Dr. Tracy Hutchinson’s Blog
Why Conflict Feels Like Abandonment (Not Just Disagreement) After a High-Conflict Childhood
Conflict itself is not always the problem: What often feels unbearable is what conflict means to you, which can be the fear of losing connection, safety, or emotional security. [read more]
The Grief of Accepting the Parent and Family You Actually Had
There is a particular kind of grief that can emerge after a difficult childhood, especially for adults raised by high-conflict, narcissistic, emotionally dramatic/unavailable, or highly critical parents. It [read more]
Why Independence May Be a Sign of Childhood Dysfunction
Many adult children of dysfunctional or toxic homes become exceptionally independent, that others may see strength. Success. Self-sufficiency. And while all of this is true on the outside, [read more]
7 Signs You Were Raised in Dysfunctional Family: Even If It Looked and Felt Normal
Many adults assume that if they were fed, clothed, and their family looked "normal" from the outside, they had a healthy childhood. Yet countless people enter therapy feeling [read more]
How To Create Self-Love Despite Growing Up With Narcissists: See my most recent Psychology Today article!
We all know that self-love is important for healing and for building self-confidence, self-worth, and self-esteem. But for many people, the concept of “self-love” feels abstract, distant, or [read more]
Living An Empowered Life: Know Your Superpowers: Build Your Self-Respect and Mental Strength
Key Points: Empowerment Begins With Self-Respect: Small actions that honor your boundaries and choices build self-trust and eventually, self-love. Boundaries Are a Superpower: Saying no, protecting your time, [read more]
