Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Maja Beckstrom

Are you tired of family drama?

Woman crossing arms next to separate photo of book cover
Nedra Glover Tawwab a therapist in Charlotte, N.C., and the author of bestseller “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” and “Drama Free."
Courtesy photos

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Family can be our biggest source of strength. But depending on the family you grew up in, the people who should be on your support team can end up being the greatest drain on your mental health.

You can’t easily walk away from a sibling, parent, uncle, aunt or child who bring you pain and conflict. And if you do, the hurt can linger for years.

So, how do you stop the family drama, or at least learn to cope with it?

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three therapists about how unhealthy families shape us and how to break the cycle of dysfunctional relationships.

Guests:  

  • Nedra Glover Tawwab is a therapist in Charlotte, N.C., and New York Times bestselling author of “Set Boundaries, Find Peace.” Her second book “Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships” was published earlier this year. She also posts daily advice on her Instagram account for more than 1.9 million followers.

  • LaReesa Hooper is a therapist and founder of Therapeace Counseling in St. Paul. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

  • Shanelle Wenell is a therapist with Therapeace Counseling in St. Paul. She is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist with additional expertise in equine therapy.

three women in broadcast studio
MPR News host Angela Davis (left) talks about managing family drama and setting boundaries with therapists Shanelle Wenell and LaReesa Hooper in an MPR News studio in St. Paul on Wednesday.
Maja Beckstrom | MPR News

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  

Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.