Navigating relationships with parents who have borderline or narcissistic personality disorders (BPD or NPD) is a daunting challenge. It’s a journey filled with confusion, manipulation, and emotional volatility, leaving you searching for effective tools and support. In the latest episode of You’re Not Crazy, I explore the differences between therapy and coaching, and how integrating both approaches can empower you to manage these complex dynamics and set boundaries with confidence.

This episode is your guide to understanding how therapy and coaching can work together to help you reclaim control of your relationships—and your life.

When to Use Therapy: Understand the Past to Heal the Present

Therapy is a powerful tool for unpacking the emotional impact of a toxic upbringing. It’s a space for processing past traumas, gaining insights into how they shape your current relationships, and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

In this episode, I share how therapy provides the emotional support needed to heal deeply rooted wounds. It’s often a longer-term process, but one that can be transformative in helping you understand your emotions, validate your experiences, and break free from the patterns instilled by a BPD or NPD parent.

When to Work With a Coach: Practical Solutions for the Present

While therapy focuses on the “why,” coaching is all about the “how.” It’s an action-oriented approach to addressing current challenges and achieving specific goals. Coaching sessions are typically shorter-term and laser-focused, whether it’s learning to set boundaries, deciding whether to go no contact, or managing pushback from a difficult parent.

For example, coaching can help you create a practical plan for setting limits with a manipulative parent or developing scripts to navigate emotionally charged conversations. It’s about giving you the tools to take immediate steps toward a healthier life.

The Power of Integration: When Therapy and Coaching Work Together

One of the key takeaways from this episode is that therapy and coaching aren’t mutually exclusive—they compliment each other beautifully. You might work with a therapist to process your past and develop emotional resilience, while a coach helps you implement specific strategies for boundary-setting or going low- or no-contact.

This integrated approach ensures that you’re not only healing emotionally but also equipped with practical tools to handle real-world challenges. It’s a balance of reflection and action, giving you the confidence to move forward with clarity.

Introducing the Boundaries Roadmap Course

I’m thrilled to introduce The Boundaries Roadmap, an online course designed specifically for adult children of parents with BPD or NPD. This course is your step-by-step guide to setting and maintaining boundaries, featuring:

• Video modules that break down key concepts.

• A detailed workbook to help you apply what you learn.

• Practical strategies to navigate even the most difficult situations.

Whether you’re considering going no contact or simply need to establish healthier limits, this course empowers you with the skills and confidence to take control of your relationships.

The Boundaries Roadmap Online Course is exclusively available to members of the Confident Boundaries Online Community. To learn more about the community click here >>> confidentboundaries.com/join.

From Skepticism to Empowerment: Why I Launched Confident Boundaries

I’ll admit it—I used to be skeptical of the coaching industry. During the COVID-19 boom, the lack of regulation in coaching left me frustrated. But as a therapist, I saw firsthand how many people were unable to access therapy due to geographic or financial constraints. Coaching filled a critical gap, providing support to those who needed it most.

That’s why I launched Confident Boundaries in early 2024. My goal is to offer accessible, practical resources for individuals struggling with complex family dynamics. Through coaching and the Confident Boundaries Online Community, I aim to help you transform your frustration into action and take meaningful steps towards taking back control of your life.

The Importance of Boundaries With Family

Boundaries are the foundation of all healthy relationships, but setting them with a BPD or NPD parent can feel like an uphill battle. This episode dives deep into the challenges of boundary-setting, from overcoming guilt to managing manipulative responses.

The key is recognizing that boundaries aren’t about punishing your parent or cutting them out—they’re about protecting your peace. And the first step is understanding that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.

Humor and Heart: Finding Balance in Difficult Times

Dealing with toxic relationships is heavy work, which is why I like to sprinkle in some light-hearted moments. In this episode, I share a fun segment on my personal struggle to use idioms correctly—a small but relatable reminder not to take everything too seriously. Humor is a powerful coping tool, offering a moment of relief amid the heavier topics.

Take the First Step Toward Healthier Relationships

Whether you’re just starting to recognize toxic patterns or are deep into your healing journey, this episode of You’re Not Crazy offers practical insights and resources to help you move forward. From exploring the differences between therapy and coaching to introducing The Boundaries Roadmap, this episode is packed with tools to empower you.

Remember, you always have choices in your relationships. Whether you decide to set boundaries, go no contact, or redefine your role entirely, the most important thing is that your decisions align with your values and well-being.

 Thank you for joining me on this journey

Together, we can create healthier relationships, reclaim our emotional freedom, and live lives filled with confidence and peace. You’ve got this.