If you’ve ever felt drained by a relationship, have taken on too much at work, or found yourself overwhelmed by constant obligations, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with setting clear, healthy boundaries—especially if they were never taught how to do so growing up.
At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we support individuals in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across Minnesota in setting and maintaining boundaries that protect their time, energy, and emotional well-being.
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What Are Boundaries and Why Do They Matter?
Boundaries are the limits we create to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health. They define what we are okay with—and what we’re not. They also specify the action we will take if others do not respect the boundaries we set.
You might set boundaries around:
- Emotional energy: Protecting yourself from focusing too much on others’ emotions and wellbeing
- Physical space: Feeling safe with touch or proximity
- Time: How much of your time you give to others
- Relationships: What behaviors are acceptable with friends, partners, or family
Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to feel resentful, burned out, or disconnected from your own needs. Therapy can help you recognize where your boundaries are weak and guide you in strengthening them in a way that feels true to you.
Signs You Might Need Healthier Boundaries
Here are some common signs that your boundaries may need work:
- You feel responsible for how others feel
- You say “yes” when you want to say “no”
- You feel guilty putting your needs first
- You allow things to happen that make you uncomfortable, then feel resentful later
- You avoid difficult conversations out of fear of conflict
- Family or friends rely on you for more than you’re comfortable giving
Setting boundaries is a powerful way to care for yourself—and therapy is a safe place to start.
How Therapy Helps You Build Better Boundaries
If you were raised in an environment where saying no was discouraged (or even punished), or where your needs weren’t respected, setting boundaries may feel uncomfortable at first. Therapy can support you through that process.
At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, our therapists help you:
- Notice Where Boundaries Are Missing
Stress, resentment, or burnout often point to areas where boundaries are unclear. Together, we explore where in your life boundaries feel hard to maintain—whether in family, work, or close relationships. - Get Clear on What You Need
Before you can set a boundary, you have to know what you want. Therapy helps you identify your values, comfort levels, and limits—emotionally, physically, and mentally. - Practice Clear, Respectful Communication
Communicating boundaries can be hard, especially if you’re afraid of upsetting others. In therapy, we help you practice boundary-setting language that is calm, confident, and respectful. Again, boundaries are not meant to be a way to control others’ behaviors; instead, boundaries are about voicing what you are and are not comfortable with, and what you will do if your requests are not honored. Examples:
- “I’m not willing to talk about that right now. If you keep bringing this up, I’ll need to hang up the phone.”
- “Please don’t speak to me that way. If you do, I will need to ask you to leave.”
- “I need time alone this weekend. How about we find time to get together next week?”
- “I’m at capacity and can’t take that on. I can help you find someone else to do it, or I can let you know when I have less on my plate.”
- Work Through Guilt or Anxiety
Many people feel guilty or fearful after setting a boundary, which is completely understandable: not everyone is going to respond positively to the boundaries you set. Therapy offers a space to explore the emotions you experience when setting boundaries, and can help you shift your perspective—reminding you that saying no is a form of self-respect, not selfishness. Your therapist can also help you prepare for those inevitable moments when someone has a bad reaction to your boundary-setting efforts and/or refuses to respect them - Apply Boundaries in Real Life
Setting boundaries in a therapy room is one thing—holding them in daily life is another. Therapy helps you prepare for real-world situations, like saying no to a last-minute work request, asking for emotional space in a relationship, or declining obligations that drain you. Your therapist can even role-play these conversations with you to give you practice in using boundary-setting language, helping you feel more confident when you try it out with the people in your life.
What Healthy Boundaries Can Look Like
Healthy boundaries may include:
- Saying “no” without apologizing
- Declining requests that disrupt your peace or energy
- Prioritizing self-care before helping others
- Expecting respectful behavior during conversations
- Leaving situations where your needs are dismissed
Strong boundaries lead to stronger relationships, more emotional balance, and a greater sense of self-trust.
Build Boundaries That Support Your Mental Health
You deserve relationships that honor your needs—not ones that drain or diminish you. Whether you’re recovering from past boundary violations or learning how to set limits for the first time, therapy can help.
At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we offer in-person and online therapy throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Minnesota area. Our therapists are here to help you feel more confident, grounded, and supported as you build a life rooted in clarity, balance, and self-respect.
Ready to get started? Reach out today to connect with a therapist who can help you practice healthy boundaries and support your overall mental health.
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