Surviving "Peter Pan & Wendy" Syndrome

Lauren is a licensed mental health therapist in the state of Virginia. I have been practicing in a variety of settings since 2017 to include public schools, acute inpatient hospitals, and outpatient. I am passionate about implementing these experiences to include expressive arts and storytelling as a form of healing. This year I experienced a major heartbreak from a man I who I thought was the love of my life. While I had to begin my spiritual/healing journey and the re-discovering of myself after this event, I had some professional as well as personal revelations which has motivated me to tell this story to help others. I discovered a concept that was first coined in the 1980s by Dr. Dan Kiley called Peter Pan and Wendy’s Syndrome. While these aren’t official terms and diagnoses in the DSM-V, I couldn’t help but find that these pop culture psychology terms are very relevant in today’s society.

Here are the talking points that we’ve covered:

1. The phenomenon of “Peter Pan Syndrome” in relationships and its impact on the dynamics between partners.
2. Personal experiences of being in a relationship with someone exhibiting “Peter Pan Syndrome.”
3. The struggle with commitment and the desire to be chosen in relationships influenced by societal and cultural narratives.
4. The challenges of supporting a partner’s interests while maintaining mutual respect and growth.
5. The stereotype of “Wendy” as a controlling figure and the need to balance fun with responsibility.
6. The journey of self love, including the empowerment of enjoying one’s own company and the risks of codependency.
7. The concept of “no contact” as a healing tool from narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships, including the complexities of forgiveness.
8. The importance of setting boundaries for self care, avoiding overextending oneself and reconnecting with personal interests post breakup.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://laurenwicktherapist.blogspot.com

Instagram: lauren_wickywicky

Connect with Heidi Bee

Website: DivorceComebackCoach.com

Instagram:@DivorceComebackCoach

TikTok: @YourDivorcePlanner (moving to @DivorceComeback Coach in 2024)

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/divorcecomebackcoach

Email: [e-mail]

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