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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author

@sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social
369 followers 122 following 206 posts

Support for adult children of dysfunctional families Author of: The Better Boundaries Workbook, The Better Boundaries Guided Journal, The CBT Workbook for Perfectionism, Cutting Ties with Your Parents LiveWellwithSharonMartin.com linktr.ee/sharonmartinlcsw

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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 16h
When Someone Won’t Change: What Can You Do? | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
When Someone Won’t Change: What Can You Do?
When someone won’t change, you still have choices. Learn how healthy boundaries can help you both communicate your needs and focus on what you can control.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
My new article for PsychToday on family estrangement. Why Parents Are Shocked When an Adult Child Goes No Contact | www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Parents Are Shocked When an Adult Child Goes No Contact
Why do some parents feel blindsided by estrangement? Sometimes they truly miss the signs. Other times, “I have no idea why” becomes a way to avoid accountability.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Stop Putting Yourself Last | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Stop Putting Yourself Last
Putting yourself first isn't selfish. Learn how to value yourself, speak up for your needs, and practice better self-care.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Why It's Hard to Ask for What You Need | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why It's Hard to Ask for What You Need
Early childhood experiences and dysfunctional family dynamics can make it hard to ask for what you need—even as an adult. Here's how you can begin to speak up about your needs.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
As Father's Day approaches in the U.S., remember that holidays such as this are extremely painful for families experiencing estrangement. Here are some ways to validate and support adult children as they cope. #estangement #familyconflict #fathersday www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/holidays-and...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Navigating Holidays and Special Occasions When You're Estranged from Parents - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Holidays and special occasions when you're estranged from parents: Should you attend? How to cope and reclaim holidays without family.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
The Family Scapegoat Is Often the Truth-Teller. Seeing family dysfunction can be painful, and also a source of strength. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
The Family Scapegoat Is Often the Truth-Teller
If you were the family scapegoat, you may have been blamed for seeing the dysfunction that the rest of your family denied. This is both painful and a reflection of your strengths.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
In this article, I discuss the scapegoat role from a family systems perspective and the hidden strengths of being a scapegoat. #familysystems #strengthsperspective #socialwork www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/the-family-s...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
The Family Scapegoat: Why Dysfunctional Families Need Someone to Blame - Live Well with Sharon Martin
The family scapegoat is blamed for a dysfunctional family's problems, but is often the healthiest member of the family.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Navigating Holidays and Special Occasions When You're Estranged from Parents www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/holidays-and...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Navigating Holidays and Special Occasions When You're Estranged from Parents - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Holidays and special occasions when you're estranged from parents: Should you attend? How to cope and reclaim holidays without family.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Why Self-Care Feels Wrong When You’re a Perfectionist | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Self-Care Feels Wrong When You’re a Perfectionist
Are you a high-achiever who struggles to rest, even when you’re exhausted? Perfectionism may be the reason. It makes us feel guilty for having normal human needs.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
If you're an HSP or empath who tends to "overgive," read my recent article for Psych Today. www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Highly Sensitive People Overgive
If you’re highly sensitive and grew up with difficult parents, caring can turn into overgiving and overfunctioning. Here's how to start setting healthier limits.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
A recent interview I did about setting boundaries! Listen here or on your favorite podcast app. open.spotify.com/episode/5DHX...
open.spotify.com
How to Set Healthy Boundaries Without Guilt or Conflict | Nervous System Regulation for People-Pleasers | Mom Therapy w/ Dr. Sharon Martin
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
How to Rebuild Self-Trust After Betrayal and Gaslighting | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
How to Rebuild Self-Trust After Betrayal and Gaslighting
Betrayal and gaslighting erode self-trust. Learn how it gets damaged and steps you can take to reconnect with yourself, validate your feelings, and trust your own judgment.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Why Highly Sensitive People Are Prone to Codependency www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/highly-sensi...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Why Highly Sensitive People Are Prone to Codependency - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Learn why highly sensitive people are prone to codependency, how it starts in childhood, and what healing looks like.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
In my counseling practice, I work with many HSPs who feel compelled to help, fix, or rescue. Here's what I've learned about why this urge is so strong for HSPs and what to do about it. #codependency #hsp #empathy www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Highly Sensitive People Feel Compelled to Manage Others’ Feelings
If you absorb others’ emotions and feel responsible for fixing them, your sensitivity may be driving a rescuer pattern that’s leaving you exhausted and resentful.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
One of the most popular articles I've written! Emotional Invalidation: A Form of Emotional Abuse www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/emotional-in...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Emotional Invalidation: A Form of Emotional Abuse - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Emotional invalidation is painful. Sometimes it's unintentional, but it's a sign of emotional abuse when done repeatedly and intentionally.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
The death of an estranged parent is a complicated loss to grieve. If you or your clients are dealing with this, my new article may be supportive. #familyestrangement #grief #loss #adultchild How to Grieve the Death of an Estranged Parent www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/how-to-griev...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
How to Grieve the Death of an Estranged Parent - Live Well with Sharon Martin
The death of an estranged parent is a complex form of grief. It's important to grieve the death of an estranged parent even if you're not sad
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Estrangement is extra painful when friends and loved ones judge the decision harshly. Here are some tips for coping based on my years of counseling estranged adult children. #familyestrangement #socialstigma #adultchildren www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/how-to-cope-...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
How to Cope with Being Judged for Cutting Off Family - Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you’re estranged from a parent or family member, you may have been surprised by how often you feel judged for cutting off family. The questions, the comments, the pressure to explain yourself can b...
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Your Estranged Parent Died: Now What? www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/your-estrang...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Your Estranged Parent Died: Now What? - Live Well with Sharon Martin
The death of your estranged parent can be disorienting. How are you supposed to feel? What are you supposed to do when someone you’ve cut off dies? This article will help you navigate both the emotion...
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
The most popular article I've written for @psychologytoday.com How to Stop Being Controlling | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
How to Stop Being Controlling
Controlling behaviors often stem from anxiety and fear. When things feel out of control, it’s natural to want to control them in order to feel safe.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
How to Stop Being Controlling | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
How to Stop Being Controlling
Controlling behaviors often stem from anxiety and fear. When things feel out of control, it’s natural to want to control them in order to feel safe.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Why Highly Sensitive People Stay In Toxic Relationships www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/why-highly-s...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Why Highly Sensitive People Stay In Toxic Relationships - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Understand the unique challenges HSPs face when trying to leave abusive relationships and why they stay in toxic relationships
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Characteristics of Dysfunctional Families and How to Overcome the Effects www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/3-characteri...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Characteristics of Dysfunctional Families and How to Overcome the Effects - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Characteristics of dysfunctional families include "don't trust, don't talk, don't feel", shame, enmeshment, parentified children.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Why Highly Sensitive People Overgive | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Highly Sensitive People Overgive
If you’re highly sensitive and grew up with difficult parents, caring can turn into overgiving and overfunctioning. Here's how to start setting healthier limits.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 01/03/2026
Why Setting Family Boundaries Triggers You, and What Helps | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Setting Family Boundaries Triggers You, and What Helps
Managing your emotions makes it easier to set boundaries with family when things get difficult. This leads to less stress, more confidence, and healthier relationships.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Adult Children and the Pressure to Be Perfect | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Adult Children and the Pressure to Be Perfect
Many adult children develop perfectionism to cope with childhood dysfunction. Learn how these patterns form—and what you can do to break free.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
How to Know if You're a Highly Sensitive Person www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/how-to-know-...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
How to Know if You're a Highly Sensitive Person - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Am I a highly sensitive person? A therapist explains common signs you're a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), how to thrive as an HSP.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Feeling Lonely? How to Build Connection and Belonging | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Feeling Lonely? How to Build Connection and Belonging
Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. Find out what's at the root of your loneliness and how to start building meaningful connections.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
How to Heal Without Closure | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
How to Heal Without Closure
Healing after an emotionally abusive relationship is hard, especially without closure. Learn how to reclaim your peace and move forward on your own terms.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
This article explores how power and control within family structures contribute to estrangement. www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/why-people-b...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Why People Believe Parents About Estrangement - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Power, control, and patriarchy explain why people believe parents about estrangement and abuse, while adult children are blamed.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
How to Cope with Being Judged for Cutting Off Family www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/how-to-cope-...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
How to Cope with Being Judged for Cutting Off Family - Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you’re estranged from a parent or family member, you may have been surprised by how often you feel judged for cutting off family. The questions, the comments, the pressure to explain yourself can b...
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Feeling Lonely? How to Build Connection and Belonging | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Feeling Lonely? How to Build Connection and Belonging
Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. Find out what's at the root of your loneliness and how to start building meaningful connections.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
10 Signs You’re in a Codependent Relationship | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
10 Signs You’re in a Codependent Relationship
If you want to break free from codependency, it’s important to recognize when you’re in a codependent relationship.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Self-Care When You’re Overwhelmed www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/self-care-wh...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Self-Care When You’re Overwhelmed - Live Well with Sharon Martin
It's important to practice self-care when you're overwhelmed and stressed. Use these tips to prioritize self-care when you need it most.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Why Highly Sensitive People Stay In Toxic Relationships www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/why-highly-s...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Why Highly Sensitive People Stay In Toxic Relationships - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Understand the unique challenges HSPs face when trying to leave abusive relationships and why they stay in toxic relationships
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Mindfulness: A Natural Way to Reduce Perfectionism www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/mindfulness-...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Mindfulness: A Natural Way to Reduce Perfectionism - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Use mindfulness to reduce perfectionism. Mindfulness helps us focus on the present rather than worrying about our mistakes or performance.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
How to Cope with Being Judged for Cutting Off Family www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/how-to-cope-...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
How to Cope with Being Judged for Cutting Off Family - Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you’re estranged from a parent or family member, you may have been surprised by how often you feel judged for cutting off family. The questions, the comments, the pressure to explain yourself can b...
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
How to Support a Friend Who's Estranged from Family www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/how-to-suppo...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
How to Support a Friend Who's Estranged from Family - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Support a friend who is estranged from family and learn supportive things to say and do to help someone through family estrangement.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Why Setting Family Boundaries Triggers You, and What Helps | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Why Setting Family Boundaries Triggers You, and What Helps
Managing your emotions makes it easier to set boundaries with family when things get difficult. This leads to less stress, more confidence, and healthier relationships.
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Reposted by Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author
MyToxicFamily @mytoxicfamily.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Good tips in this one. It's not an easy decision, that's for sure. ❤️
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 28/12/2025
Enmeshed Families: When Control Is Disguised as Closeness | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Enmeshed Families: When Control Is Disguised as Closeness
Close relationships aren’t always healthy. Sometimes what feels like love and closeness is control in disguise.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Signs It's Time to Cut Ties with Toxic Family www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/when-to-cut-...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Signs It's Time to Cut Ties with Toxic Family - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Should I cut ties with my family? Family estrangement or no contact can happen when family relationships are dysfunctional or toxic.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Reduce holiday stress with better boundaries. betterboundariesworkbook.com/boundaries-f...
betterboundariesworkbook.com
Boundaries for the Holidays - The Better Boundaries Workbook
Setting boundaries is extra challenging during the holidays. Identify the boundaries you need and how to set them for a happier holiday.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Get your boundaries in place now for a smoother holiday! Healthy Holiday Boundaries | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Healthy Holiday Boundaries
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or resentful? These are signs that you may need better boundaries this holiday season.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
8 Keys to Stronger Relationships With Your Adult Children | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
8 Keys to Stronger Relationships With Your Adult Children
Satisfying parent-adult child relationships are based on respect and equality. Parents must recognize that their role has changed from manager to mentor.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
8 Tips for Mental Health during the Holidays www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/mental-healt...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
8 Tips for Mental Health during the Holidays
The holidays can be stressful! Prioritize your mental health during the holidays. Learn to manage stress, let go of perfectionism.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
How Childhood Trauma Damages Self-Worth and How to Heal It | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
How Childhood Trauma Damages Self-Worth and How to Heal It
2. Know that self-worth isn't something you need to earn or prove.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Living Loss: A Hidden Form of Grief | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Living Loss: A Hidden Form of Grief
When grief isn’t about death, it’s often unseen and misunderstood. Learn about the hidden pain of living loss, so you can heal or support others grieving a non-death loss.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Who's Really Behind the Rise in Family Estrangements? | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Who's Really Behind the Rise in Family Estrangements?
Do therapists empower adult children, or steer them?
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Coping With Narcissistic Relatives at the Holidays | Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conq...
psychologytoday.com
Coping With Narcissistic Relatives at the Holidays
Holidays with difficult relatives can feel overwhelming. Use these strategies to set boundaries, stay calm, and plan for a holiday that supports your well-being.
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Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW Psychotherapist & Author @sharonmartinlcsw.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
Why Estranged Adult Children Feel Guilty (and How to Cope) www.livewellwithsharonmartin.com/estranged-ad...
livewellwithsharonmartin.com
Why Estranged Adult Children Feel Guilty (and How to Cope) - Live Well with Sharon Martin
Many estranged adult children feel overwhelming guilt after cutting ties with parents. Learn why guilt is so common and how to cope and heal.
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