Therapy for Family Conflict and Difficult Relationships
in Barrington, IL and online across Illinois
Understand your past. Reclaim your peace.
If love felt conditional, emotions weren’t safe, or image mattered more than connection in your family, certain relationships might feel confusing or draining. Things might look fine—but you’re overwhelmed, questioning yourself, or stuck in roles that no longer fit. These patterns shape how you see yourself, set boundaries, and show up in relationships.
Whether it was loud or subtle, the effects of family conflict (or distance) can linger for years.
Therapy can help you understand what happened, how it shaped you—and how to stop carrying it all.
What Challenging Family Dynamics Look Like
It’s not always yelling or chaos. It can also include:
Emotionally distant, inconsistent, or controlling caregivers
Guilt trips, criticism, rejection, or the silent treatment
Pressure to perform or minimize your needs or experiences
Being the fixer, caretaker, or peacekeeper
Conditional support or a pattern of undermining you
A perfect public image with private dysfunction
Signs You Still Might Be Impacted
Taking on others’ emotions
Feeling afraid or guilty about setting boundaries
People-pleasing, walking on eggshells, or difficulty saying no
Overthinking conversations, decisions, or replaying interactions
Worrying you’re “too much” or “not enough”
Longing for connection, but bracing for chaos
Struggling to explain your experience
Therapy Helps You Heal and Move Forward
Make sense of your experience
Shift patterns of people-pleasing, overthinking, or self-blame
Say no without crushing self-doubt, fear, obligation, or guilt
Quiet your inner critic and build self-trust
Navigate family dynamics with confidence
Maintain a sense of calm and resilience, even in difficult moments.
Therapy for Adults with Difficult Families
At Catalyst Therapy, I specialize in working with adults that are tired of managing the people around them that won’t seek out help. I understand the stress and confusion that can linger—and will help you find clarity and relief.
Start Healing Today
You’ve spent long enough keeping the peace.
Let’s find yours.
Catalyst Therapy & Consulting PLLC
117 Cook Street #177 Barrington, IL 60010