When is enough, enough? (S4 Ep.8)

Did I do the right thing? Am I being unreasonable?

This week we hear from a listener who grew up with a controlling father who monitored finances, belittled her mother, mocked her intelligence, and ruled the house with, “If you live under my roof, you do as I say.”

She became the responsible daughter. The fixer. The emotional support system. The one who stayed close.

After decades of being pulled into her parents’ toxic marriage, she set a boundary: Don’t involve me in your disputes anymore.

Her mother apologised. Her father stopped speaking to her.

In this episode, we explore:

• Growing up with a narcissistic or controlling father
• Being the scapegoat vs. the golden child
• Parentification and becoming the family therapist
• Setting boundaries with narcissistic parents
• The silent treatment as punishment
• Breaking generational trauma when you become a parent
• The grief of unavailable grandparents

If you were the “responsible one.”
If you were triangulated into your parents’ conflict.
If you’ve ever been punished for having boundaries.
If becoming a mum or dad made you realise just how unhealthy your childhood was.

This conversation will feel painfully familiar — and deeply validating.

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Katie McKenna

Accredited Psychotherapist, Podcast Host, Author

BEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast