Confident Boundaries and Toxic Family Systems with Torie Wiksell

Welcome

Welcome to Kathy On The Couch: EMDR Podcast, the show that unveils and explores the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Our mission is to support clinicians through meaningful conversations, practical resources, and honest dialogue about EMDR, therapy, and the business side of clinical work.

We are your hosts, Tony Parmenter and Kathy Couch, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey with you.

About Rewired360

Rewired360 equips clinicians and business owners to step into the CEO mindset as they learn, lead, and thrive. We support the full EMDR career pathway, including becoming an EMDR International Association Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant.

Our offerings include:

• Consultation and training programs
• Podcasts, blogs, and YouTube channels
• Facebook groups and free peer huddles for business and EMDR
• Free Rewired360 swag store

View all offerings and social platforms by visiting www.rewired360.com and for full courses: https://rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all 

In This Week's Episode

Meet Torie Wiksell, LMFT

Torie is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 13 years of clinical experience specializing in complex family dynamics, personality disorders, and supporting adults who grew up with narcissistic or borderline personality disorder parents. She's the creator of the Confident Boundaries membership community and host of the You're Not Crazy podcast.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Building a specialized therapy practice and online community for adults navigating toxic family dynamics • The difference between healthy boundaries and the "no contact trend" narrative in media

• Creating ethical coaching and support spaces that complement (not replace) therapy

Torie shares her journey from inpatient mental health work to creating a thriving membership community that provides validation, education, and support for cycle breakers—all while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

Key Takeaways

• Coaching vs. Therapy: Clear boundaries are essential when offering group support. Educational communities should complement individual therapy, not replace trauma processing work.
• Breaking the Cycle Requires Skills: Adults from dysfunctional families often lack modeling for emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and healthy boundaries—DBT and structured skill-building can fill these gaps.
• No One-Size-Fits-All Answer: Decisions about family contact (whether low contact, boundaries, or estrangement) are deeply personal. The goal is helping people make empowered choices, not prescribing what they "should" do.

Resources Mentioned

• Confident Boundaries Membership Community - Torie's online community offering monthly workshops, boundary support calls, AI boundaries helper tool, and community chat https://www.confidentboundaries.com/
• You're Not Crazy Podcast - Torie's podcast blending clinical expertise with personal experience navigating narcissistic family dynamics https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youre-not-crazy-a-podcast-for-cycle-breakers-with/id1759806015
• Kathy on the Couch Membership Community - Monthly consultation groups, NBCCC-E training, course modules and resource kits for grief and trauma therapists
• EMDR University - Comprehensive EMDR training and certification program from basic training through consultant certification

Connect With Us

Join the Community:

• Free Facebook Group for EMDR Therapists
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Everything EMDR
• Subscribe to our Blog for marketing tips and business ideas
• Visit the Rewired360 Swag Store for merchandise

Explore Our Training:

Whether you're seeking foundational skills or advanced expertise, EMDR University is your partner in growth and excellence. Check out our full list of courses at rewired360.com or rewired360.ce-go.com/courses/all.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about EMDR intensives and innovative tools like Dharma Dr. EMDR Tappers
• Find all links at linktr.ee/rewired360

About Your Hosts

Kathy Couch, LCSW, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, FT

Kathy is the founder and lead trainer for Rewired360, specializing in EMDR training and continuing education for mental health professionals. She is a Fellow in Thanatology who develops comprehensive training curricula, certification programs, and professional resources. Kathy also hosts the "Kathy on the Couch" podcast and operates multiple business entities including Willow Creek Counseling.

When Kathy isn't working with clinicians, you can find her enjoying holistic therapies and spending time with her husband, children, and twin boys.

Tony Parmenter, MA, LCMHC, EMDRIA Approved Consultant

Tony Parmenter is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, and founder of Seiyu Institute for Health & Training, L3C, where he specializes in complex trauma and intergenerational healing.

A U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Operation Enduring Freedom before teaching ESL in Tokyo and training as a Mental Health Counselor, Tony brings a unique perspective to his work with veterans, first responders, healthcare professionals, and creatives. He is the creator of innovative trauma treatment approaches including the Medicine-free Altered State Recovery System (MARS) and Therapeutic Fly-fishing with EMDR (TF-EMDR)®, which integrate nature-based interventions with evidence-based practices.

His holistic approach draws from EMDR, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, polyvagal theory, Reiki, clinical hypnosis, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Tony is also a musician, outdoor enthusiast, and professional trainer who has held visiting or adjunct professorships at NYU, Bellevue University, Purdue University, and others. Additionally, he is a volunteer with the Vermont TRN and American Red Cross, bringing a whole-person/whole-spirit perspective to trauma recovery that honors the interconnection of mind, body, and spirit.

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