AR Redd

Going “NO CONTACT” or choosing estrangement from your family of origin is never an easy decision. It isn’t a decision that’s made after one incident. It usually comes as a result of giving several chances, apologies never met with changed behavior, conversations that made you feel bad for even speaking up, rewriting history repeatedly, and years of trying to be fully known. Trust me when I tell you this isn’t chosen because it’s trendy or popular to do so. In fact, some would argue it’s a lot easier to just stay silent and keep the “facade of peace”. Everyone has their own reasons for choosing estrangement.
Personally, I was navigating my need for wanting to just be a daughter without the weight and responsibility that came with fulfilling the role of emotional caretaker, parentified daughter, and scapegoat interchangeably. I, like many coming from a religious narcissistic family system was exhausted and didn’t want my body or my mental health to continue to be impacted by the load of “my familial roles”. @dr.sherrie’s work @cari.fund @drlindsaygibson inspired me and gave me the language for what was happening and the psychology behind it. That’s why this conversation with Dr. Sherrie is so deeply meaningful and personal to me. If this is you — you aren’t alone. The grief is excruciatingly crushing and some days I couldn’t make it out of bed…BUT there is another side I promise. 💚 ❤️‍🩹 podcast 🔗 in bio