Therapy for Generational Wounds and Building Healthy Relationships

For Women in Seattle and across Washington State

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Build the Relationships You Deserve—Starting with Yourself.

Relationships are at the heart of being human. They shape how we see ourselves, how we connect with others, and how safe we feel in the world. But when your earliest relationships—whether with parents, siblings, or caregivers—were marked by neglect, emotional immaturity, or control, it can ripple into every other connection you have.

Maybe you struggle with trust, feeling unseen, or always being the one who gives more than you get. Maybe you’re stuck in cycles of people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, or perfectionism—whether at work, with family, in friendships, or in romantic relationships. Or maybe certain relationships in your life feel painfully one-sided, draining, or unpredictable, leaving you questioning what’s normal and why this keeps happening.

You might wonder: Why do my relationships feel so hard? Why do I keep ending up here? Will I ever have the kind of deep, reciprocal connections I long for?

The answer is yes. These patterns aren’t your fault, and they’re not permanent. Healing starts with how you relate to yourself—learning to recognize your needs, set boundaries, and trust your own voice. With the right support, you can break free from old conditioning and build relationships that feel fulfilling, safe, and real—whether that means improving existing relationships, creating new ones, or redefining what connection looks like for you.

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Do You Struggle to Feel Safe and Seen in Your Relationships?

If you find yourself:

  • Over-explaining, people-pleasing, or avoiding conflict out of fear of rejection

  • Feeling responsible for others' emotions, even at your own expense

  • Repeating painful relationship dynamics, even when you try not to

  • Struggling to trust, open up, or believe you're worthy of support

  • Feeling exhausted by relationships that are one-sided or transactional

  • Constantly questioning yourself or wondering if you’re “too much” or “not enough”

…many people share similar struggles. These patterns are deeply ingrained, but they are not unchangeable.

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Why These Patterns Are So Hard to Break

When you grow up in an environment where love feels conditional, unpredictable, or unsafe, your nervous system adapts. You learn to anticipate others' needs, minimize your own, and prioritize keeping the peace—because that’s what kept you safe. These patterns follow you into adulthood, shaping your relationships in ways that may not serve you anymore.

  • If you had a narcissistic, emotionally immature, or absent parent, you may have learned that love has to be earned—that you must perform, please, or shrink yourself to be worthy of care.

  • If you’ve been in controlling or manipulative relationships, you may have internalized the idea that love comes with conditions, walking on eggshells is normal, or your needs are “too much.”

  • If you’ve struggled with loneliness or isolation, you may have trouble letting people in, fearing they will hurt you or leave when they see the real you.

These patterns run deep, but they are not who you are. They are responses to past pain—pain that you can heal from.

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How Therapy Can Help

Healing is not just about understanding where these patterns come from—it’s about learning to relate to yourself and others differently. Therapy can help you:

  • Recognize and unlearn unhealthy relationship patterns

  • Develop boundaries that feel natural and empowering

  • Heal from past wounds so they don’t dictate your present

  • Learn to trust yourself and your perceptions

  • Build confidence in asking for what you need

  • Cultivate relationships that are mutual, nourishing, and fulfilling

Through our work together, you’ll learn how to show up in relationships as your full, authentic self—without fear, guilt, or shame.

Emily Whitish, Seattle therapist, sitting at a table with a notebook and pen in a bright room with flowers and plants.

Why Work With Me?

I specialize in helping women heal from unhealthy relationships and the deep wounds they leave behind. My approach isn’t about quick fixes or surface-level advice—it’s about real change. We’ll focus on what’s workable, helping you build the skills and self-trust you need to create the life and relationships you actually want.

You don’t have to keep repeating the past. Healing is possible.

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Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to break free from these patterns and build relationships that feel safe, supportive, and real, I’d love to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

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