Family of Origin

Our Families of Origin have the most profound impact on our lives, shaping the way we see the world and the way we understand our place in it. Our families are the source from which we develop our values and core beliefs. Indeed, the Family of Origin usually dictates how we measure our self-worth and whether we consider ourselves to be good or bad people.

That isn’t always a positive influence. Those from highly critical, judgmental and abusive families are often burdened by self-doubt and self-recrimination. They can be affected by relationship problems, even difficulties with employment and legal issues.

The wounds inflicted by abusive/dysfunctional families in childhood are often expressed as dysfunction in adulthood, years down the road. And these issues are commonly passed down from generation to generation in repeated cycles of unconscious abuse.

Gaining an understanding of your family of origin; of your role in it, and consciously rejecting the aspects of your family that were unfair or abusive, is a necessary and important first step for men to reclaim their rightful place in the world.

Playing Your Own Role in Life – Paul Elam

Male Space is an Inside Job – Paul Elam

Servant, Slave and Scapegoat – Paul Elam