National Counselor Exam (NCE)

Enmeshment in a family context refers to a situation in which family members are overly involved in each other's lives, leading to blurred boundaries. This can manifest as an excessive emotional dependence or entanglement among family members, where individuals may struggle to separate their own identities from one another. In such families, personal boundaries are weak, making it difficult for members to determine where one person's feelings or responsibilities end and another's begin.

This dynamic can hinder personal growth and lead to issues like anxiety, dependence, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships outside the family unit. Recognizing enmeshment can be vital for counselors working with families, as it allows for the identification of patterns that may require intervention to promote healthier family functioning.