What is enmeshment?

Signs of enmeshment.

According to Page, enmeshment occurs most often in families, but it can also manifest other relationships.

Abby Moore

Why is it bad?

Ultimately, enmeshment is a form of control that can dissolve a person’s own emotional identity and individuality.

Though it’s difficult toset boundariesin these types of relationships, it is possible, and healing can occur.

Weena Wise, LCMFT

Enmeshment vs. codependency.

Enmeshment is similar tocodependency.

In fact, in therapeutic tweaks, the terms may be used interchangeably, Appleton says.

Enmeshment generally describes the behaviors, communications styles, and actions taken within acodependent friendshipor relationship.

How to heal from enmeshment.

to make it heal from enmeshment, a person first has to recognize how they are affected by it.

Self-soothing tactics could includebreathwork, self-talk, ormeditation.

Finding your own voice and ideas is a critical part of the healing journey.

“Take responsibility for your feelings, and your feelings alone,” she says.

Remember, you should only be there for another person some of the time, Munoz says.