Breaking Free from Toxic Family Patterns During Divorce

In this compelling episode, Seth Nelson and Pete Wright are joined by Jerry Wise, a family systems coach with over 45 years of experience helping people heal from dysfunctional and emotionally immature family dynamics. They explore how divorce often isn't the hardest part of ending a marriage—it's breaking free from the dysfunctional patterns that shaped you before you even got married.

Seth and Pete dive deep with Jerry into the concept of emotional enmeshment and how it affects divorce proceedings and co-parenting relationships. They discuss practical strategies for recognizing when you're emotionally fused with your ex-spouse and techniques for breaking free from these patterns. The conversation takes fascinating turns as they explore how unresolved family-of-origin issues can impact current relationships and how to prevent passing these patterns to the next generation.

Questions we answer in this episode:

• How do I know if I'm emotionally enmeshed with my ex?
• What can I do when I feel triggered by my ex's behavior?
• How do I protect my children from inheriting dysfunctional relationship patterns?

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on yourself and your healing instead of blaming your ex
• Learn to respond rather than react to triggering situations
• Work on breaking unhealthy patterns before they affect your children

This episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating divorce or struggling with challenging family dynamics. Jerry's expertise, combined with Seth and Pete's practical legal and personal experience, provides listeners with actionable strategies for breaking free from toxic patterns and building healthier relationships moving forward.

Links & Notes

• Find Jerry on his website, Instagram, or YouTube
• Check out Jerry’s Road to Self program
• Schedule a consult with Seth
• Got a question you want to ask on the show? Click here!

• (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster