Family Secrets

A worksheet for adults who had to carry family secrets as children and beyond.

When you’re asked to carry a family secret, you’re carrying more than just information.

Scripts you can use and customize to your own situation when you're feeling pressured to keep something quiet.

Research shows that keeping family secrets damages children’s mental health, family closeness, and long-term well-being.

This worksheet will guide you through reflection prompts to help you process what has been revealed.

Here are 3 things to remember when you're faced with a family secret.

These phrases can help you respond in these difficult moments.

Family secrets can feel like heavy burdens, especially if you’re pressured to keep them hidden or manage others’ reactions.

Families can seem “perfect” in public, but can really be dysfunctional, abusive, or extremely challenging in private.

This video explores how to create a family culture with healthy privacy - not harmful secrets.

Use this worksheet to create a healthier, more open approach to honesty in your own life and family.

These statements and affirmations can help you in moments when you’re struggling to heal from secrecy in your family.