What steps do I need to take in order to reconnect with my younger siblings?
Asked by Coco
Answered
10/11/2022
Hi Coco,
Thank you for reaching out and asking this question. You have taken a step in the right direction by asking a mental health professional’s advice on how to deal with this sensitive situation. You mentioned that you are going to start therapy soon which is a great idea as I can see from your question that there are possibly many unresolved issues from your childhood that need to be addressed.
In therapy you will have the chance to revisit all of your close relationships and reflect on your past to see where some of these issues are stemming from. Apparently, your father has contributed to the toxic environment; however, I would wait to discuss this with your therapist and work on the deep rooted problems as you take on this journey.
In the meantime, the best approach to connect with your siblings would be to start communication with them. It would be best not to discuss anything negative with them. Give each of your relationships a deep thought and see where you can help them. Are there any needs that you can fulfill for them? For some, only listening to them as they vent about their life would be something you can do, and this may give you a chance to learn more about them on a deeper level. As you use this approach, be mindful about your own feelings. It is important to keep your own self away from the situation as you don't want to get all caught up with your own struggles. Remind yourself that your own struggles can be taken care of during the therapy process.
Once you have established a good relationship with your siblings where they know that you can be relied on then you can approach them with more sensitive topics such as the relationship all of you have with your father. You can also direct them to therapy since some of their issues may also need to be dealt with by a mental health professional. I suggest that you meditate daily as this would help you stay calm and help in clearing your own thoughts. I wish you the best in therapy and in your relationships. Stay positive and know that you you are capable of handling situations more than you think you are.
Best,
Dr. Saima
LPC