The last year and a half has certainly exacerbated many stresses that people were already facing. Unfortunately for many, complicated dynamics and tensions with family were not immune during this time.

I was curious to look back at previous Work/Life posts that address difficult dynamics. Although all were created pre-pandemic, I hope they may provide some new insight or at least validation of what you are experiencing. Here they are listed below.

Should I Stay or Should I Go: The confusion of cutting ties with family
Local therapist Candice Creasman, PhD, wrote this guest post that compassionately and considerately explores the prospect of cutting ties with family.

Book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
In this post I share about a book that I hear the most positive feedback from others as being incredibly validating and helpful. There is now a follow-up book available that I also recommend.

“It’s Not Fair!” Sibling Rivalry in Caregiving
Work/Life’s Kim Andreaus, MSW, addresses the impacts of our longstanding sibling dynamics on shared caregiving responsibilities.

When Your Loved One Wasn’t a Loved One: Grieving a difficult relationship
If you’ve experienced the loss of someone whom you had a complicated relationship with, this podcast with grief therapist Mitzi Quint, LCSW, helps to explore healing a complicated grief.

Under/Over Functioning in Interpersonal Relationships
In this podcast recording therapist Adrienne Robinson, LCSW, LCAS, addresses over/under functioning dynamics in all kinds of relationships.

Communication in Relationships: Honey, can we talk?
If it’s time to have a difficult discussion, this post by Work/Life’s Lisa Allred, LCSW, has some tips.

When Parents Disagree
Work/Life’s Lisa Allred, LCSW, shares some things to consider when facing disagreements with your parenting partner.

Understanding the Unmotivated Teen
In this podcast, Jason Parker, PhD, explores goals and strategies for addressing a teen’s apparent lack of motivation.