Parentification doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s part of a larger web of experiences and dynamics that impact children forced to grow up too soon. To fully grasp the depth of this phenomenon, it’s essential to explore the related terms that help contextualize it. From adultification to emotional neglect, these terms describe the various ways children can be pushed into roles they’re not ready for, often at the expense of their emotional and mental health. Understanding these concepts is key to recognizing the signs of parentification in yourself or others and finding pathways to healing. Let’s go over other terms related to the experience of parentification.

Attachment theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby, explores how our early relationships with caregivers shape our emotional bonds and behaviors in adulthood. If your caregivers met your needs consistently, you likely developed a secure attachment style — a foundation for healthy, trusting relationships.

However, if your caregivers were inconsistent or unavailable, you might have developed an insecure attachment style. These early experiences still influence how you connect with others today. Let’s dive into the types of insecure attachment styles.

Let’s talk about boundaries. If you've been on the journey of learning to set healthy boundaries, you've probably noticed something: not everyone’s happy about it! You finally say “no” or take that much-needed break, and suddenly, there’s someone who’s a little too interested in making you feel guilty about it.

Imagine stepping into a cozy, sunlit room where the walls are adorned with vibrant artwork, and the air hums with a sense of calm and empowerment. This is a space dedicated to Black women, a sanctuary where mental health meets cultural affirmation, and every conversation is a step toward healing and growth.

Have you ever felt ‘too White to be Black, or too Black to be White?’ Or felt deep intense shame for making a mistake that others viewed as a sin? Let’s welcome Tori Morris to the Myers-Galloway Counseling team. Tori is a Clinical Mental Health intern who attends Catawba College. Tori loves all types of music, is an early-bird who is organized and never afraid to take on challenges as they arise. We got the chance to speak with Tori about her experiences and why she is so passionate about helping Black women achieve optimal mental health. 

It’s no secret that how you grew up and how you were parented have an impact on you - good, bad, or somewhere in between. Even down to where you choose to live and who you associate yourself with. This means that the abuse and/or neglect that children face can lead to detrimental health issues like heart disease, obesity, cancer, and even suicide later in life. In this blog, we will define what ACES are, the types of ACES that impact Black women, and share some ways that Black women can decrease the negative impact of ACES.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 19% of adults in the United States experience anxiety disorders. With the pressures of being the anchor of the home while being underpaid and overworked in almost every area of life, Black women face a greater risk of developing anxiety disorders.

A holistic approach to your health is the belief that the individual parts of your life (social, mental, financial, etc.) are interconnected to your physical well-being. We are complicated beings and addressing individual parts of our health does a disservice to the reality of our lives.

The holiday season is here, and it can bring up a lot of old (or unresolved) emotional scars. Especially for Black women who experienced adultification and/or parentification during their childhood, reconnecting with family members during this time of year may result in intense family conflict, trigger abandonment issues, fear of rejection or grief. Not to mention, there are always topics that feel off-limits.

Working in a leadership position - especially in the C-Suite - will come with additional stress. But Black women are more likely to face more significant obstacles than their white counterparts.