Setting boundaries with toxic parents

Agnes H.

When I was 23, my mom passed away from cancer and I became the legal guardian of my three younger siblings. My father had already left the country when I was 16 after multiple suicide attempts, and my relationship with him was always complicated by his untreated borderline personality disorder. For years, I struggled with guilt, grief, and the intense pressure of raising my siblings while managing my own emotions. Therapy, journaling, and deep self-reflection helped me realize that protecting my peace sometimes meant making painful decisions. I eventually had to enforce boundaries, including getting a restraining order and later choosing not to respond when my father tried to reconnect with hurtful words. Now, at 41, I can look back and see how much strength it took to prioritize my emotional well-being. Through years of therapy and self-work, I’ve learned how to set and maintain healthy boundaries even when it feels heavy. I would love to support anyone going through the complicated, emotional process of setting limits with a parent who can’t or won’t change.

Your healing journey of learning how to embrace and prioritize self-care

Alexandra H.

Hi, I’m a highly sensitive wife, daughter, friend, and person. Therefore, I know what it’s like to be highly sensitive in the context of relationships. My triggers require me to spend a good chunk of private time with myself to encourage myself with positive self-talk, journaling reflection, and poetry. I have been on a healing journey from trauma for years and am on an active codependency recovery journey currently. I have lived experience with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Psychosis, and Bipolar Disorder. My mental health challenges have given me patience and empathy to care for those who are healing for the long haul. I have a heart to care for those who don’t feel like they have it all together and a desire to embrace others in their emotional state. I also have a heart for those who are resilient but are tired of being resilient on their own and simply just want to receive emotional and relational support. Come as you are to receive support. Your sensitivity is welcome here. This is your time to be accepted right here right now.

Finding your way out of toxic relationships

Amanda P.

Growing up, I always struggled with making and maintaining healthy connections, whether it was with friends, family, or romantic partners. I often felt isolated and lonely, which took a toll on my mental health and led to depression, anxiety, and toxic mindsets that shaped how I saw myself and others. Things began to shift when I started consistently attending therapy, especially Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It taught me practical skills for emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and understanding my own worth. I also watched people close to me, like my sister, go through harmful relationships, and I became someone they leaned on for support. It wasn’t always easy, but helping others through their healing helped me heal, too. Today, I’m proud of the deep connections I’ve built and the life I’ve created. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you're stuck in unhealthy relationships, but I also know there’s a way out—and I’d love to help you find it.

Managing your stress

Ambika M.

I am no stranger to stress! My background in health psychology and experience with the therapeutic process can help you achieve your goals of managing and coping with stress, in addition to regulating emotions. The mission isn't to rid our lives of stress - which is impossible - but to develop a healthy relationship with life's challenges and ourselves, and feel comfortable facing unpleasant emotions.

Being the caretaker of a partner who has substance use disorder

Amy G.

I had gotten myself into a relationship with a person who was sober, on house, arrest, and was going through the cycle of wanting to be better. And one snowy night I had found them passed out unknown what happened until they took my partner to the hospital, and I had found the bottle of vodka hiding from that relationship. I was the soul caretaker of someone who is suffering from. SUD. The relationship lasted 2 1/2 years and it was very codependent from me making sure that they were OK and for them having me as the caretaker there was abuse in the relationship from someone who did not want to get help I was able to leave that relationship completely heartbroken and tornand took time to grieve my own expectations from this person. I removed myself from my environment and started my healing journey while they got into another relationship while we were still together technically, I found myself now better because I was able to have the support from my friends to leave.

Healing insecure attachment in romantic relationships

Andria L.

I used to be a serial monogamist who hated being alone. I was caught in a cycle of craving closeness and then panicking when I got it. My relationships were intense, filled with anxiety, jealousy, and the kind of overthinking that makes a text message feel like life or death. I cheated in past relationships and carried deep shame around it until I finally started to understand the why behind it all. I had grown up with a lot of dysfunction and addiction in my family, and those roots showed up in the way I attached to others. Therapy was not easy for me at first—I actually avoided it for a while. But once I leaned in, I started healing my disorganized attachment and learning to be securely connected to myself first. That changed everything. I'm now 17 years into a healthy, loving marriage, and I’ve helped others untangle their own painful patterns too. From decoding the bratty behavior that’s really a cry for love, to making peace with your inner panic, I’m here to support you in finding your version of calm, connected love.

Reparenting yourself after childhood emotional wounds

Angelo F.

Growing up, I didn’t always get the emotional support I needed. My caregivers, though doing their best, were often emotionally unavailable or overwhelmed themselves. As a child, I internalized the idea that my feelings were too much—or not important at all. This left a lasting impact that followed me into adulthood. I became extremely self-critical, anxious, and constantly sought validation from others. As I began healing from anxiety and addiction, I realized that part of my recovery involved going back—not to relive the pain, but to offer my younger self the care I never received. Through inner child work, journaling, and self-compassion practices, I started to “reparent” myself: validating my emotions, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to nurture myself like a loving caregiver would. This shift was life-changing. I stopped chasing external validation and started showing up for myself with kindness and patience. Reparenting helped me feel whole and safe in my own body—sometimes for the first time.

Using creativity as a catalyst for change with art therapy and nature-based activities

Angelo F.

During my healing journey, there were moments when words just weren’t enough. I needed something deeper—something that could express what I couldn’t say, process what I couldn’t name, and bring beauty into the parts of me that still felt broken. That’s when creativity became my medicine. Through therapeutic art and connecting with nature, I found a way to transform pain into purpose. Singing, drawing, cooking healthy meals, writing, walking in nature—all of it became a sacred release, a return to my authentic self. I discovered that you don’t need to be an artist to heal through creativity—you just need to be willing to express yourself in new ways, even if you are an artist. These practices continue to support my emotional wellbeing, reduce anxiety, and help me stay grounded. I now guide others to reconnect with their inner child, tap into their intuitive voice, and use creativity as a bridge to deep transformation.

Creating peaceful systems for parenting a neurodivergent child

Ani K.

I have worked as a nanny and sleep trainer for over 20 years, caring for more than 80 children, many of whom were neurodivergent. I am neurodivergent myself and understand firsthand how much having the right systems at home can impact a child’s emotional wellbeing. I once supported a parent whose child struggled with intense emotional outbursts. Together, we created simple, respectful home routines that worked with the child's brain instead of against it. I also coached the parent on how to communicate in ways that made their child feel heard and safe. Over time, the tantrums decreased, and the bond between the parent and child became stronger. I never approach challenges with shame—I believe that emotional maturity, intentional boundaries, and understanding each brain’s unique needs are the keys to a peaceful home. I would love to help you build a nurturing environment where both you and your child can thrive.

Boundaries, balance, and belonging

Anjelika marin A.

Some days you're handling responsibilities like a pro, and other days you're crying into a burrito wondering if everyone else got the secret handbook for adulthood. (Spoiler: they didn’t.) Whether you're navigating school, work, hormones that forgot how to chill, or trying to set boundaries without sounding like a villain, I’ve been there. I’ve felt the weight of imposter syndrome whispering, “You’re not enough,” even while doing the absolute most. I’ve worked jobs where boundaries were more like suggestions and gone through life transitions that made me question everything including my ability to keep a houseplant alive. Through all of that, I learned something important: healing isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about having a safe space to be real. This a no-judgment, come-as-you-are kind of space where you can talk about the hard stuff, the awkward stuff, the “is it just me?” stuff and realize it’s definitely not just you. Let’s talk for real and probably laugh a little.

Rebuilding your life after addiction and finding healthy love

Ashley M.

I spent years battling addiction, beginning with painkillers after a major surgery in 2010. What started with prescriptions quickly spiraled into filling meds from multiple providers, and after a series of personal crises, I realized I needed help. I went through treatment and leaned heavily on therapy and support groups, slowly finding my way to sobriety. Parenting brought a whole new layer of responsibility and strength—officially adopting my son in 2020 was one of the proudest moments of my life. In relationships, I have learned the hard way what unhealthy love looks like, surviving emotional and financial abuse before eventually separating and moving on. Today, I’m in the healthiest relationship I’ve ever had, and I continue to help my now-husband on his own sobriety journey. Through everything, I've stayed committed to self-care, therapy, and showing up authentically. I’d love to be a supportive ear for anyone trying to rebuild after addiction, difficult relationships, or big life transitions.

The downside of partying, drugs and alcohol use

Baker R.

I’ve been through a turbulent relationship and a public breakup that was widely discussed among my social circles. While it was a difficult experience, it taught me so much about myself and relationships. After the breakup, friends and family started turning to me for guidance through their own relationship struggles, and I realized I had a lot to offer in terms of support and advice. In addition to my relationship challenges, I grew up in a party circle that introduced me to alcohol and drugs at a young age. What began as occasional fun in high school quickly became an overwhelming part of my life in college, where the drinking and partying only intensified. I began to feel a deep sense of guilt and self-loathing, especially after a series of mistakes that made me realize how much my substance use was spiraling out of control. Determined to change, I quit cold turkey, with a great deal of support from my friends and family. The journey was tough but ultimately rewarding.

Navigating co-parenting after a breakup or divorce

Calvin N.

Co-parenting after a breakup was one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn. I battled through high-conflict situations, emotional wounds, court battles, and the heartbreak of seeing my kids caught in the middle. Even after winning legal rights, I faced emotional setbacks like parental alienation and had to learn how to stay grounded while protecting my peace. Over time, I built healthier boundaries, kept the focus on my kids’ well-being, and learned when to step back from battles that drained me. I now support other parents who are navigating the complex, emotional road of co-parenting—especially when the relationship with your ex feels toxic or overwhelming.

Rebuilding confidence after setbacks

Calvin N.

After a series of personal and professional setbacks, I lost a lot of my self-confidence. Whether it was health issues, family struggles, or feeling like life knocked me down over and over, I found myself questioning my worth and abilities. It took intentional work—therapy, small wins, and learning to celebrate myself even in tough times—to rebuild my confidence and sense of purpose. I know what it feels like to want to get back to “you” again, and I’m here to help others step back into their power after tough seasons.

Breaking toxic family cycles

Calvin N.

Growing up, I experienced emotional neglect and dysfunction that followed me into adulthood, showing up in my relationships, mental health, and self-worth. I had to make the hard choice to set boundaries and sometimes even distance myself from family to break generational cycles of pain. It was painful but necessary work to unlearn toxic patterns and create healthier dynamics in my own home. I know how hard it is to balance love, loyalty, and self-protection—and I’m here to support others who are ready to break those chains for good.

Overcoming difficult relationships with family, alcohol and drugs

Calvin A.

Growing up in foster care taught me early on what it felt like to struggle with connection, trust, and stability. As I got older, I faced rocky relationships that took a serious mental and physical toll, some so toxic that I had to relocate just to start fresh. For a long time, I coped with the pain by turning to alcohol and drugs, using them to escape the reality I didn’t know how to face. It wasn’t until my life became completely unmanageable that I realized I needed help. Through treatment and self-help, I learned to recognize my triggers and build healthier coping skills. Those same lessons about self-worth and resilience helped me start setting strong boundaries — first with myself, and then with others. Co-parenting after a difficult separation taught me even more about putting my child's needs first, even when it meant facing my fears of the court system. I’ve also navigated complicated friendships, tough conversations, and even the challenge of reconnecting with family through ancestry research. Through it all, I’ve learned that healing is possible, and I'm here to support others who are ready to find their own path forward.

Navigating family resentment and emotional boundaries after immigration

Carine M.

When I first immigrated from Haiti about 15 years ago, the emotional distance from my family was overwhelming. The resentment from them for me leaving was heavy, and I felt like I was being torn between my own life and the expectations they had for me to stay connected in the same way we always had. It took me years to figure out how to set emotional boundaries—balancing the love I have for my family with the need to prioritize my own growth. The guilt of not being physically present and the cultural pressure to keep close ties while being far away really took a toll on me. Over time, I learned how to communicate more effectively with my family, showing them respect while protecting my emotional space. I also gained the courage to teach others, like my friends, how to do the same. One of my closest friends was struggling with a difficult relationship with her sister-in-law—someone who overstepped boundaries in a major way. I guided her through the process of asserting her limits and expressing her feelings, even though the situation didn’t have the happy resolution she had hoped for. She walked away with more confidence in herself and her ability to protect her emotional wellbeing. This journey of learning to communicate boundaries, even with family, has made me someone people come to for support. I want to help others who are navigating the emotional complexities of family relationships, especially when there’s distance—whether physical or emotional.

Navigating single parenting after a divorce

Carrie M.

After my divorce, I found myself thrown into the deep end of single parenting. At first, I felt completely overwhelmed. My son was young, and I was trying to balance working, managing the household, and figuring out how to provide emotional stability for both of us. I didn’t always have the answers and often felt exhausted. One of the hardest things was adjusting to the silence in the house after the divorce—no more shared responsibilities or support. It was up to me to create the structure and calm that we needed. Over time, I learned how to communicate my needs more clearly, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care. I realized that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup, and that it was okay to ask for help and lean on my friends and family when I needed it. Now, after five years, I’ve become much more grounded in my role as a single mom. I’m no longer just surviving; I’m thriving, and I want to help others who are walking the same path.

Overcoming self-doubt and building personal confidence

Cathy H.

I’ve faced many challenges in my life, from losing both my parents and navigating a tough childhood to dealing with harassment and living next to a volatile neighbor. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of confronting fear rather than avoiding it. One of my most rewarding experiences was running an organization for women and girls with UN Women in LA. I helped a woman who felt unsupported due to ageism. By encouraging her to trust herself and find her voice, I saw her confidence grow. That’s the kind of support I want to offer others is creating a space where they can build confidence and feel empowered. Through mentoring and guiding others, I’ve learned that true growth comes from offering space for people to discover their potential. I’m passionate about helping others face their challenges with strength and confidence, just as I’ve had to do in my own life.

Navigating the end of a long-term relationship

Christan Z.

In my early 30s, I found myself in a six-year relationship that I thought was forever. But when it ended, I was left feeling like I had lost a piece of myself. It was a hard pill to swallow because I couldn’t understand why it ended or what went wrong. Initially, I thought I’d never get past the pain, but over time, I learned that there are often more gray areas than we think, especially when it comes to relationships. I dove into self-care and focused on understanding myself more. Slowly, I came to realize that this breakup wasn’t the end of my story—it was an opportunity for personal growth. I also understood that relationships are complicated, and the black-and-white thinking I had been holding onto wasn’t serving me. By giving myself space to heal and embracing the complexity of the situation, I came out of it stronger and more self-aware. I want to be here for anyone else navigating the painful but transformative experience of letting go of someone you thought you’d be with forever.