Episode 7 Part 1. Katie McKenna: When Love Hurts - Understanding Toxic Family Relationships

In this episode of the Taboo podcast, we delve into the complex and often unspoken dynamics of family relationships with special guest Katie McKenna. Host Fiona is joined by Katie, an insightful voice in understanding family toxicity, to explore the deeply rooted cultural and religious values in Ireland that can perpetuate less-than-ideal family dynamics.

Together, they discuss the central role family plays in Irish culture, emphasizing loyalty and togetherness, and how these values can sometimes uphold toxic relationships. Katie sheds light on the challenges faced by adult children who grow up in such environments, including role reversals, guilt, shame, and the difficulty of setting boundaries.

This in-depth conversation is not only an eye-opener but a necessary exploration of how family loyalty can sometimes mean accepting dysfunction. The episode is split into two parts, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the issues at play, and equipping them with insights to recognize and address these challenges in their own lives.

 

ABOUT THE GUEST

Katie McKenna is an accredited psychotherapist with a focus on parentification and emotional abuse. She provides guidance on recognising common communication patterns and behaviours associated with toxicity or narcissism, particularly within family settings.

Katie hosts the weekly podcast 'Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast' and is the co-author of the international bestseller 'You're Not The Problem'.

 

Email: [e-mail]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiemckennapsychotherapist/?hl=en#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieMcKennaTherapy/

Website: www.katiemckenna.ie

 

ABOUT THE HOST

Dr. Fiona Barry is a distinguished healthcare practitioner with over 3 decades of experience in both Western / Modern and Eastern / Traditional medicine.  Holding a PhD in Pharmacology and a degree in biomedical sciences, she transitioned from cardiovascular research to the more holistic approach of Chinese medicine.  She also supports people in their emotional and psychological challenges with the likes of Quantum Thinking Transformation (QTT) and coaching.

 

Fiona's integrative approach has supported several thousand people individually in navigating challenges in such areas as hormonal health, fertility, trauma and chronic pain, with tremendously positive feedback and results.

 

Throughout her clinical practice, Dr. Fiona regularly encounters clients burdened by shame and isolation, voicing sentiments like "I've never told anyone that before."

 

Recognising the profound need for open dialogue, Fiona launched this new podcast series "Taboo", where she aims to create a safe space for the exploration of topics that are often left unspoken, in order to foster connection and understanding on a broader scale.  She is committed to amplifying voices and stories that often go unheard.

 

Fiona is available to work with people in a number of ways, including:

• One-to-one in her clinic or online
• For media and events, including corporate training in health and wellbeing

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fionabarry/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comharacupuncture

Website: https://fionabarry.ie/