Untangling Enmeshment: From Family Loyalty to Emotional Freedom with Jordan Pickell (Bonus Episode 26)

Have you ever felt responsible for a parent’s emotions—like it was your job to keep them happy, calm, or stable?

Were you praised for being the “mature one,” even though you were silently falling apart inside?

Do you ever struggle to know where your needs end and someone else’s begin?

If so, you may have grown up enmeshed.

In this episode, let's explore how enmeshment, adultification, and complex trauma converge to distort the victim's identity and long-term relational health.

🌿What is enmeshment?

🌿Family dynamics that lead to enmeshment

🌿The difference between being “useful” and valued

🌿Signs that you are in an enmeshed relationship

🌿How to start setting boundaries to free yourself from enmeshment

🌿Enmeshment is a form of covert bullying

🌿Navigating the process of enmeshment all the way to estrangement

🌿How this process is unique to each person and the specific dynamics of each family

🌿How patterns of enmeshment impact you all throughout life

🌿How parents respond when you set boundaries on their enmeshment

Jordan Pickell is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, clinical supervisor, and co-host of the popular podcast Edge of the Couch, which delves into the nuances of therapy practice. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in relational trauma, boundary-setting, and complex family dynamics.

Jordan works extensively with eldest daughters, adult children of immigrants, and individuals breaking the cycle of intergenerational dysfunction. She has spoken at conferences, contributed to panels on the intersections of gender, trauma, and culture, and facilitated workshops such as Build Better Boundaries and Navigating Fractured Relationships with Difficult Parents.

Her work empowers individuals to address relational challenges while staying aligned with their values and capacity. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Jordan brings a compassionate, practical approach to her work, making her uniquely qualified to guide people on their journey from family dysfunction to healing and wholeness.

*****

Episode Sponsor:

Hiya is revolutionizing children's health with a pediatrician-approved, sugar-free multivitamin designed to nourish growing kids with the essential nutrients they need—without the junk. Made with 15 key vitamins and minerals, Hiya’s chewable formula is free from artificial sweeteners, dyes, and gummy additives, offering a cleaner, healthier approach to kids’ nutrition. Trusted by parents and loved by kids, Hiya is on a mission to build lifelong wellness habits from the very first bite.

Use my link 👉 https://hiyahealth.pxf.io/c/5964558/1730519/20098 to get 50% off of your first order with HIYA and free delivery!

*****

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

📌[Podcast] Edge of the Couch - https://edgeofthecouch.com/

CONNECT WITH JORDAN:

📌 Website: http://www.jordanpickellcounselling.ca/

📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanpickellcounselling/

📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edgeofthecouchpod

*****

MY LATEST BOOK!!!

Adult Survivors of Emotionally Abusive Parents: How to Heal, Cultivate Emotional Resilience, and Build the Life and Love You Deserve - https://amzn.to/3UhURWI

*****

MY TEDx TALK:

📌 TEDx Talk Not All Parents Are Good by Dr. Sherrie Campbell - https://youtu.be/deyHwDkG7oc

BOOKS BY DR. SHERRIE CAMPBELL:

⚉ Adult Survivors of Toxic Family Members: Tools to Maintain Boundaries, Deal with Criticism, and Heal from Shame After Ties Have Been Cut. - https://amzn.to/3L3sMuA

⚉ But It’s Your Family…: Cutting Ties with Toxic Family Members and Loving Yourself in the Aftermath - https://amzn.to/3tuNQEn

⚉ Your Pocket Therapist: Quick Hacks for Dealing with