The family is the first and most crucial social system to which a child belongs, so it makes sense to say that they play an integral part in child development. The family provides the framework within which a child develops a sense of self, learns to interact with others, and develops a sense of personal, social, and moral responsibility.
How the Family of Origin Has a Significant Influence on a Child’s Development
The family of origin sets the foundation for a child’s identity in more ways than one, from shaping the values and beliefs, to influencing their behaviour and mindset throughout their life.
After all, one’s childhood home is the first place a person learns about themselves and the world around them. With such a pivotal role and effect on the child’s development, the family of origin should be a source of support, love, and security. Unfortunately, the family of origin can also be a source of conflict and pain for many people.
Family dynamics can be complex and challenging to navigate, so there can be a lot of emotional baggage that gets passed down from one generation to the next. This can make it difficult for people to deal with their own emotions and to have healthy relationships with others, so it’s crucial to understand the impact that your family of origin has on your life and to find healthy ways to cope with any challenges that may arise.
Family of Origin Issues and How It Negatively Impacts Your Relationships in Life
It is no secret that our family of origin can have a profound impact on our lives. For better or for worse, the way we are raised can shape our view of the world, our relationships, and ourselves.
Unfortunately, not all families are functional or healthy. In fact, many families are downright dysfunctional. Family of origin issues can be defined as any unresolved issues or trauma that you experienced in your family of origin. This can include abuse, neglect, or even a lack of emotional connection.
If you come from a dysfunctional family, you may have experienced some of the following:
- You were never taught how to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
- You were never given the opportunity to express your feelings openly and honestly.
- You were never taught how to set boundaries.
- You were never given a chance to develop a healthy sense of self-worth or self-esteem.
- You were never taught how to trust your own instincts or intuition.
- You were never given a chance to develop a healthy sense of independence.
These issues can often lead to negative patterns in our current relationships. For example, someone who experienced abuse in their family of origin may be more likely to be in an abusive relationship themselves. Or someone who doesn’t feel emotionally connected to their family may have a difficult time forming close relationships with others. Additionally, you may also find it tough to cope with stress or handle difficult emotions.
The Bottom Line: The Importance of Getting Therapy to Heal from Family of Origin Issues
If you’re struggling with issues from your family of origin, it’s crucial to seek therapy to help you heal. Family of origin issues can be very damaging and can cause a lot of pain in your life. Often, these issues are passed down from generation to generation, causing a cycle of dysfunction.
Therapy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to heal from your family of origin issues. It can help you to understand what happened to you, and why it has affected you the way it has. Additionally, therapy can help you to learn how to cope with your emotions in healthy ways, and develop a more positive outlook on life.
If you’re able to break the cycle and heal from your family of origin issues, it can be a very empowering experience. It can help you to feel more in control of your life and can give you a greater sense of peace and well-being.
Many of our therapists in Kelowna or Calgary can help you with a variety of issues, and here at Virtuous Circle Counselling, we offer a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, and we’ll work with you to find solutions that work for you.
If you’re ready to start working on making positive changes in your life, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you on your journey to wellness!
