Family therapy could certainly be beneficial for the nuclear family. It provides a safe space for both the mother and son to express their feelings and work through their issues and grievances with the guidance of a trained therapist. Topics and goals can include establishing healthy boundaries, setting an appropriate amount of communication, and developing a sense of empathy and understanding for the other party.
Individual Counseling
Individual therapy is often encouraged for each party involved (in both couple’s counseling and family counseling). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help the son challenge and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that stem from the enmeshed relationship. For the mother, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) could be beneficial with identifying and managing her emotional needs in healthier ways that don’t impact her son’s well-being. While in individual therapy, it is important to educate an individual about the definition of enmeshment and its effects. Understanding this concept can help a client see the long-term goals and benefits of participating in interventions to help undo this phenomenon. A person needs to understand the issues of enmeshment in order to make positive changes.
Support Groups
Joining support groups can provide both the mother and son with a sense of community and understanding with others who also struggle with enmeshment and blurred familial boundaries. Sharing experiences with others can reduce feelings of isolation, guilt, and shame while providing valuable insights and coping strategies.
Therapy, education, and support can help establish clear boundaries, improve communication, and address underlying emotional needs. These interventions can benefit both mothers and sons by allowing the possibility of healing and personal growth. Over time, healthier relationships based on mutual respect, boundaries, and independence will be able to blossom.
There are many providers available at Symmetry Counseling that are able to tackle navigate, and unweave the tangled web of enmeshment.