Flourish Therapy | Luke and Lauren Smallcomb
@flourishtherapy.bsky.social
Recovering mind + body from the effects of childhood trauma. NS, parts work, EMDR 🌿 Neuroaffirming, abuse-informed. Accepting clients worldwide ✨️🌏 https://flourishtherapy.co/
I am estranged from my entire family of origin.
They hold my history, but I got out with myself.
An incredibly costly trade, but one I would make over and over again.
Saving myself against all odds is my greatest achievement. 🤍✨️🕊
They hold my history, but I got out with myself.
An incredibly costly trade, but one I would make over and over again.
Saving myself against all odds is my greatest achievement. 🤍✨️🕊
September 15, 2025 at 12:46 PM
I am estranged from my entire family of origin.
They hold my history, but I got out with myself.
An incredibly costly trade, but one I would make over and over again.
Saving myself against all odds is my greatest achievement. 🤍✨️🕊
They hold my history, but I got out with myself.
An incredibly costly trade, but one I would make over and over again.
Saving myself against all odds is my greatest achievement. 🤍✨️🕊
Internalized ableism can look like a neurodivergent person that has absorbed + applied societal beliefs and stereotypes that devalue disability, to themselves.
This internalized bias can keep a neurodivergent person from seeing accurately + acknowledging their specific brain pattern and neurotype.
This internalized bias can keep a neurodivergent person from seeing accurately + acknowledging their specific brain pattern and neurotype.
August 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Internalized ableism can look like a neurodivergent person that has absorbed + applied societal beliefs and stereotypes that devalue disability, to themselves.
This internalized bias can keep a neurodivergent person from seeing accurately + acknowledging their specific brain pattern and neurotype.
This internalized bias can keep a neurodivergent person from seeing accurately + acknowledging their specific brain pattern and neurotype.
In narcissistic family systems hierarchy takes the place of balanced, honoring, reciprocating relationships.
This is by design. It's the only way to create "stability" in the absence of what relationships actually require.
This is by design. It's the only way to create "stability" in the absence of what relationships actually require.
August 24, 2025 at 2:32 PM
In narcissistic family systems hierarchy takes the place of balanced, honoring, reciprocating relationships.
This is by design. It's the only way to create "stability" in the absence of what relationships actually require.
This is by design. It's the only way to create "stability" in the absence of what relationships actually require.
The longing for tenderness and care from our parents never goes away. ❤️🩹
Grief is the only way to live in the world as it shouldn't be.
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
#nocontact #estrangement #goldenchild #scapegoatchild #dysfunctionalfamily
Grief is the only way to live in the world as it shouldn't be.
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
#nocontact #estrangement #goldenchild #scapegoatchild #dysfunctionalfamily
August 19, 2025 at 12:22 PM
The longing for tenderness and care from our parents never goes away. ❤️🩹
Grief is the only way to live in the world as it shouldn't be.
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
#nocontact #estrangement #goldenchild #scapegoatchild #dysfunctionalfamily
Grief is the only way to live in the world as it shouldn't be.
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
#nocontact #estrangement #goldenchild #scapegoatchild #dysfunctionalfamily
Stigmatized grief really complicates one's grief journey.
There are so many types of grief that are stigmatized...bringing a sense of shame and isolation.
There are so many types of grief that are stigmatized...bringing a sense of shame and isolation.
August 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Stigmatized grief really complicates one's grief journey.
There are so many types of grief that are stigmatized...bringing a sense of shame and isolation.
There are so many types of grief that are stigmatized...bringing a sense of shame and isolation.
An unhealthy parent creates a whole system of dysfunctional dynamics beneath them.
Read more about this is my upcoming memoir Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom. 🤍✨️🕊
Read more about this is my upcoming memoir Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom. 🤍✨️🕊
August 12, 2025 at 12:41 PM
An unhealthy parent creates a whole system of dysfunctional dynamics beneath them.
Read more about this is my upcoming memoir Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom. 🤍✨️🕊
Read more about this is my upcoming memoir Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom. 🤍✨️🕊
Golden Child is available for pre-order! 🤍✨️🕊
August 7, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Golden Child is available for pre-order! 🤍✨️🕊
Sending so much care and honor for the collective of cycle-breakers doing the hard and meaningful work of creating family cultures of belonging, safety and care.
Every single step of this matters. 🤍
Every single step of this matters. 🤍
August 3, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Sending so much care and honor for the collective of cycle-breakers doing the hard and meaningful work of creating family cultures of belonging, safety and care.
Every single step of this matters. 🤍
Every single step of this matters. 🤍
Wanting to be seen, known and held in the places of your greatest pain is one of the deepest human longings there are.
As much as you've maybe not experienced this, we want to encourage you that those benevolent witnesses await you, and you are altogether deserving of that space.
As much as you've maybe not experienced this, we want to encourage you that those benevolent witnesses await you, and you are altogether deserving of that space.
July 29, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Wanting to be seen, known and held in the places of your greatest pain is one of the deepest human longings there are.
As much as you've maybe not experienced this, we want to encourage you that those benevolent witnesses await you, and you are altogether deserving of that space.
As much as you've maybe not experienced this, we want to encourage you that those benevolent witnesses await you, and you are altogether deserving of that space.
I heard “Wide Open Spaces” by Dixie Chick's when I was a young teen unknowingly stuck in my golden child role and thought why would anyone want room to make a big mistake?
July 27, 2025 at 2:50 PM
I heard “Wide Open Spaces” by Dixie Chick's when I was a young teen unknowingly stuck in my golden child role and thought why would anyone want room to make a big mistake?
It goes against every single instinct to name your parent as unsafe, unprotective or unloving.
Every. Single. Instinct.
If someone has done the hard work to get to this point of naming a more accurate narrative....listen to them. Consider their pain. And please do not judge them.
Every. Single. Instinct.
If someone has done the hard work to get to this point of naming a more accurate narrative....listen to them. Consider their pain. And please do not judge them.
July 24, 2025 at 3:20 PM
It goes against every single instinct to name your parent as unsafe, unprotective or unloving.
Every. Single. Instinct.
If someone has done the hard work to get to this point of naming a more accurate narrative....listen to them. Consider their pain. And please do not judge them.
Every. Single. Instinct.
If someone has done the hard work to get to this point of naming a more accurate narrative....listen to them. Consider their pain. And please do not judge them.
Neurodivergent awareness is so important as its easy to misinterpret someone's words and actions as threatening, when really they're simply neurodivergent.
(We're not talking about innately abusive behaviors like aggression, lying, blame-shifting or gaslighting...)
(We're not talking about innately abusive behaviors like aggression, lying, blame-shifting or gaslighting...)
July 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Neurodivergent awareness is so important as its easy to misinterpret someone's words and actions as threatening, when really they're simply neurodivergent.
(We're not talking about innately abusive behaviors like aggression, lying, blame-shifting or gaslighting...)
(We're not talking about innately abusive behaviors like aggression, lying, blame-shifting or gaslighting...)
Letting go is a continual process- and invitation.
No need to feel shame that your pain keeps showing up. This is entirely normal.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
Quote: @yung_pueblo
#griefawareness #betrayaltrauma #traumaticloss #childhoodtraumarecovery #cptsdawareness
No need to feel shame that your pain keeps showing up. This is entirely normal.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
Quote: @yung_pueblo
#griefawareness #betrayaltrauma #traumaticloss #childhoodtraumarecovery #cptsdawareness
July 22, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Letting go is a continual process- and invitation.
No need to feel shame that your pain keeps showing up. This is entirely normal.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
Quote: @yung_pueblo
#griefawareness #betrayaltrauma #traumaticloss #childhoodtraumarecovery #cptsdawareness
No need to feel shame that your pain keeps showing up. This is entirely normal.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
Quote: @yung_pueblo
#griefawareness #betrayaltrauma #traumaticloss #childhoodtraumarecovery #cptsdawareness
Loved this interaction so much. ♡
May you find "mom" and "dads" and any other family you've had to create distance from- in many other, more loving places.
May you find "mom" and "dads" and any other family you've had to create distance from- in many other, more loving places.
July 10, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Loved this interaction so much. ♡
May you find "mom" and "dads" and any other family you've had to create distance from- in many other, more loving places.
May you find "mom" and "dads" and any other family you've had to create distance from- in many other, more loving places.
Estrangement is a brutal path that no one wants to be their story...and yet IS the way forward to a whole, safe and fulfilling life for so many of us.
I can't wait for you to see yourself on the pages of my memoir, Golden Child. 🤍✨️🕊
I can't wait for you to see yourself on the pages of my memoir, Golden Child. 🤍✨️🕊
July 9, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Estrangement is a brutal path that no one wants to be their story...and yet IS the way forward to a whole, safe and fulfilling life for so many of us.
I can't wait for you to see yourself on the pages of my memoir, Golden Child. 🤍✨️🕊
I can't wait for you to see yourself on the pages of my memoir, Golden Child. 🤍✨️🕊
When you've gone years being misunderstood, and having shame and confusion about parts of yourself....
Getting a neurodivergent diagnosis can make a W O R L D of difference. 🌏🤍✨️
Getting a neurodivergent diagnosis can make a W O R L D of difference. 🌏🤍✨️
July 5, 2025 at 12:11 PM
When you've gone years being misunderstood, and having shame and confusion about parts of yourself....
Getting a neurodivergent diagnosis can make a W O R L D of difference. 🌏🤍✨️
Getting a neurodivergent diagnosis can make a W O R L D of difference. 🌏🤍✨️
Some observations on the vulnerability of new growth...
July 4, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Some observations on the vulnerability of new growth...
You're doing such meaningful work that honors the past, and greatly benefits the present and future.
Onward 🤍✨️🕊
🌼Lauren + Luke Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
Onward 🤍✨️🕊
🌼Lauren + Luke Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
July 4, 2025 at 1:17 PM
You're doing such meaningful work that honors the past, and greatly benefits the present and future.
Onward 🤍✨️🕊
🌼Lauren + Luke Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
Onward 🤍✨️🕊
🌼Lauren + Luke Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
Stephanie Foo @foofoofoo wrote a brilliant memoir on trauma called "What My Bones Know".
Have you read it? 💬 📖
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#cptsdrecovery #healingchildhoodtrauma #childhoodtraumarecovery #dysfunctionalfamily
Have you read it? 💬 📖
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#cptsdrecovery #healingchildhoodtrauma #childhoodtraumarecovery #dysfunctionalfamily
July 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Stephanie Foo @foofoofoo wrote a brilliant memoir on trauma called "What My Bones Know".
Have you read it? 💬 📖
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#cptsdrecovery #healingchildhoodtrauma #childhoodtraumarecovery #dysfunctionalfamily
Have you read it? 💬 📖
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#cptsdrecovery #healingchildhoodtrauma #childhoodtraumarecovery #dysfunctionalfamily
In a world full of so many painful transfers, let us transform instead.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#dysfunctionalfamily
#cyclebreakers
#healingchildhoodtrauma
#woundedhealers
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#dysfunctionalfamily
#cyclebreakers
#healingchildhoodtrauma
#woundedhealers
July 3, 2025 at 1:27 AM
In a world full of so many painful transfers, let us transform instead.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#dysfunctionalfamily
#cyclebreakers
#healingchildhoodtrauma
#woundedhealers
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#dysfunctionalfamily
#cyclebreakers
#healingchildhoodtrauma
#woundedhealers
You, and only you get to decide.
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
#estrangement #nocontact #cyclebreaker #narcissisticfamily #dysfunctionalfamily
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
#estrangement #nocontact #cyclebreaker #narcissisticfamily #dysfunctionalfamily
July 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM
You, and only you get to decide.
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
#estrangement #nocontact #cyclebreaker #narcissisticfamily #dysfunctionalfamily
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
@goldenchildbook
#estrangement #nocontact #cyclebreaker #narcissisticfamily #dysfunctionalfamily
The path to estrangement is so incredibly complex.
For most it isn't desired, but feels like the only option forward.
Choosing something doesn't mean it's ever what you wanted.
Read more in my upcoming memoir "Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom". 🤍✨️🕊
For most it isn't desired, but feels like the only option forward.
Choosing something doesn't mean it's ever what you wanted.
Read more in my upcoming memoir "Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom". 🤍✨️🕊
June 30, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The path to estrangement is so incredibly complex.
For most it isn't desired, but feels like the only option forward.
Choosing something doesn't mean it's ever what you wanted.
Read more in my upcoming memoir "Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom". 🤍✨️🕊
For most it isn't desired, but feels like the only option forward.
Choosing something doesn't mean it's ever what you wanted.
Read more in my upcoming memoir "Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom". 🤍✨️🕊
The role a partner plays in an estranged adults journey can be so incredibly meaningful. Don't ever underestimate how important your support is.
A couple of years ago I wrote this in reflection of Luke's role of support on my estrangement path:
A couple of years ago I wrote this in reflection of Luke's role of support on my estrangement path:
June 29, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The role a partner plays in an estranged adults journey can be so incredibly meaningful. Don't ever underestimate how important your support is.
A couple of years ago I wrote this in reflection of Luke's role of support on my estrangement path:
A couple of years ago I wrote this in reflection of Luke's role of support on my estrangement path:
✍️📖 Golden Child excerpt
I'll be creating an early-reader book launch team soon, thank you to all the people who expressed interest!
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
I'll be creating an early-reader book launch team soon, thank you to all the people who expressed interest!
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
June 28, 2025 at 1:28 PM
✍️📖 Golden Child excerpt
I'll be creating an early-reader book launch team soon, thank you to all the people who expressed interest!
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
I'll be creating an early-reader book launch team soon, thank you to all the people who expressed interest!
🌼Lauren Smallcomb
@goldenchildbook
@flourish_therapy
This prioritization of parental needs over the meeting of the child's developmental needs across their lifespan leads to enmeshment, parentification and neglect.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#narcissisticfamilysystem #narcissisticfamily #parentification #enmeshment
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#narcissisticfamilysystem #narcissisticfamily #parentification #enmeshment
June 25, 2025 at 12:47 PM
This prioritization of parental needs over the meeting of the child's developmental needs across their lifespan leads to enmeshment, parentification and neglect.
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#narcissisticfamilysystem #narcissisticfamily #parentification #enmeshment
🌿Luke + Lauren Smallcomb
@flourish_therapy
#narcissisticfamilysystem #narcissisticfamily #parentification #enmeshment