In this episode, I talk with Laura Mahr about the often-overlooked issue of enmeshment at work, its signs, its impacts, and how it affects mental and emotional health, especially during career transitions like layoffs. We explore practical strategies rooted in neurobiology, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems to help professionals reclaim balance, so that work occupies an appropriate place in one’s life – the thing we do and not the thing we are – and how companies have a real responsibility to foster healthier workplaces that allow employees to thrive with a greater sense of purpose.
Learn more about Laura: https://www.consciousworkingminds.com/ and https://consciouslegalminds.com/
Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mahr-esq-65a582130/
Keywords: Layoffs, Unemployment, Enmeshment, Burnout, Career Transition, Professional Growth, Personal Growth, Professional Development, Career Development, Job Search, Resilience, Work-Life Balance, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Therapy, Organizational Culture
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:20 The significance of identity and grief in layoffs
05:04 Defining enmeshment in a professional setting
06:24 Signs of enmeshment: emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual signs
08:43 Types of individuals prone to enmeshment and personality factors
09:42 Internal Family Systems perspective on enmeshment
12:48 Advice for those experiencing layoffs to reclaim self and avoid enmeshment cycles
15:32 The importance of the "power of the pause" during career transitions
17:14 Managing emotional highs and lows during job searches
20:32 The danger of urgency and impulsive actions post-layoff
22:25 Strategies for those in workplaces and at risk of enmeshment
23:47 Personal and organizational red flags during the interview process
27:48 The role of nervous system regulation and mindfulness in maintaining boundaries
30:00 Addressing common fears and anxiety related to job security and success
32:28 The biochemical roots of overworking and addiction to success
39:43 Can success exist with healthy boundaries?
42:18 Organizational responsibility for cultivating healthy work environments
45:23 The role of company culture in preventing enmeshment
49:34 Questions to ask during interviews to assess wellbeing and cultural fit
52:35 How to find professionals trained in enmeshment, IFS, and nervous system work
56:39 Connecting with Laura