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Therapy in a Nutshell

Setting a Boundary vs. Trying to Control Someone

Jan 30, 2025
Discover the vital difference between setting personal boundaries and trying to control others. Real-life scenarios illustrate how to assert boundaries without being aggressive. Learn about empowering personal growth through mental health skills and the importance of acceptance and courage. Resources for improving emotional well-being and relationships are also introduced, making it clear that boundaries are essential for healthy interactions.
13:06

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Setting a boundary involves clear communication about personal limits, while control seeks to change someone else's behavior, often leading to power struggles.
  • Effective boundary setting requires calmness and clarity, emphasizing actions within one's control rather than escalating emotional arguments.

Deep dives

Understanding Boundaries vs. Control

One crucial distinction made is between setting a boundary and attempting to control someone else's behavior. Boundaries are defined as actions within one's control, such as saying 'If you do A, then I will do B,' which clearly communicates personal limits. In contrast, trying to control someone involves making requests or arguments about their actions, which often leads to power struggles. A clear example highlighted is a father asserting his boundary regarding motorcycle riding in a park, demonstrating emotional expression while still setting a limit that was within his control.

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