136. How to Set Real Boundaries with Dysfunctional Parents Without Turning to Food

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This episode is a reminder that you are not “too sensitive” for needing boundaries and that healing does not require approval from the people who hurt you. Peace, safety, and a healthier relationship with food are possible.

The holidays have a way of pulling us right back into old roles, old triggers, and deeply ingrained family patterns. In this powerful and honest conversation, Kim sits down with Dr. Dawnmarie Risley to unpack dysfunctional family dynamics, the mother wound, and why so many midlife women still feel emotionally activated around their parents, even decades later.

Together, they explore how chronic boundary violations, guilt, and unresolved trauma can quietly drive emotional eating, nervous system dysregulation, and a lifelong sense of self-doubt. This episode offers clarity, validation, and hope for women who are ready to break generational patterns and reclaim their peace.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Why family dynamics can instantly trigger old roles and emotional patterns
• How dysfunctional parent relationships affect boundaries, identity, and self-trust
• The connection between chronic stress, shame, and emotional eating
• Why mother-daughter relationships can feel especially complicated
• Letting go of guilt around boundaries, aging parents, and caregiving
• What forgiveness really means when it comes to healing yourself
• Simple nervous system tools to calm your body when you feel activated

Practical takeaways:

• Boundaries are information. Repeated boundary violations are data, not misunderstandings.
• Protecting your peace does not make you selfish, even if others react strongly.
• Emotional eating is often a coping strategy, not a lack of willpower.
• Regulating your nervous system is a critical step toward healing your relationship with food and yourself..

About Dr. Dawnmarie Risley

Dr. Dawnmarie Risley is a board-certified psychiatrist, keynote speaker, and author of The Offering: A Physician’s Journey Through Abuse, Psychedelics, and the Freedom of Forgiveness. With over two decades of experience in psychiatry and forensic work, she brings both clinical expertise and lived wisdom to her work.

Her message centers on breaking cycles of abuse, understanding malignant family dynamics, and reclaiming personal freedom without minimizing harm or bypassing truth. Through her writing and speaking, Dawnmarie helps women release shame, find their voice, and step into healing that is grounded, compassionate, and empowering.

Outside of her professional work, she is a devoted mother who finds grounding in nature, home renovation, and creative pursuits. A licensed pilot and experienced skydiver, she believes that courage, curiosity, and adventure can be powerful pathways to healing and self-trust.

Where to find Dr. Dawnmarie Risley

• Website: https://www.drrisleychilds.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/drrisleychilds/

Connect with Kim:

Emotional Eats Podcast: Emotional Eats Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emotional-eats-podcast-end-emotional-eating-weight/id1686639038

Website:  https://wellspringcounselingandhealth.com/

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YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@Kimhynesmidlife

Want to improve your midlife focus or sleep?  Check out Brain.fm.  This app has help me be more productive, get the best afternoon powernaps and bring down my nervous system….fast.  Get 30 days for free here.

 https://www.brain.fm/kimhyneshealth

 

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This dark chocolate tumeric tea helps promote relaxation and calm.  It's the perfect substitute for dessert and a great way to help promote sleep.

 

Other links Kim receives commission on some of these products which are used to continue providing free content and produce the Emotional Eats Podcast.

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Disclaimer:  This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  Always consult with your medical practitioner before changing habits.  This podcast is not to take the place of medical or mental health professionals.

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