Close the Chapter Episode 352 - Emotional Fusion vs. Differentiation: How Families Shape Us
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
Release Date: 01/14/2026
Helping Your Teen and Adult Child Heal After A Breakup
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen dives into how to help your teen or adult child through a breakup and what parents might be missing when it comes to understanding their child’s pain, reactions, and healing. You will learn: How breakups impact teens and young adults differently and why no two experiences are the same Why it’s important for parents to notice their own emotional triggers during their child’s breakup How to “hold space” so your child feels safe to open up and process their emotions The different types of breakups and the wide range of emotions that can come with them...
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How to Deal With Anxiety and OCD Without Fighting It with Ben Eckstein, LCSW
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen talks with Ben Eckstein, a therapist specializing in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, anxiety, and related disorders, about how worry and rumination work and how to manage them more effectively. You will learn: How to recognize the difference between automatic worry and the choices you make in responding to it Why anxiety and rumination feel uncontrollable and how to start gaining a sense of control A practical method (SCAMP) to break down and understand your worry patterns How compulsions and avoidance behaviors keep anxiety cycles going Techniques like exposure...
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How to Identify Your Attachment Style and Improve Relationships with Dr. Judy Ho
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this encore episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Judy Ho to break down attachment theory, how it shapes our relationships, and how we can heal insecure attachment at any stage of life. You will learn: How attachment styles are formed in early childhood and why they still impact your adult relationships today The key differences between secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment styles Why you may be attracted to certain partners (and how attachment patterns drive relationship dynamics) What the inner child really is and how unresolved wounds show up in your daily...
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Healing Through Self-Compassion with Dr. Kristin Neff
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this encore episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Kristin Neff to explore how self-compassion can help you break free from shame, quiet self-criticism, and build a more authentic and grounded relationship with yourself. You will learn: How to define self-compassion and the three core components that make it effective The difference between tender self-compassion and fierce self-compassion—and when to use each Why shame and self-criticism are so common (and how to break free from them) Practical tools and scripts to start speaking to yourself with kindness today How self-compassion impacts...
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Breaking Up with Narcissism and Unhealthy Relationships: How to Break Free and Stay Free with Dr. Alina Kastner
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Alina Kastner, an expert in narcissistic relationships and author, to dive into how to recognize unhealthy relationship patterns, why they’re so hard to leave, and what true healing actually looks like. You will learn: How to recognize the signs of a narcissistic relationship Why you may feel unworthy, unlovable, or like something is wrong with you Why it’s so hard to leave and the fear of being alone The steps to begin breaking free from unhealthy relationship patterns How to heal, rebuild your confidence, and reconnect with yourself...
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Unburdening Motherhood: Healing Your Triggers, Reactivity and Breaking Stuck Patterns with Dr. Angele Close
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode. Kristen is joined by clinical psychologist and motherhood coach Dr. Angele Close to discuss how parenting can trigger unresolved childhood wounds, the transition of matrescence, and tools that help parents respond with greater self-awareness, compassion, and connection. You’ll Learn: What matrescence is and why motherhood is a major identity transition Why parenting often activates unresolved childhood wounds How Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps parents understand emotional triggers Why healing your own parts can help break generational cycles How...
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How to Heal from Dysfunctional Parents and Childhood Trauma with Dr. Sherrie Campbell
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this encore episode, Kristen is joined by Dr. Sherrie Campbell, a licensed clinical psychologist and bestselling author, to discuss the lasting impact of emotionally abusive parents and the journey toward healing. You will learn: How emotionally abusive parents can affect your sense of self and relationships later in life. Dr. Sherrie's personal journey of cutting ties with her family and the impact it had on her life. How to identify and manage emotional triggers that stem from past trauma. The challenges of healing and the importance of no-contact strategies. Practical tools...
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How to Heal After A Divorce or Unhealthy Relationship with Charu Seth
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen sits down with transition and relationship Coach and author Charu Seth to explore what really happens when you wake up one day and realize you’ve lost yourself in marriage and motherhood, and how it’s possible to begin reclaiming your identity. You’ll Learn: How losing yourself in marriage and motherhood can slowly erode your identity and self-worth Why people-pleasing and constant caretaking lead to resentment, burnout, and emotional depletion How fear (of being alone, not enough, or failing) keeps you stuck in unhealthy patterns The impact of...
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How to Survive Significant Loss and Find Hope and Possibility Again with Rebecca Faye Smith Galli
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen sits down with Rebecca Faye Smith Galli, author, columnist, and resilience advocate, whose life has been shaped by profound loss and unexpected turns. They explore what it truly takes to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned. You will learn: How to move through profound grief without letting it define your life Why honesty is the foundation of healing after loss The importance of building the right support system during hard seasons Practical daily practices that help you keep going when everything changes How to hold space for anger, faith,...
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Finding Your Authentic Self: Brain Spotting, Boundaries & Healing with Cynthia Schwartzberg, LSCW
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
Kristen is joined by therapist, trainer, speaker, and author Cynthia Schwartzberg to explore authenticity, brain-based healing, and how reconnecting with the body can help us live more aligned and empowered lives. You will learn: How to recognize when you’re saying “yes” but truly mean “no” Why body awareness is key to making authentic, aligned decisions What brain spotting is and how it helps process emotions and trauma How protective patterns like people-pleasing and shutdown begin to soften Practical ways to build self-trust and reconnect with your...
info_outlineIn this episode, Kristen explores emotional fusion vs. differentiation and how family systems influence anxiety, people-pleasing, and emotional reactivity. She offers insight into becoming more grounded, secure, and true to yourself while staying emotionally connected in your relationships.
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This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about ideas on stress management and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not psychotherapy/counseling in any form. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. For my full Disclaimer, please go to www.kristendboice.com.
For counseling services near Indianapolis, IN, visit www.pathwaystohealingcounseling.com. Pathways to Healing Counseling's vision is to provide warm, caring, compassionate and life-changing counseling services and educational programs to individuals, couples and families in order to create learning, healing and growth.