Between the Generations

Relationships

6 Steps to Succeed in a Tough Conversation

Sarah Epstein LMFT on May 2, 2024

Are tough conversations doomed to fail? Absolutely not. But you need to prepare and approach it thoughtfully. Here's how.

Are tough conversations doomed to fail? Absolutely not. But you need to prepare and approach it thoughtfully. Here's how.

Parenting

The Thing Parents Do That Drives Adult Children Crazy

Sarah Epstein LMFT on April 2, 2024

"Oh, Alice has always been dramatic."

"Oh, Alice has always been dramatic."

Boundaries

8 Steps to Letting Other People Down

Sarah Epstein LMFT on February 15, 2024

Do you think that disappointing others is wrong? Think again. You need this skill.

Do you think that disappointing others is wrong? Think again. You need this skill.

Forgiveness

Are Self-Compassion and Self-Forgiveness the Same Thing?

Sarah Epstein LMFT on February 8, 2024

Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are the backbone of emotional well-being. Both are important, but slightly different. Here's how.

Self-compassion and self-forgiveness are the backbone of emotional well-being. Both are important, but slightly different. Here's how.

Self-Talk

How to Make Affirmations Stick

Sarah Epstein LMFT on January 4, 2024

Can affirmations actually work? Yes, but you've probably been doing them wrong.

Can affirmations actually work? Yes, but you've probably been doing them wrong.

Family Dynamics

4 Tips to Get Through Difficult Family Meals

Sarah Epstein LMFT on November 22, 2023

Arm yourself with tools to have a great time.

Arm yourself with tools to have a great time.

Family Dynamics

Why Many Parents and Adult Children Can't Get Along

Sarah Epstein LMFT on November 2, 2023

When closeness isn't possible, grief may emerge.

When closeness isn't possible, grief may emerge.

Family Dynamics

5 Steps to Healing if a Family Member Won't Change

Sarah Epstein LMFT on October 17, 2023

When begging family members to change stops working, it's time to turn to strategies that help you move forward.

When begging family members to change stops working, it's time to turn to strategies that help you move forward.

Family Dynamics

3 Parental Beliefs That Poison Relationships With Adult Kids

Sarah Epstein LMFT on September 28, 2023

Parents of adult children sometimes fall into roles that can cause friction in the relationship. Here's how.

Parents of adult children sometimes fall into roles that can cause friction in the relationship. Here's how.

Boundaries

When Parents Won't Say No to Their Adult Children

Sarah Epstein LMFT on September 27, 2023

Boundaryless parents of adult children create hidden issues in their families. They may feel generous, but their children feel frustrated. Here's why.

Boundaryless parents of adult children create hidden issues in their families. They may feel generous, but their children feel frustrated. Here's why.

Parenting

1 Sure Way to Improve Relationships With Adult Children

Sarah Epstein LMFT on September 21, 2023

Sometimes the most obvious solutions are the best ones. Here's how to reconnect with your adult child.

Sometimes the most obvious solutions are the best ones. Here's how to reconnect with your adult child.

Family Dynamics

How Parents and Adult Children Can Stop Fighting

Sarah Epstein LMFT on June 8, 2023

Many adult children and their parents get trapped in the same arguments over and over. They've probably been approaching it all wrong.

Many adult children and their parents get trapped in the same arguments over and over. They've probably been approaching it all wrong.

Guilt

What's the Difference Between Healthy and Unhealthy Guilt?

Sarah Epstein LMFT on May 30, 2023

Unhealthy guilt may feel virtuous, but it isn't. Healthy guilt leads to change. Unhealthy guilt leads to more pain.

Unhealthy guilt may feel virtuous, but it isn't. Healthy guilt leads to change. Unhealthy guilt leads to more pain.

Relationships

What Does It Mean to Hold Space?

Sarah Epstein LMFT on May 25, 2023

Everyone talks about "holding space" for one another. But what does this term actually mean and how can we do it effectively?

Everyone talks about "holding space" for one another. But what does this term actually mean and how can we do it effectively?

Family Dynamics

The Long-Term Harm of Emotional Parentification

Sarah Epstein LMFT on May 23, 2023

Did your parent constantly lean on you for emotional support, treating you like more of a friend than a child? You may suffer from the long-term effects of parentification.

Did your parent constantly lean on you for emotional support, treating you like more of a friend than a child? You may suffer from the long-term effects of parentification.

Anxiety

A Good First Step to Treat Anxiety

Sarah Epstein LMFT on March 9, 2023

Are you bullying yourself when you feel anxious? You're probably making it worse. Try this instead.

Are you bullying yourself when you feel anxious? You're probably making it worse. Try this instead.

Therapy

6 Ways Family Therapy Can Help Adult Children and Parents

Sarah Epstein LMFT on February 21, 2023

The longest phase of parenting happens when kids become adults. Family therapy can help these important relationships thrive.

The longest phase of parenting happens when kids become adults. Family therapy can help these important relationships thrive.

Friends

3 Signs That a Friendship Should End

Sarah Epstein LMFT on February 2, 2023

While it is tempting to hold onto every important friendship, there are signs that you've held on too long.

While it is tempting to hold onto every important friendship, there are signs that you've held on too long.

Career

Why Parents Should Stop Nagging Kids to Call Home More

Sarah Epstein LMFT on September 30, 2022

Parents are always asking their kids to call home more. But are they asking the wrong question?

Parents are always asking their kids to call home more. But are they asking the wrong question?

Anger

How Anger Rules Over Some Families

Sarah Epstein LMFT on August 4, 2022

When you grow up in a house with an angry parent, everybody adapts—but silently suffers.

When you grow up in a house with an angry parent, everybody adapts—but silently suffers.