This week on ShrinkChicks, Em and Jen dig into the topic of breaking intergenerational patterns and the ways in which we end up just like our parents, for good and for bad. From inherited quirks and “mental health heirlooms” to subconscious habits we don’t notice until a third party points them out, they explore what to carry forward and what to leave behind.

Listener questions include how to cope when parents won’t acknowledge past harm, setting boundaries without cutting contact, and resisting the pull of old family dynamics. Em and Jen share practical tools for breaking cycles in the moment, from creating pauses and practicing new behaviors to building new normals and offering yourself compassion when you slip up. Plus, in Dear Em & Jen, they respond to a listener grieving her shifting role as her brothers’ girlfriends become part of the family.

Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: Fast forward to around 2:30 to skip the intro and get straight to today’s content.

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