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New Year’s Resolutions for the Daughter of a Difficult Family
Quiet holiday scene for New Year's Resolutions for the Daughter of a Difficult Family. Annie Wright trauma therapy

New Year’s Resolutions for the Daughter of a Difficult Family

SUMMARY

Many adult daughters of difficult families find their New Year’s resolutions shaped by old wounds and family expectations rather than their own desires. This article explores how to recognize those patterns and offers a trauma-informed approach to setting intentions that honor your true self. Drawing on expert insights, it guides you toward resolutions that foster differentiation, healing, and authentic growth beyond family dynamics.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by Annie Wright, LMFT

January 1st and the Resolutions That Are Really Apologies

The soft click of a laptop keyboard fills the quiet room. Elena sits at her desk on January 1st, scrolling through a thread titled “2026 goals.” The glow of the screen illuminates her face, but beneath her focused gaze lies a familiar unease. Every goal she’s ever set feels less like her own and more like a script handed down by her parents, a script she never auditioned for. She wonders quietly, how do I want something for myself?

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Across town, Camille writes in a legal pad, her pen hesitating as she crosses out the phrase, “be less angry at my mother,” for the fourth January in a row. She knows this isn’t a resolution; it’s a wound reopened, a demand to silence a legitimate feeling. This annual ritual of self-correction echoes a deeper struggle , trying to mold herself into someone her family will accept.

For many women raised in difficult families, New Year’s resolutions aren’t just about change. They’re apologies, attempts to fix what’s broken in relationships or to survive the emotional landscape they’ve inherited. These resolutions often ask for patience in the face of neglect, forgiveness for repeated hurts, or diminished anger , all reflecting a family’s unspoken rules rather than personal growth.

Harriet Lerner, PhD, reminds us that the goals we set as adults often mirror the family patterns we grew up with. They’re less about our true selves and more about navigating the emotional dance that defined our childhoods. This can leave us trapped in cycles of self-denial, mistaking compliance for strength.

In the shadow of these patterns, the New Year becomes a mirror reflecting unresolved family dynamics rather than a fresh start. The question is, can it be different? Can resolutions become acts of differentiation , steps toward a self defined by inner truth instead of inherited expectation?

Recognizing this dynamic is the first step. It means seeing those familiar resolutions as symptoms of a larger story, not solutions. It means learning to listen to the self beneath the family scripts, even if that self feels fragile or unfamiliar. This article invites you to explore that journey, to set intentions that honor the woman you are becoming, not the one you were told to be.

As you read, consider how your own resolutions may have been shaped by family wounds. Notice the difference between resolutions that soothe old pain and those that nurture genuine healing. This is a different kind of New Year’s intention, rooted in trauma awareness and self-compassion.

What Is Differentiation of Self?

DEFINITION NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR ADULT DAUGHTERS OF DIFFICULT FAMILIES

New year’s resolutions for adult daughters of difficult families names the emotional and nervous-system experience at the center of this article, especially when family expectations collide with the need for safety, grief, or repair.

In plain terms: Your reaction makes sense. You are not overreacting because a calendar date, family text, airport gate, or dinner table can carry years of relational history.

Differentiation of self is a concept from family systems theory that describes the ability to maintain your own identity and emotional balance while staying connected to your family. It’s about knowing where you end and they begin. For daughters of difficult families, this boundary can feel blurred or even erased.

Harriet Lerner, PhD, explains that differentiation is not about cutting off family ties but about developing a self that can hold its own feelings, beliefs, and desires without being overwhelmed by family dynamics. It’s a process of becoming more yourself, even when your family’s expectations pull you in another direction.

Many women raised in enmeshed or emotionally unpredictable families struggle with this. Their sense of self was shaped by survival , tuning in to others’ moods, adjusting to avoid conflict, or absorbing blame. Differentiation means reclaiming your voice and your choices, even when it feels risky.

This process doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, self-compassion, and sometimes professional support. It means learning to sit with discomfort instead of quickly smoothing it over to keep the peace. It means recognizing that your needs and feelings matter.

When you approach New Year’s resolutions from a place of differentiation, your goals shift. They become about your growth, not your family’s approval. They honor your true desires, not old scripts of who you should be.

Developing differentiation is a radical act for daughters of difficult families. It challenges the identity under siege , the internalized messages that you’re not enough as you are. It opens the door to new possibilities for healing and self-expression.

This journey also intersects with trauma recovery. As Peter Levine, PhD, notes, healing trauma involves reconnecting with your body and nervous system to build regulation and safety. Differentiation supports this by helping you establish boundaries that protect your emotional well-being.

Ultimately, differentiation of self invites you to step into your own life with courage and clarity. It’s the foundation for setting New Year’s resolutions that truly serve your healing and growth.

The Neurobiology of Goal-Setting After Relational Trauma

DEFINITION BODY MEMORY

Body memory describes the way the nervous system can respond to relational threat before conscious thought catches up, a pattern described in trauma literature by Peter Levine, PhD, developer of Somatic Experiencing and author of Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Cite on how resolution-setting from a regulated nervous system differs from resolution-setting from an unresolved trauma state.

In plain terms: Your shoulders, jaw, stomach, sleep, and breath may know the holiday is coming before your thinking mind has decided what to do.

The neurobiology of goal-setting after relational trauma reveals why resolutions can feel so challenging for daughters of difficult families. Trauma impacts the nervous system, often leaving it in a state of hypervigilance or shutdown. This affects how we think, feel, and make decisions.

Peter Levine, PhD, developer of Somatic Experiencing, explains that when the nervous system is dysregulated, setting goals can become a survival response rather than a creative act. Resolutions may emerge from fear, shame, or a need to control uncertainty, rather than from genuine desire.

In this state, the brain’s prefrontal cortex , responsible for planning and self-regulation , can be hijacked by the amygdala’s alarm signals. This makes it harder to set realistic, compassionate goals and easier to fall into patterns of self-criticism or avoidance.

For daughters of difficult families, unresolved trauma often means that New Year’s intentions are filtered through old wounds. Resolutions may focus on avoiding conflict, diminishing feelings, or trying to fix relationships that are fundamentally unsafe.

Healing trauma involves creating safety in the body and nervous system first. This allows for clearer thinking and more authentic goal-setting. When the nervous system is regulated, you can access your true needs and aspirations, rather than reactive patterns.

This is why trauma-informed New Year intentions look different. They prioritize self-care, boundary-setting, and emotional regulation. They allow room for imperfection and growth rather than demanding immediate change or perfection.

Understanding this neurobiology can help you be kinder to yourself when resolutions feel hard or slip away. It reminds you that change is a process, not a mandate, and that healing your nervous system is part of setting goals that last.

Integrating this awareness with differentiation of self creates a powerful foundation for resolutions that support your whole being , mind, body, and heart.

How Daughters of Difficult Families Make New Year’s Resolutions

Daughters of difficult families often approach New Year’s resolutions in ways shaped by their upbringing. These resolutions frequently reflect attempts to manage family dynamics rather than personal growth. They may center on being more patient, less angry, or more forgiving , all aimed at preserving fragile relationships.

Elena’s scrolling through productivity threads shows a common pattern: chasing goals defined by external expectations. She’s learned to measure success by compliance with family rules, even when those rules are unspoken or harmful.

Camille’s repeated resolution to “be less angry at my mother” illustrates how emotions get pathologized in difficult family systems. Anger, a natural response to injustice, becomes a problem to be fixed rather than a signal to be understood.

Harriet Lerner, PhD, highlights that these resolution patterns are symptoms of emotional entanglement. The goals serve to maintain connection or avoid rejection, not to nurture the self. This can leave women stuck in cycles of self-sacrifice and resentment.

Many daughters of difficult families also struggle with guilt around their resolutions. Wanting something for themselves can feel selfish or disloyal. This internal conflict can undermine goal-setting and lead to abandoning resolutions early.

Recognizing these patterns is crucial to breaking free. It means noticing when resolutions are really attempts to repair or appease family wounds rather than genuine intentions. It means questioning who the goals are really for.

With awareness, these women can begin to shift their approach. Instead of resolutions that erase their feelings or needs, they can choose goals that affirm their identity and support healing. This shift requires courage and often outside support, such as [therapy with Annie](https://anniewright.com/therapy-with-annie/) or [executive coaching](https://anniewright.com/executive-coaching/).

Setting New Year’s goals from this place of self-awareness opens the door to authentic transformation, moving beyond family patterns toward a life shaped by your own values and desires.

The Resolutions That Are Wounds in Disguise

“I stand in the ring in the dead city and tie on the red shoes.”

Anne Sexton, poet, “The Red Shoes”

The resolutions daughters of difficult families make often hide wounds beneath their surface. Promises to be more patient, less angry, or to forgive quickly may seem like healthy goals but can actually perpetuate harm.

These resolutions are frequently attempts to silence inner pain or to meet impossible family demands. They can reinforce the message that your feelings don’t matter or that you must always accommodate others at your own expense.

Camille’s struggle with her resolution to “be less angry” exemplifies this. Her anger is a natural response to her mother’s behavior, yet the resolution treats it as a flaw to fix rather than a feeling to understand and express safely.

Harriet Lerner, PhD, teaches that anger in families often signals boundary violations or unmet needs. When resolutions aim to suppress anger, they can deepen emotional wounds instead of healing them.

Similarly, resolutions to “stop letting things bother me” may reflect a learned minimization of legitimate injuries. These goals can disconnect you from your emotional truth, making it harder to recognize when boundaries are crossed.

Understanding these resolutions as wounds in disguise helps you reframe them. Instead of pushing yourself to change feelings, you can focus on healing the underlying pain and creating safety for authentic expression.

This reframing invites compassion for yourself and recognition that healing is not about quick fixes. It’s about addressing the roots of your distress and building new patterns that honor your experience.

Resources like [Fixing the Foundations](https://anniewright.com/fixing-the-foundations/) can support this work by addressing core emotional injuries and rebuilding trust in yourself.

Both/And: You Can Honor Your Family and Set Goals From Your Own Center

DEFINITION AMBIGUOUS LOSS

Ambiguous loss, a concept developed by Pauline Boss, PhD, professor emerita at the University of Minnesota and author of Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved Grief, cite on the relationship between family patterns and the goals we set for ourselves in adulthood, describes grief that lacks a clear ending, shared ritual, or social recognition.

In plain terms: You may grieve someone who is alive, grieve a family you never fully had, or grieve the version of a holiday everyone else seems to assume exists.

It’s possible to both honor your family and set goals from your own center. This might feel contradictory, but it’s an important balance to cultivate in healing from difficult family dynamics.

Honoring your family doesn’t mean sacrificing your identity or well-being. It means acknowledging the complexity of your relationships and the impact they have on you, while also recognizing your right to autonomy.

Differentiation allows you to hold both love and boundaries simultaneously. You can care for family members without losing yourself in their expectations or demands.

Setting goals from your own center means tuning into your authentic desires and needs. It means asking, “What do I want for myself, independent of my family’s approval?”

This process often involves trial and error. You might set intentions that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable at first. That’s normal and part of growth.

With time, you can develop resolutions that reflect your values and support your healing, while maintaining a realistic and compassionate view of your family’s limitations.

Professional support, such as [therapy with Annie](https://anniewright.com/therapy-with-annie/) or exploring the [Holiday Survival Guide for Difficult Families](https://anniewright.com/holiday-survival-guide-difficult-family/), can help you navigate this balance.

Ultimately, this both/and approach respects the complexity of family ties and your need for self-definition, creating space for a New Year’s intention rooted in wholeness.

The Systemic Lens: Why Self-Improvement Culture Targets Women Who Were Never “Enough”

Self-improvement culture often targets women, especially those who grew up feeling they were never “enough.” This cultural pressure intersects with family dynamics to create a potent mix of expectations and self-judgment.

For daughters of difficult families, the message that they must constantly improve can feel like an echo of childhood demands. Their worth was conditional on meeting impossible standards, and adult resolutions can replay this dynamic.

This systemic lens reveals how societal ideals about productivity, patience, and emotional labor disproportionately burden women with difficult childhoods. Resolutions become tools for self-policing rather than empowerment.

Harriet Lerner, PhD, notes that these patterns can trap women in cycles of self-blame and exhaustion, making healing feel like another task to complete rather than a process of self-discovery.

Recognizing this cultural context helps you question the origins of your resolutions. Are they truly your goals, or are they shaped by external pressures to be better, quieter, or more accommodating?

This awareness can free you from the tyranny of perfectionism and open space for more compassionate, realistic intentions.

It also encourages you to seek support systems that validate your experience and resist the narrow definitions of worth imposed by family and culture.

Resources like [therapy with Annie](https://anniewright.com/therapy-with-annie/) and [executive coaching](https://anniewright.com/executive-coaching/) offer frameworks to break these cycles and reclaim your narrative.

A Different Kind of January Intention

Setting a different kind of January intention begins with self-compassion. Instead of demanding immediate change, allow yourself to acknowledge where you are right now, with kindness and curiosity.

Start by noticing the resolutions you’ve made in the past and how they reflect family expectations. This awareness is a powerful first step toward change.

Next, focus on small, achievable goals that nurture your nervous system and support emotional regulation. This might include daily grounding practices, setting gentle boundaries, or prioritizing rest.

Consider intentions that honor your feelings rather than dismiss them. For example, instead of resolving to “be less angry,” try, “I will listen to my anger as a signal and express it safely.”

Invite the practice of differentiation into your resolutions. Ask yourself, “What does my authentic self need to grow and heal?” Let those answers guide your goals.

Remember that healing is nonlinear. Resolutions may shift or evolve throughout the year. This flexibility is a sign of resilience, not failure.

Reach out for support when needed. Whether it’s through [therapy with Annie](https://anniewright.com/therapy-with-annie/), joining a community, or engaging with resources like the [Holiday Survival Guide](https://anniewright.com/holiday-survival-guide-difficult-family/), you don’t have to do this alone.

Allow yourself to celebrate small victories and moments of clarity. Each step toward self-definition is a meaningful act of courage.

As you move forward, hold space for your whole self , the wounded and the healing, the uncertain and the hopeful. Your New Year’s resolutions can become a compassionate invitation to live more fully and freely.

In this spirit, may you find strength in your journey and connection in shared experience. You are not alone, and your true self is waiting to be embraced.

As the new year unfolds, it offers a unique opportunity for daughters entangled in difficult family dynamics to reclaim their sense of self. The stories of Elena and Camille illuminate pathways through the often turbulent emotional landscape that such daughters navigate. Their experiences are a testament to the resilience required to set meaningful resolutions that prioritize healing and personal growth.

Elena’s journey begins with the recognition that not all family wounds are visible. Her first resolution is to acknowledge the silent fractures that have shaped her interactions. This acknowledgment is not an act of blame but a step toward understanding the complex tapestry of emotions woven into her family’s history.

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Camille, on the other hand, resolves to create boundaries that protect her emotional well-being. Her story underscores the necessity of defining limits, especially when familial relationships are fraught with manipulation or neglect. This boundary-setting is an act of self-respect and a foundation for healthier interactions moving forward.

For daughters like Elena and Camille, resolutions are not about changing others but about cultivating inner strength. This shift in focus transforms the new year into a season of empowerment rather than frustration. It allows space for self-compassion and the gradual dismantling of long-held patterns that no longer serve their growth.

One essential resolution is to practice self-care with intentionality. This means more than occasional indulgences; it involves daily actions that nurture the body, mind, and spirit. Elena integrates mindfulness practices into her routine, finding moments of stillness that counterbalance the chaos of her family environment.

Camille’s approach to self-care includes seeking support outside her family circle. She commits to attending therapy sessions and joining support groups where her experiences are validated. This external reinforcement is crucial for daughters whose family dynamics often leave them feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Another resolution centers on redefining success on personal terms. Elena relinquishes the pressure to meet her family’s expectations, which have historically been a source of anxiety. Instead, she sets goals that resonate with her authentic desires, fostering a sense of accomplishment untainted by external judgments.

Camille embraces creativity as a means of self-expression and healing. Her resolution to engage regularly in artistic pursuits provides an outlet for emotions that are difficult to articulate. This creative engagement becomes a sanctuary, a place where she can process her experiences safely.

Communication emerges as a pivotal area for resolution. Elena commits to expressing her feelings with clarity and courage, even when it invites discomfort. This practice is not about confrontation but about asserting her voice in relationships that have historically silenced it.

Camille focuses on listening , to herself and others , with compassion. She recognizes that empathetic listening can diffuse tension and foster understanding, even in strained family interactions. This resolution enhances her capacity to navigate conflicts without losing her sense of self.

Both daughters confront the challenge of forgiveness, a complex and deeply personal resolution. Elena chooses to forgive not for the sake of reconciliation but to release the burden of resentment. This act of forgiveness is a gift to herself, freeing her from the emotional weight that binds her to past hurts.

Camille approaches forgiveness as a process rather than a destination. She allows herself the time and space to heal, understanding that forgiveness may not be immediate or complete. This patient approach honors her emotional reality and supports sustainable healing.

Financial independence is another resolution that holds significant importance. Elena recognizes that economic autonomy can provide a crucial buffer against familial control. She sets practical goals to enhance her financial literacy and stability, thereby increasing her options and freedom.

Camille also prioritizes financial empowerment. She creates a budget and savings plan that reflect her commitment to self-sufficiency. This resolution is a tangible step toward building a life where she can make choices aligned with her values rather than familial expectations.

Social connections outside the family unit are vital for daughters in difficult family situations. Elena resolves to nurture friendships that offer genuine support and understanding. These relationships become a source of strength and a reminder that she is not alone in her experiences.

Camille actively seeks communities that share her interests and values. By engaging in social groups and activities, she expands her network of allies who reinforce her sense of belonging and self-worth. This resolution combats the isolation that often accompanies challenging family dynamics.

Both daughters recognize the importance of self-education. Elena dedicates time to reading and learning about family systems and emotional health. This knowledge empowers her to interpret her experiences with greater clarity and to develop strategies for resilience.

Camille enrolls in workshops and seminars focused on personal development and trauma recovery. Her commitment to ongoing learning reflects a proactive stance toward healing, emphasizing growth over stagnation.

As the new year progresses, Elena and Camille both commit to celebrating small victories. They understand that healing is not linear and that progress often comes in subtle, incremental steps. Recognizing these moments reinforces their motivation and self-compassion.

Elena journals regularly, documenting her journey and reflecting on her emotional shifts. This practice helps her track growth and maintain perspective during challenging times. It also serves as a reminder of her resilience and capacity for change.

Camille adopts gratitude as a daily practice. She consciously acknowledges aspects of her life that bring joy and fulfillment, balancing the narrative of difficulty with one of hope. This resolution nurtures a positive mindset that supports her overall well-being.

Both daughters also commit to physical health as part of their holistic healing. Elena incorporates regular exercise into her routine, recognizing its benefits for mood regulation and stress reduction. Camille prioritizes nutrition and sleep, understanding their foundational role in emotional resilience.

The resolution to seek professional help when needed is a shared theme. Elena acknowledges that therapy is a valuable resource rather than a sign of weakness. This recognition reduces stigma and encourages proactive engagement with mental health services.

Camille advocates for herself in medical and therapeutic settings, ensuring her needs are met with respect and understanding. This assertiveness marks a significant shift from past experiences where her well-being may have been overlooked or minimized.

Both daughters embrace the practice of patience , with themselves and the process of healing. They understand that transformation requires time and that setbacks do not equate to failure. This perspective fosters endurance and reduces self-criticism.

Elena and Camille’s resolutions collectively highlight the importance of agency. They reclaim control over their narratives and choices, moving from passive recipients of family dynamics to active architects of their lives. This empowerment is central to their healing journeys.

The new year thus becomes a canvas upon which daughters of difficult families can paint new stories , stories defined by self-care, boundaries, and hope. Elena and Camille’s examples demonstrate that while the past shapes us, it does not have to dictate our futures.

In embracing these resolutions, daughters like Elena and Camille transform challenges into catalysts for growth. Their courage to set intentional goals amidst complexity offers a blueprint for others seeking healing within fraught family systems.

Ultimately, the act of resolution itself is an assertion of hope. It signals a commitment to oneself and a belief in the possibility of change. For daughters navigating difficult families, this hope is both a balm and a beacon guiding them toward a more peaceful and authentic existence.

As the year advances, maintaining flexibility in resolutions is crucial. Elena and Camille both adapt their goals in response to evolving circumstances, demonstrating that healing is dynamic rather than fixed. This adaptability ensures that resolutions remain relevant and supportive.

They also recognize the value of celebrating progress publicly or privately. Sharing milestones with trusted individuals or acknowledging them internally reinforces accountability and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

In summary, the new year offers daughters from difficult families a renewed opportunity to prioritize healing. Through the lens of Elena and Camille’s experiences, it becomes clear that resolutions grounded in self-awareness, boundary-setting, and self-compassion can facilitate meaningful transformation.

Embracing these resolutions does not guarantee an easy path, but it does provide a framework for navigating complexity with resilience. The courage to begin anew each year reflects the indomitable spirit of daughters determined to thrive despite adversity.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why do my New Year’s resolutions always end up being about other people?

A: Many adult daughters find their New Year’s resolutions focus on others because their family dynamics taught them to prioritize others’ needs over their own. Growing up in difficult families often means internalizing messages that your feelings and desires are less important. So resolutions become attempts to fix relationships or manage others’ behaviors rather than nurture your own growth. Recognizing this pattern is the first step toward setting goals that honor your true self instead of family expectations.

Q: How do I set healthy goals when I grew up in a difficult family?

A: Setting healthy goals after growing up in a difficult family starts with self-awareness and self-compassion. Begin by noticing how past family dynamics may have shaped your ideas about change and worthiness. Focus on goals that support your emotional safety and authentic desires rather than trying to fix others or erase your feelings. Trauma-informed approaches, like those discussed by Peter Levine, emphasize regulating your nervous system first, so your goals come from a calm, grounded place. Seeking support through therapy or coaching can also guide you in this process.

Q: Why do I feel guilty about wanting things for myself at New Year’s?

A: Feeling guilty about wanting things for yourself at New Year’s is common for daughters of difficult families. Your upbringing may have taught you that prioritizing your needs is selfish or disloyal. This guilt reflects internalized family messages rather than your true worth. Healing involves challenging these beliefs and learning to see self-care and personal growth as necessary and healthy. Setting trauma-informed resolutions that honor your feelings can help ease guilt and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Q: How do I break family patterns with my New Year’s intentions?

A: Breaking family patterns with your New Year’s intentions involves awareness and intentionality. Start by identifying which goals are actually attempts to meet family expectations rather than your own needs. Then, focus on resolutions that support differentiation of self , maintaining your identity while staying connected to family. Incorporate trauma-informed practices like emotional regulation and boundary-setting. Professional support, such as therapy or coaching, can help you navigate this process and create lasting change.

Q: What are trauma-informed New Year’s resolutions for adult daughters?

A: Trauma-informed New Year’s resolutions for adult daughters focus on healing and self-compassion rather than perfection or quick fixes. They prioritize emotional regulation, setting healthy boundaries, and honoring authentic feelings. Instead of trying to suppress difficult emotions like anger or sadness, these intentions invite you to listen to and express them safely. They also encourage small, achievable goals that support nervous system regulation and overall well-being, recognizing that healing is a gradual, compassionate journey.

If you want more support around this topic, these companion resources may help: related Annie Wright resource related Annie Wright resource related Annie Wright resource related Annie Wright resource related Annie Wright resource related Annie Wright resource.

Related Reading

Lerner, Harriet. The Dance of Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships. HarperCollins, 1985.

Levine, Peter A. Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books, 1997.

Wright, Annie. “Betrayal Trauma: A Complete Guide.” AnnieWright.com, https://anniewright.com/betrayal-trauma-complete-guide/.

Wright, Annie. “What Is Enmeshment?” AnnieWright.com, https://anniewright.com/what-is-enmeshment/.

References

Peer-Reviewed Research (Vancouver)

  1. Payne P, Levine PA, Crane-Godreau MA. Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Front Psychol. 2015;6:93. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093. PMID: 25699005.

Books & Cultural Sources (Chicago Author-Date)

  • Sexton, Anne. The complete poems. Houghton Mifflin (P), 1981.
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Annie Wright is a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT #95719) and trauma-informed executive coach with over 15,000 clinical hours. She works with driven women. Including Silicon Valley leaders, physicians, and entrepreneurs. In repairing the psychological foundations beneath their impressive lives. Annie is the founder and former CEO of Evergreen Counseling, a multimillion-dollar trauma-informed therapy center she built, scaled, and successfully exited. A regular contributor to Psychology Today, her expert commentary has appeared in USA Today, Forbes, Business Insider, Inc., NBC, and The Information. She is currently writing her first book with W.W. Norton.

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