Can Boundaries Work With Narcissistic Parents? The Nuanced Truth

Can boundaries actually work with a toxic parent? In this week’s episode of You’re Not Crazy, host Torie Wiksell, therapist, boundaries coach, and fellow cycle breaker, unpacks one of the most common (and confusing) questions adult children of narcissistic, borderline, or emotionally immature parents ask: “Is it even possible to set boundaries with them?”

Torie shares:

• Why boundaries aren’t about changing your toxic parent — but about protecting your peace.
• The messy gray area between low contact, no contact, and everything in between.
• How to recognize when boundaries are working — and when it’s time to consider no contact.
• Why “not reacting” isn’t healing (it’s just teaching yourself to tolerate more abuse).
• How to use boundaries as data points to make reality-based decisions about your relationship.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “crazy” for trying to have a relationship with your toxic parent, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and the tools to keep your sanity while breaking the cycle.

👉 Want more support? Inside the Confident Boundaries Membership, you’ll find Torie’s full workshop How to Set Boundaries That Stick (Even With a Toxic Parent), live group coaching calls, a private community, and the 24/7 Boundaries Helper GPT to help you navigate these exact conversations in real time.

🔗 Join the membership today→ confidentboundaries.com/membership

And if you're a therapist looking for more training on supporting your clients with emotionally immature and personality-disordered parents, join me for my upcoming training by registering here: confidentboundaries.com/therapist-training-sept-26

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Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you’re in crisis, please call the 988 Crisis Lifeline.

You're Not Crazy is owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.

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