Sibling Therapy

Why Siblings Are Trying Therapy TogetherElisa and Jojy explore the rising trend of sibling therapy and what it reveals about family bonds, old wounds, and lifelong loyalty.This week, Elisa and Jojy dig into the growing trend of sibling therapy, sparked by a New York Times Magazine article and a new book by therapist Karen Gail Lewis. They unpack why adult siblings are seeking counseling together, from long-buried childhood power dynamics to the surprising idea that siblings often outlast every other relationship in our lives — including our bonds with parents.Along the way, the hosts get personal, sharing their own sibling stories: age gaps, childhood bickering, caregiving fears for aging parents, and the deep, sometimes uncomfortable realization that our sibling relationships shape how we love, fight, and forgive as adults. It's a candid, reflective conversation about the people who know us longest — and what it takes to keep those bonds strong.## Key Takeaways- Sibling therapy is a growing trend, highlighted by a recent NYT Magazine feature and Karen Gail Lewis's new book.- Siblings often outlive our relationships with parents and even close friends, statistically speaking.- Childhood roles (protector, peacekeeper, "the difficult one") can silently shape adult sibling dynamics.- We first learn to fight, forgive, and resolve conflict through our sibling relationships.- Caring for aging or ill parents is one of the biggest stress points in sibling relationships.- Unresolved childhood hurts and favoritism can resurface decades later if never addressed.## Topics & Timestamps- 00:00 — Intro to sibling therapy trend- 00:23 — NYT article & Karen Gail Lewis's book- 01:10 — Elisa reflects on her own sibling relationship- 02:42 — Jojy's brothers and shifting closeness over time- 03:37 — NYT case study: brothers' physical power dynamic- 07:24 — Siblings outlive parent & friend relationships- 08:20 — "All you'll have is your sibling" — parental advice- 11:22 — Siblings as our first training ground for conflict- 14:51 — Caregiving for elderly parents as a strain point- 19:33 — Family reunion story: favoritism resurfacing- 23:52 — Unresolved childhood hurts and the "inner child"- 26:26 — Fear of losing siblings vs. losing parents## Mentioned in This Episode- "Sibling Therapy Is on the Rise, So My Brother and I Gave It a Shot" — NYT Magazine article by Daniel Bergner- Karen Gail Lewis — therapist specializing in sibling therapy- "Sibling Therapy: The Ghosts From Childhood That Haunt Your Client's Love and Work" — book by Karen Gail Lewis## Hosts- Jojy- Elisa Marie