Hey, I’m Dr. Jodi Aman, and welcome to another episode of Anxiety, I’m So Done With You! As we head into the holiday season, I know many of you are thinking about how to handle tricky family situations. Today, we’re talking about how to deal with challenging family dynamics, set boundaries that actually work, and protect your peace. Stick around because we’ve got practical tips, insights, and a powerful live coaching session with Kim that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Summary
In this episode, we dig into the root causes of toxic family behaviours, I dig deeper, examining how unresolved trauma and fear can drive the actions that hurt us the most. You’ll hear from Kim, who opens up about growing up as the scapegoat in a family dynamic shaped by narcissism. Together, we explore how these patterns affected her relationship with her sister and the steps she’s taking to heal.

I share five trauma-informed strategies to help you stay grounded, manage pushback, and create emotional safety during difficult interactions. You’ll also learn how to shift your mindset, manage expectations, and reclaim your sense of self-worth—because you’re not defined by how others treat you.

This episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt encouragement to help you navigate these relationships with clarity and compassion.

Key Takeaways

1. It’s Not You; It’s Them: Toxic behaviors often reflect fear or insecurity in others, not your worth.
2. Set Boundaries That Stick: Boundaries don’t rely on others’ compliance—they’re about what you will or won’t allow.
3. Compassion-First: Validate your feelings without absorbing the negativity directed at you.
4. Ground Yourself: Prepare for interactions with techniques that keep you steady and calm.
5. Know When to Let Go: Choose how much energy and access you give to challenging relationships.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Watch the video of this episode at the blog: https://jodiaman.com/blog/toxic-family-dynamics/
• Grounding Techniques Video: https://jodiaman.com/blog/grounding-techniques/
• Dr. Jodi Aman’s YouTube Channel: @DoctorJodi
• Generation Z Mental Health Resource Guide: jodiaman.com/guide
• Redirect Positive Mindset Cards jodiaman.com/order-redirect-flash-cards
• EnCompass SEL Class Activity jodiaman.com/order-encompass-game
• Anxiety, I'm So Done with You! Book

Thank you for listening to Anxiety, I'm So Done With You! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with someone who needs inspiration or help to heal!  

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About Dr. Jodi: 

Jodi Aman is a social work doctor with 28 years of experience in clinical practice. She helps clients heal from trauma, understand the world, and reclaim self-confidence. She created C.O.M.P.A.S.S., an emotional wellness curriculum for middle and high school health classes designed to mitigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

You can find her live-streamed talk show on her YouTube channel @doctorjodi, where she discusses topics unique to Generation Z. Also, watch her TEDx Wilmington talk, "Calm Anxious Kids," and read her award-winning book, Anxiety… I'm So Done with You! to learn how to understand and reverse the current mental health crisis. More about Jodi

You’re listening to the Anxiety I'm So Done with You! Podcast with Doctor Jodi. 

We hope to ease the minds of “the anxious generation.” To do that, this show will guide emerging adults, their parents, and helpers, galvanizing them to release toxic stress, achieve emotional wellness, and hardwire their brains for a happy and meaningful life.

Ask Dr. Jodi Live

Do you, or does someone you love, have anxiety or ADHD? Do you struggle with motivation and worry about your future? Keep listening. 

As a psychotherapist, I have worked with young people for 28 years, and I’ve seen and understood the nuances of Generation Z from this rare perspective.

Guess what I discovered? Your brain is not broken. You are having a regular human response to the context of this crazy world. You don’t have to feel like this; you can feel better!

Tune in live every Monday at 8 PM E on @doctorjodi or binge the recordings. We’ll have relieving conversations, exciting guests, and inspirational stories that will show you how to get rid of worry, recover your energetic bandwidth, and grok a socially conscious life of overflowing joy.