Episode 299: Family Estrangement, People-Pleasing & Social Anxiety

In today’s episode, Trisha and I answer three powerful listener questions that so many women quietly struggle with. We talk about family estrangement — what’s really happening when an adult child cuts off communication, the deep hurt and confusion it causes on all sides, and whether these breakdowns can be prevented or gently repaired. We also dive into long-term social anxiety. One listener shares her experience of living with anxiety since her teens, how bullying shaped her fear of speaking up, and the toll it’s taking on a job she genuinely loves. We explore why “just pushing yourself” often makes things worse, what’s happening in the nervous system, and what can actually help when anxiety feels overwhelming and ingrained. Finally, we look at people-pleasing and over-performing in conversations — the urge to say the right thing, be liked, keep the peace, and carry the emotional load — and why these patterns are so hard to break, even when you’re aware of them. As always, Trisha McHale brings a compassionate, practical psychotherapist lens to each question, helping you understand what’s really going on beneath the surface — and where real change starts. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns that feel exhausting, confusing, or out of your control, click play and let’s dive in.   To apply for membership to Jessica’s Thrive Academy go to www.jessicacooke.ie/apply To contact Trisha for more information on Therapy and Counselling services: [email protected] 091 725 750 About Trisha MacHale: Trisha is a Psychotherapist and Director of Mind & Body Works Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre, based in Galway, with centres in Galway and Dublin. Their team of over 50 Psychotherapists and Psychologists work with adults, couples, adolescents, and children, offering therapies including CBT, EMDR, and Art Therapy. They also run a low-cost counselling service. Click play and let's dive in.