Taking Back Your Name and Space
In this powerful solo episode, Jonathan Murphy reveals how even our names can become weapons in toxic family systems. Jonathan shares his personal journey of diminishing himself by going by "Jon" - a pattern that began with his mother's taunting sing-song use of his full name and continued long after he left home.
Through raw, honest storytelling, Jonathan explores:
- How bullying functions in toxic family systems beyond just physical threats
- The subtle ways we learn to make ourselves smaller to survive
- The process of recognizing these patterns as adaptive survival mechanisms
- How reclaiming what was taken from you is a revolutionary act of healing
This episode offers both validation for those who've experienced similar dynamics and practical insights into the journey of reclaiming your full identity. Jonathan concludes by officially taking back his full name as a symbolic step in his healing journey.
Part of the TOXIC series focused on real talk about family trauma, this episode balances clinical knowledge with personal vulnerability to create a deeply resonant listening experience.
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