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“I’m Not Your Parent, I’m Not Your Child—I’m Your Partner!” A Closer Look at a Common Dynamic in ADHD-Impacted Relationships
The parent-child dynamic is a concept I first encountered through Melissa Orlov, a trusted colleague and mentor, under whom I’ve also had the pleasure of training. Her work has been instrumental in my understanding of how ADHD shapes romantic partnerships and can shift the equilibrium of the romantic bond for reasons that are unique to ADHD being present. This dynamic refers to a specific type of imbalance that frequently occurs and can be frustrating for both partners. Befor

Emily M. Easterling, MA, LPC
Mar 285 min read
“A Perfectionist?! Me, no way! I know I'm not perfect; there is no such thing…”
As a therapist, I hear the above exclamation often from my clients when I introduce the topic of perfectionism. Even when I anchor the term in clinical theory to provide nuance, the reaction is frequently one of offense or disdain. This resistance is telling; it suggests that the term feels like a judgment rather than a functional observation. When this happens, I see an entry point. An opening to collaboratively dive a little deeper into our therapeutic work and dismantle th

Emily M. Easterling, MA, LPC
Feb 135 min read
Is Emotional Dysregulation an Issue in Your ADHD Impacted Relationship?
Emotional dysregulation is basically what it sounds like: emotions that aren't regulated. This term pops up a lot in the world of human...

Emily M. Easterling, MA, LPC
Sep 10, 20253 min read
"Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it kills your enemies.” — Nelson Mandela
This powerful observation from Nelson Mandela encapsulates the self-destructive nature of resentment. As a potent and sometimes toxic...

Emily M. Easterling, MA, LPC
Sep 10, 20253 min read
The Inner Child: A Guide to Healing and Emotional Regulation
The concept of the "inner child" was first introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Dr. Carl Jung in the late 1950s. While it's a complex topic...

Emily M. Easterling, MA, LPC
Sep 10, 20252 min read
Understanding Attachment and Why It's So Important
Attachment is a fundamental part of our human experience, an invisible thread that connects us to others and serves as the foundation for our relationships. As social beings, our ability to thrive depends on our connections. This is why attachment is so central to our lives—it's at the core of our relational experiences, which, let's face it, make up most of our existence. Simply put, your personal attachment system is how you relate to yourself, others, and the world aroun

Emily M. Easterling, MA, LPC
Sep 10, 20253 min read
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