Synopsis
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With the holidays ahead, many of us are preparing for extended-family gatherings—and the complexity they often bring. These relationships test our differentiation, pulling us back into roles and expectations that don’t reflect the adults we’re becoming or the partnership we’re trying to build.
In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife responds to audience questions about extended-family dynamics, including enmeshed parent–child ties, triangulation, intrusive or overstepping in-laws, sibling competitiveness, and family systems that cling to sameness over growth. She discusses how couples can stay steady by speaking what’s true, defining how they will function, and choosing a more honest and anchored way of relating—even when the larger system doesn’t shift with them.
As we head into the holidays, many of us are preparing for a lot of time spent with our extended families, and all the complications that doing so can bring. Extended-family relationships press on our differentiation, often pulling us back into roles and expectations that don’t fit who we’re trying to become or the marriage we’re trying to build.
In this NEW episode, Dr. Finlayson-Fife answers questions from her audience about extended-family relationships—including enmeshed parent–child bonds, triangulation, intrusive or overstepping in-laws, competitive sibling dynamics, and systems that hold tightly to stasis over growth. She explores how couples can steady themselves in these moments by stating what’s true, defining how they will function, and choosing a more honest and anchored way of relating—even when the larger system doesn’t readily adapt.
The advice offered through Dr. Finlayson-Fife’s Podcast Archive is educational and informational in nature and is provided only as general information. It is not meant to establish a therapist-patient relationship or offer therapeutic advice, opinion, diagnosis treatment or to establish a standard of care. Although Dr. Finlayson-Fife is a trained psychotherapist, she is not functioning in the role of a licensed therapist during these sessions, but rather using her training to inform these sessions. Thus, the content is not intended to replace independent professional judgment. The content is not intended to solicit clients or patients; and should not be relied upon as medical or psychological advice of any kind or nature whatsoever. The information provided through the Content should not be used for diagnosing or treating a mental health problem or disease. The information contained in these communications is not comprehensive and does not include all the potential information regarding the subject matter, but is merely intended to serve as one resource for general and educational purposes.