying no without guilt, and yes to your own life There’s something sacred about beginning together with a moment of stillness.Before we talk about burnout or boundaries or becoming, let’s slow down enough to notice ourselves. Feel your feet against…
Somewhere along the way, you became more than a sibling. You became a stand-in parent. You learned to tie shoes and braid hair before you learned what it meant to rest. You fed, bathed, soothed, corrected — all while still…
There’s a kind of love that asks you to stay small.To be the good one. The strong one. The quiet one who never makes trouble. For many eldest daughters in collectivist families, this love is sacred — it’s the heartbeat…
Emotionally immature parents have become somewhat of a hot topic in the mental health space as Lindsay Gibson published her book. As we are discussing the impact of their upbringing with emotionally immature parents, at some point many clients pause…
