Family Systems
5 evidence-labeled concepts on Family Systems, drawn from the Shrink Atlas. Each concept is a short lesson: what it is, why it matters, how to work with it. Explore the list, or start with the one that fits your question today.
Differentiation of Self
You can be deeply connected and still remain your own person.
Enmeshment
When togetherness leaves no space to have separate feelings or needs.
Parentification
When a child carries adult responsibilities and their own needs go unmet.
Scapegoating
One person is made to carry blame that belongs to the whole group.
Triangulation
Two-person conflict gets detoured through a third person instead of resolved.
How this library is organized
Every concept in Family Systems lives in one of six realms of the Shrink Atlas and carries an honest evidence label. This page is a navigation aid; the concept pages are where the lessons are. Follow one, or come back tomorrow for the daily concept.
See the whole Atlas · See the frameworks that use these concepts · See guided pathways