Healing from past relationships
counseling in Baltimore and virtually across Maryland
Loving others doesn’t have to hurt
Have you ever loved someone who was:
Addicted to alcohol or drugs
Self-centered or narcissistic
Rageful
Struggling with severe mental illness
Abusive
Whether you knew this person in childhood or know them as an adult, chances are, your relationship with this person has significantly impacted your life.
You might notice that you tend to:
Feel confused or afraid often
Anticipate their needs and avoid anything that might upset them
Deal with consequences of their bad choices–so they don’t have to
Carry guilt and shame
Forgive them each time they embarrass, demean or cheat on you
Believe you can change them if you just keep loving them
Feel reluctant to leave or “abandon” them
Often, this particular relationship shapes your role in all other relationships. You might (unconsciously) find yourself with someone else, just like them. Even with people you know are trustworthy and good, you may find that you still suppress your own identity, opinions and desires, and you might not even be aware of what you think or feel. You might believe deep down that every bad thing is your fault–even when it happens to strangers. You may even choose to isolate yourself, rather than take the chance of trusting the wrong kind of person again.
This can leave you feeling overwhelmed, weary, and lonely.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
What would it be like to believe that:
Others can think too, so you don’t have to do it for them
Others can handle the consequences of their decisions
You have the capacity be aware of your own feelings and thoughts
You have the freedom to be imperfect
You can make good decisions for yourself
You and your needs matter
In our work together, you will learn to heal from old relationships and develop new skills and healthier perspective. In a confidential and supportive environment we will:
Understand where all of this started: Acknowledge how these relationships really affected you, and decide how you want to proceed.
Release self-defeating thoughts about yourself.
Learn to help calm your nervous system. This will allow you to think clearly, rather than act on autopilot.
Become aware of your own opinions, thoughts, and feelings.
Heal parts of you that feel weary and guilty from all of the caretaking and blame.
Release resentments of others.
Set healthy boundaries.
FAQS
What others have wondered about Counseling for Healing from Past Relationships
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Parents, children, friends, spouses, partners, religious leaders, bosses. Anyone in your life with whom you currently interact or previously did.
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Not necessarily. Through our work together, you will learn about boundaries, how to respond rather than react to others, and how to be in control of your own thoughts and choices. In the situations where the safety of you or others is at risk, it may be necessary to explore ways to limit or even discontinue contact. Every situation is unique.
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No. My work is all about you–helping you to understand the way you are interacting, regain a sense of self, and safely move forward with your relationships.
More questions? Check out my FAQs page.
