On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks about thanksgiving and how to navigate the holiday period as an estranged or low contact adult.You can grab a copy of Harriet's new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had here: https://amzn.to/3AQYKL6 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks with guest Alyssa about her experience of cutting contact contact with her toxic mother.If you have found Unfollowing Mum pod useful, consider Harriet's new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy patterns and be the parent you wish you'd had, available on 7th November 2024. You can order here: https://bio.to/UnfollowingMum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A poignant exploration of growing up in a Mormon home as a member of the LGBTQIA community reveals the complexities of identity and acceptance. The conversation dives into the emotional challenges of coming out and the impact of family dynamics on self-worth. It emphasizes the importance of supportive networks in the healing process and the struggles of navigating parental relationships marked by neglect. Listeners hear about the journey of self-acceptance while seeking empowerment and the transformative power of storytelling in overcoming generational trauma.

Angèle Cristina, a life coach dedicated to mental well-being, discusses breaking harmful familial cycles. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and reassessing relationships that affect mental health. The conversation explores the pressure of societal expectations regarding parenthood and the emotional burden of childhood dynamics. Angèle shares her personal journey towards setting boundaries and fostering autonomy. She also highlights the value of self-acceptance and offers insights on navigating family traumas for personal empowerment.

In this insightful discussion, an anonymous guest shares her experiences of growing up with a narcissistic mother in the 1980s. She explores the emotional turmoil of estrangement and the complex dynamics of toxic family relationships. The impact of jealousy and shame on personal development and parenting is profoundly examined. Listeners will resonate with her reflections on breaking the cycle of toxic motherhood and the challenges of forging nurturing bonds while confronting past traumas. This candid conversation is both enlightening and healing.

Emma, who shares her poignant experiences of estrangement from her father, dives deep into the complexities of emotional unavailability and abandonment. She discusses how these strained family dynamics impacted her sense of identity and future relationships. The conversation highlights the necessity of community support for those facing similar challenges and the importance of nurturing authentic connections in parenting. Emma also reflects on the emotional echoes that come from a neglected childhood, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in parent-child relationships.

On this episode, host and coach Harriet Shearsmith talks with integrative psychotherapist and PMDD advocate Josie about her experiences with PMDD and how easily mental health conditions can be weaponised in toxic family dynamics. If you have found Unfollowing Mum pod useful, consider pre-ordering Harriet's new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy habits and be the parent you wish you'd had, available on 7th November 2024. You can preorder here: https://bio.to/UnfollowingMum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks with Cristina about her lived experience growing up in a Hispanic family where it's commonplace to live in a multigenerational home and what that has meant for her difficult relationship with her mother.If you have found Unfollowing Mum pod useful, consider pre-ordering Harriet's new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy habits and be the parent you wish you'd had, available on 7th November 2024. You can preorder here: https://bio.to/UnfollowingMum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith talks with siblings Frankie & Louise about their lived experiences with a toxic father. They discuss how different their relationships with dad have looked through the years and share their views on their childhoods. You can listen to Louise's podcast Mums Work and Chaos episode featuring Harriet here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6pyjVmIlBG7h1AmBhMDXHH?si=AtUtqk4KSF6uUZ0cryAY7AIf you have found Unfollowing Mum pod useful, consider pre-ordering Harriet's new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy habits and be the parent you wish you'd had, available on 7th November 2024. You can preorder here: https://bio.to/UnfollowingMum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, host Harriet Shearsmith chats with therapist Lucy Hills-Gale about how therapy can help you to move through your lived experiences and heal. Lucy shares her exercises and advice during this episode, and you can also find her at Space to Talk Counselling, which you can find here: https://www.spacetotalk.co.uk/ and on her instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/spacetotalk_counselling and facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/Spacetotalkcounselling/If you have found Unfollowing Mum pod useful, consider pre-ordering Harriet's new book Unfollowing Mum: Break Unhealthy habits and be the parent you wish you'd had, available on 7th November 2024. You can preorder here: https://bio.to/UnfollowingMum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.