Challenging Relationships

New Podcast Episode! Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts!

Our letter writer asks "How do I deal with my adult children making choices with which I do not agree"? In today's episode, Courtney looks at this through a more universal lens and discusses how we can cope when the people we love are behaving in ways that we don't like or agree with. She explores this theme through two different angles: how do we care for ourselves amid these challenges, and what strategies may be helpful in navigating the actual relationship.

She offers the ABCs of CBT as an action item for unhelpful patterns of thinking that lead to distressing feelings and behaviors. She also talks about the "if, then" approach in boundary setting. Finally, Courtney reiterates the importance of using "I statements" when having difficult conversations.

In a pre-episode disclaimer, Courtney also reminds all that this is a very big topic to be handled in a 30 minute episode, and in some cases, professional help may be a more appropriate avenue. She also stresses that personal safety in the highest priority, particularly if the choices our loved ones are making put us in danger.

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