In his book Setting Boundaries for Survival, Phillip K. Seymour talks about how patterns in childhood family environments shape adult experiences. He says that when caregivers respond unpredictably or control interactions, children can internalize confusion and develop habits of over-responsibility and self-suppression. These early experiences influence the ways adults relate to family and others, often making interactions tense and/or uncertain. Seymour explains that by understanding the roots of these reactions, individuals can observe how the past influences present behavior, and begin to interact with family members in ways that preserve integrity. With awareness and consistent practice, Seymour is confident that adults can create interactions that respect both their own needs and the dynamics of the family, allowing relationships to evolve beyond the restrictions of earlier patterns.

Setting Boundaries for Survival: Navigate Toxic Family Dynamics, Reclaim Your Peace, and Live on Your Terms by Phillip K. Seymour is an outstanding guide that sets out to shift the way readers approach their emotional well-being. Seymour's strategies are practical in how they help readers to recognize things like manipulative behaviors, and his guidance on self-paced forgiveness and reclaiming personal stories is sympathetic to readers without minimizing the agency we have to ultimately assert control over our lives. The writing style is straightforward and encouraging, and the standout to me is Seymour's interactive exercises, especially the myth-busting statements, confidence collages, victory lists, and hope jars. Overall, this is a book that effectively combines actionable techniques and shows genuine understanding, making it an inspiring and uplifting resource for those looking for a healthy, meaningful way forward.

Setting Boundaries for Survival by Phillip K. Seymour addresses the issue of toxic families and how they affect individuals as they grow up. Toxic family experiences are hard to identify, but the first step to start the healing journey is to accept that your dysfunctional family damaged you and recognize that loving memories can coexist with painful ones. Some toxic family traits include mixed messages to children and narcissistic tendencies. Toxic behaviors are sometimes justified by myths, which do not reflect reality. In other families, it is the unsaid things that do damage, such as withdrawn love and support. To address toxic behaviors in families, one needs to find their voice and recognize the difference between love and control. People should also ensure they set meaningful boundaries, which help them interact in healthy ways.

Setting Boundaries for Survival by Phillip K. Seymour is wonderfully written with easy-to-understand language that makes it accessible to all audiences. It does an amazing job in offering insights into how upbringing affects future behaviors and our productivity. I loved how the author used logic and reason to demystify some myths that are still being used to condone toxic behaviors in families, which made the work very effective in passing on the intended message. The breakdown of major ideas into point form also helps to internalize key issues. The reader will also appreciate the numerous references provided, which can be used for further reading. This is a good book, and I look forward to reading more by Phillip K. Seymour.