He can help me look at things from a different perspective, to realize that, say, if my mom is being critical of me, it's more about her than me. And to see that some things come from her anxiety (which she'd never admit to having, but obviously has). And also just to teach me some coping strategies. Or to stand up for myself and just say "OK I need time for myself!" And if my parents are offended, then oh well. And also, if my mom says something critical, to say something about it right at the time, like challenge her on it, ask her why she said it, etc.

I know some of these things might seem obvious to people, but when you've grown up a certain way and had certain messages put in your head, they're not. Or, say, I might be able to act that way around other people in my life now, to stand up for myself, but my parents are more difficult.