Episode 8 -
Frank, earnest, and direct, Dr. Kenneth M. Adams, addiction and trauma expert, speaks about an age-old problem: Enmeshment. This occurs when a parent leans on a child to become a surrogate intimate partner, making the child feel responsible for the parent’s emotional and physical well-being. Examples of enmeshment can range from meal preparation to becoming the sounding board for the parent’s most personal issues. While there is no sexual contact in this age-old, pervasive problem, it is damaging to the child. It’s regarded as child abuse. Adams, one of the world’s leading experts on this complex addiction, shares highlights from his three books, When He’s Married to Mom; Silently Seduced; and A Light in the Dark and explains that this addiction is not restricted exclusively to mothers and sons: it can also occur in any parent-child combination. Adams gives examples of this dysfunctional family dynamic, explains where and how it originates, and offers advice on what to do about it. Glass digs deep with this longer-than-usual interview, making sure viewers gain a clear understanding of appropriate behaviors and boundaries between divorced parents and their children. This episode is a head-spinner!
Dr. Kenneth M. Adams - Psychologist/Author
