My Parents Got Divorced, So Why Am I Still in the Middle?
From Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel by Esther Perel Global Media
May 4, 2026 · 58 min · Season 8 · Episode 42
About this episode
A woman navigates her role as a mediator between her divorced parents while questioning her own identity and emotional burdens.
When a mom reaches out on her daughter’s behalf, an old family dynamic comes into focus. A woman finds herself caught between her two divorced parents, still playing the role of mediator and emotional caretaker. As she speaks with Esther, she starts to question what really belongs to her and what it has cost her to carry stories that were never hers to hold.Esther Callings are a one time, 45-60 minute interventional phone call with Esther. They are edited for time, clarity, and anonymity. If you have a question you would like to talk through with Esther, send a voice memo to producer@estherperel.com. Producer’s Note: When our anonymous guests do a session with Esther for the podcast, it is an act of generosity for everyone who listens. These sessions are meant not only to support the people in the room with Esther, but all of us who learn from their stories. Our stories have many chapters, and what you hear is just one moment in someone’s journey. So even though the sessions are anonymous, please remember that real people are behind them and they may be reading your comments.My annual Sessions Live two-day live event is coming up next month! Through clinical, cultural, and…
People in this episode
Host: Esther Perel
Guest: woman
Topics covered
- divorce
- family dynamics
- emotional caretaker
- mediation
- identity
- personal stories
Keywords
- divorce
- family
- mediation
- emotional caretaker
- identity
- Esther Perel
- personal stories
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