Episode 11
Timestamps:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:07:23) Dr. Southard's Background
(00:08:20) Personal Experience with Overfunctioning
(00:09:02) The Importance of Choices
(00:10:08) Understanding Overfunctioning
(00:11:17) Roots of Overfunctioning Behavior
(00:12:53) Childhood Dynamics and Self-Worth
(00:15:49) Cultural Influences on Women
(00:17:23) The Teeter-Totter Dynamic
(00:19:38) The Cycle of Giving and Taking
(00:20:33) Perception Differences in Relationships
(00:21:55) Emotional Toll of Overfunctioning
(00:25:39) The Pain of Loneliness
(00:26:50) Confusion and Resentment
(00:27:53) The Role of Guilt
(00:28:25) Feeling Overwhelmed
(00:31:34) The Healing Process
(00:32:44) Awareness of Overfunctioning
(00:33:41) Stepping Back
(00:34:04) Facing Fears
(00:37:00) Self-Restoration Process
(00:38:19) Accepting Love
(00:42:04) Healing Across Relationships
(00:44:42) Advice for the Stuck Individual
(00:45:36) Self-Awareness in Overfunctioning
(00:46:33) Letting Go of Control
(00:47:31) Indicators for Moving On
(00:49:03) Burnt Out Feelings
(00:50:02) Respect vs. Love
(00:51:47) Embracing Change
(00:54:05) Puzzle Piece Analogy
(00:54:55) Rapid Fire Q&A
Overfunctioning in relationships—and how it keeps you stuck with Dr. Ashley Southard
In this episode of Season of Stuck, host Deanna deBara and clinical therapist Dr. Ashley Southard explore the concept of overfunctioning in relationships, particularly among women. Dr. Southard shares her professional insights and personal experiences, explaining how overfunctioning often stems from childhood dynamics and societal expectations. The discussion highlights the emotional toll of overfunctioning in relationships, including feelings of loneliness, frustration, and guilt,. They also explore the imbalance between overfunctioning and underfunctioning partners and emphasize the importance of self-awareness and personal growth in changing this relationship dynamic. Dr. Southard offers strategies for recognizing and addressing these patterns to foster healthier, more balanced relationships.
Tune in to learn about:
What overfunctioning is—and how it shows up in relationships
The psychological roots of overfunctioning in childhood experiences
The emotional toll and feelings associated with overfunctioning, like loneliness and frustration
The imbalance between overfunctioning and underfunctioning partners
The common traits of overfunctioning
How societal expectations play into overfunctioning in women
The cycle of giving and taking in relationships—and the consequences that can happen when that cycle is out of balance
The importance of self-awareness and recognizing personal patterns in relationships
Tips to heal from overfunctioning
Signs that may indicate it's time to reconsider a relationship, including loss of emotional connection and respect
“The first step in the healing process is becoming aware of how overfunctioning shows up for you—because we can’t change something that we don’t see.”
About Dr. Ashley Southard
Dr. Ashley is a therapist who specializes in helping the Overfunctioning Woman with relationship issues and major life changes and transitions. In addition to providing in-person therapy to residents of Arizona, Dr. Southard also provides online courses and digital resources to support women in healing from overfunctioning—a process that she calls Self-Restoration.
On the web:
On social media:
Instagram: @drashleysouthard
Facebook: @drashleysouthard
Disclaimer: Season of Stuck is for general information only and should not be considered health, financial, or any other type of professional advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on Season of Stuck is not an endorsement. We do not verify the accuracy of the information that guests present. Adult language may be present. Our producer and host disclaim any liability arising out of your reliance on Season of Stuck.
Please note that we may receive a commission should you choose to purchase any product or service using our website link to the products, services, and links featured on Season of Stuck and/or in related properties (including seasonofstuck.com and email communications).
