You're Not Crazy: A Podcast for Cycle Breakers with Toxic Parents

From navigating visibility as a therapist talking openly about toxic family systems, to setting boundaries around social media, content creation, and emotional labor, this episode is a grounded, honest look at what it actually takes to do this work sustainably as a cycle breaker. Torie shares why she’s recommitting to the podcast, simplifying where her energy goes, and being more intentional about how and where she shows up. She also talks candidly about burnout, backlash, self doubt, and what it means to keep choosing growth when you were conditioned to stay small. This episode covers: -Personal reflections from a year of growth, visibility, and boundary setting -The emotional cost of talking publicly about narcissistic and toxic parents -Why simplifying is a form of healing, not quitting -Reprioritizing the podcast and stepping back from what no longer fits -Looking ahead to 2026 with more clarity, intention, and self trust Are you loving the podcast? Join You're Not Crazy: The Private Feed to support the show and get access to bonus and archived episodes, plus ad-free versions of all new episodes:https://www.confidentboundaries.com/private Ready to Build Real Boundaries With Toxic Parents? If you’re a cycle breaker struggling to set boundaries without being trapped by guilt, fear, or self-gaslighting, Confident Boundaries with Toxic Parents is the place to start. This self-guided course gives you the foundational education and tools to set boundaries that stick with toxic parents. Enroll here: https://www.confidentboundaries.com/course Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, we talk about why the holidays feel so heavy when you grew up with a narcissistic, emotionally immature, or unpredictable parent. We explore why perfection is not possible, why black-and-white thinking keeps cycle breakers stuck, and why self-compassion is one of the most regulating tools you can practice during this time of year. You’ll hear: Why the holidays are uniquely triggering for adult children of toxic parents How dissociation and “go go go” mode show up as survival responses Why there is no perfect decision when family dynamics are complicated How to notice when you are being harsh with yourself and interrupt that pattern A personal story about navigating imperfect holidays as a cycle-breaking parent This is a reminder that breaking the cycle does not require perfection. It requires flexibility, self-compassion, and learning to live in the gray. If you want deeper support with boundaries, guilt, and emotional regulation around your parent, the Confident Boundaries with Toxic Parents course is the foundational next step. It gives you the structure, language, and nervous system support that most cycle breakers were never taught.Enroll here: https://www.confidentboundaries.com/course If you’re looking for more support over the holidays, the You’re Not Crazy: The Private Feed includes bonus episodes, archived content, and ad-free listening.Join the private feed here: https://www.confidentboundaries.com/private Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this short, grounding episode of the You’re Not Crazy Podcast, we’re talking about how cycle breakers can take care of themselves during the holidays when family dynamics are toxic, overwhelming, or emotionally unsafe. This is not about pushing through. It’s not about pretending everything is fine. And it’s not about forcing yourself into situations that cost you your nervous system. You’ll hear practical, compassionate ways to support yourself right now if you’re spiraling, avoiding family, or counting down the days until the holidays are over, including: How to help your body feel safe when holiday stress activates old trauma responses Why creating traditions that have nothing to do with your family matters more than you think Simple self check-ins to protect your energy and emotional capacity Permission to change your mind about plans as you learn what you can actually handle How to notice real progress, even if it feels small or imperfect You deserve tools that help you get through this season without abandoning yourself. And, if you want more support beyond this episode, here are a few things that can help: You’re Not Crazy: The Private FeedGet access to all archived episodes plus two bonus episodes every month, ad free.Join here for $5/month:https://www.confidentboundaries.com/private Confident Boundaries with Toxic ParentsThis self guided online course is the foundation for learning how to set boundaries that protect your nervous system while handling manipulation like guilt-tripping and gaslighting.Enroll here:https://www.confidentboundaries.com/course Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today’s episode, Torie breaks down why cycle breakers panic-agree to things they don’t want to do, why your body goes into survival mode when you try to set limits, and why allowing yourself to change your mind is a crucial part of healing. Listen to learn: Why your nervous system floods when you’re put on the spot Why saying yes too quickly is a trauma response, not a personality flaw How to recognize when an impulsive commitment no longer aligns with your capacity Why changing your mind is a healthy, adult skill even if your parent “freaks out” How to start giving yourself permission to choose what’s right for you If the holidays are already feeling heavy, this episode will help you understand your reactions and move toward decisions that honor your time, energy, and wellbeing. • • • If you’re ready for step-by-step support in breaking these patterns, start with my foundational course Confident Boundaries with Toxic Parents. This is the first place to begin if you want to learn how to set limits without spiraling and stop abandoning yourself to keep the peace.https://www.confidentboundaries.com/course Want bonus episodes and an ad-free listening experience? Join You’re Not Crazy: The Private Feed:https://www.confidentboundaries.com/private If this episode resonated, please leave a five-star review to help more cycle breakers find our show. Thank you! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we talk openly about cycle breaker shame, why it hits so hard after the holidays, and why these moments don’t define your growth. Listen to learn how to reconnect with the emotionally mature adult you’re working so hard to become. If the holidays brought up guilt, boundary struggles, or old wounds with a toxic parent, the next step is getting grounded support. Start with the Confident Boundaries with Toxic Parents course. It’s your clear, structured roadmap for learning to set limits without collapsing into guilt or fear:https://www.confidentboundaries.com/course For bonus episodes, archived episodes, and an ad-free experience, join the You’re Not Crazy Private Feed:https://www.confidentboundaries.com/private Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.