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Difficult In-Laws: Support Group

Difficult In-Laws: Support Group

A 4-session therapist-led support space to help you understand and manage complicated relationships with in-laws — through reflection, boundary-setting, and healthier communication patterns.

Only 3 spots left!

Start Date: Within next 3 months

4 weekly Zoom sessions | 75 minutes

Confidential | Small group, 6-8 people

Group Type: Support Group

Includes 3 Free Peer Calls*

Led by Therapist

Rs. 2,000.00
Rs. 4,000.00 Rs. 2,000.00
Early Bird Booked out
Platform fee
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Who is the Group for?

  • Spouses Struggling with Boundaries

    If you often feel unheard, criticized, or controlled in your in-law relationships.

  • Those Feeling Stuck or Conflicted

    If you feel guilty, obligated, or unsure how to manage expectations.

  • People Navigating Complex Family Systems

    If your in-laws' involvement affects your marriage, parenting, or peace of mind.

  • Seekers of Healthy Detachment

    If you want to maintain respect without compromising your emotional wellbeing.

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Goals of the group

• Create a safe space to share and reflect on experiences with in-laws.
• Understand common emotional and relational challenges that arise in extended family systems.
• Learn the difference between healthy involvement and overstepping boundaries.
• Explore your own triggers, expectations, and role in the dynamic.
• Build communication strategies that preserve dignity and self-respect.
• Identify and set firm and flexible boundaries that work for you.
• Learn ways to balance your relationship with in-laws and your partner.

Glimpse of the regime

Session 1: Mapping the landscape

• What kinds of difficulties arise with in-laws / extended-family?
• Ice-breaker & check-in: “One word that describes how I feel when you think of your in-laws.”
- Group discussion:
• Types of in-law relationships (supportive, controlling, distant, intrusive, passive-aggressive, enmeshed families)
• Common conflict patterns (control, criticism, unsolicited advice, intergenerational conflict, over-involvement, boundaries violation, cultural expectations, parenting interference, finances)
• Family roles & expectations (gender norms, “good wife” expectations)
• Personal story sharing (optional): participants share one incident that felt particularly challenging.
• Psycho-education: normalizing “extended family stress” — in collectivistic societies, in-law relationships often carry layers of expectations, roles, and responsibilities."

Session 2: Understanding and navigating communication and building boundaries and finding middle ground

• Effects on self-esteem, emotional health, identity, burnout.
• Partner dynamics - feeling unsupported, triangulation, loyalty pulls.
• Communication struggles - shutting down vs lashing out.
• Parenting interference (if applicable) - decisions, boundaries, unsolicited opinions.
• Conflict styles - passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, assertive.
• Social narratives - “adjust”, “don’t disrespect elders”, “family first”
• Cultural & intergenerational conflict — exploring how traditions, upbringing, gender roles, generational differences shape in-law relationships.
• Parenting & children’s influence — how in-law expectations affect parenting decisions, dealing with grandparents’ interference.
• Spousal alliance & couple communication — aligning with partners about boundaries, parenting, finances and joint conflict resolution.
• Self-compassion, identity & boundaries beyond family - helping participants reclaim self beyond their roles; building independent happiness, self-worth, and life goals.

Session 3: Expectation, impact and emotional aftermath & Putting boundaries & communication into practice

• How these dynamics affect mental health, self-esteem, relationships, partner dynamics, parenting, self-identity.
• What are healthy boundaries? Types (physical, emotional, conversational, time-boundaries).
• Scripts for asserting needs without disrespect.
• Handling backlash - guilt, silent treatment, drama responses.
• Partner alignment - how to have calm conversations with spouse.
• Differentiation - staying grounded even when others disapprove.
• Role-play / role reversal exercises: practice assertive communication (I-statements, expressing needs, saying no, negotiating)
• Group reflection: What are my needs? What kind of boundaries would feel healthy for me?
• Create a “Boundaries Plan” - personal list of non-negotiables and negotiables.

Session 4: Finding your true authentic self, self care & Managing partner dynamics; building alliance with spouse; coping with resistance.

• Discussion: What concerns do you have around setting boundaries — from in-laws, partner, children, social/familial pressure?
• Partner-system work: how to talk to spouse about in-law issues; how to build mutual understanding and support; negotiating shared boundaries.
• Coping strategies for backlash / resistance emotional regulation, self-care, support networks.
• Self-compassion & values-clarification: helping participants stay grounded in their own values and self-respect while maintaining respect for family.
• Explore identity and self-worth: Who am I beyond roles (spouse, daughter-/son-in-law, parent)? What values guide me?
• Self-compassion exercises (can integrate your art-therapy background — e.g. “draw your safe space,” “what fills your bucket”).
• Build a personalized self-care / support plan: social support, hobbies, boundaries, assertive communication, emotional hygiene.
• Long-term coping strategies: mindfulness/grounding, cognitive restructuring, realistic expectations, detachment when needed, choosing battles.

Meet your Facilitator

Sharon George

As a counselor, wife, and pet parent, Sharon deeply values the meaningful relationships in her life. Nature holds a special place in her heart, with a preference for the serenity of water over towering mountains. Exploring new destinations, experimenting with flavors in the kitchen, and expressing her emotions through singing bring her profound joy and fulfillment. Continuous personal growth is a core value that she holds dear. Each day, she strives to evolve into a better version of herself, embracing opportunities for learning, self-reflection, and self-improvement. This commitment to personal development empowers her to better serve others as a counsellor and make a positive impact in both her personal and professional spheres.By fostering strong connections, embracing nature's beauty, and pursuing personal growth, she aims to lead a fulfilling and purposeful life that enriches the lives of those around her. Sharon’s areas of expertise encompass confusion in relationships, break-up issues, depression, anxiety, ADHD, addiction, PTSD, panic attacks, overthinking, and self-esteem issues.

Interested in multiple groups? Access at 60% off

What you get:

  • Unlimited Support Groups – Join any eligible group throughout the year at no extra cost.
  • Exclusive Weekly Series – Join our weekly Women/Men Unfiltered sessions on relationships, career, identity, and mental health.
  • 24 Free Peer Calls – Connect one-on-one with other members for support and shared experiences.
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FAQs

What are SoulUp Groups?

At SoulUp, you'll meet people who get what you're going through and might be living some of the same realities. People looking for extraordinary conversations, just like you.

✔️ Small group, 6-8 people

✔️ Every meeting led by a world-class facilitator

✔️ Weekly 75-minute online video sessions

How is confidentiality maintained in Groups?

Confidentiality in Support Groups is maintained using secure meeting links and enabling waiting rooms to control participant access. Participants are bound by mutual confidentiality clause within the group. and sessions are not recorded without explicit consent.

Are Group sessions done on video?

Yes, all group sessions are conducted on video via Zoom.

While participants are allowed to use pseudonyms - they need to be on video to make the most of the session.

What is SoulUp's refund policy on Groups?

1. After you have registered for the group and you'd like to opt out:
- Full refund if you cancel 30 days before the group start date.
- 50% refund if you cancel 16-30 days before the group start date.
- No refund if you cancel 0-15 days before the group start date.

2. If SoulUp cancels a group, we will refund the entire signup fee.

3. If SoulUp reschedules a group by more than 2 weeks, we will inform you and give you an option to opt out and get a full refund.

4. SoulUp reserves the right to remove participants from a group if found unsuitable to the group. In such cases participants are given the option of claiming the pro-rata amount left as a refund or using it for another service on SoulUp.

Can I use multiple discounts while signing up for a group?

You can use only 1 type discount while signing up for a group. Cash backs cannot be coupled with discounts either.

* Are FREE Peer calls available to everyone who signs-up for this group?

You can book 3 Peer calls for FREE as part of signing up for this group.

Please note: This is only available to first-time participants of a SoulUp group (those trying a SoulUp group for the first time).

How long has SoulUp been around?

SoulUp was founded in 2022 by Punita Mittal and Mahak Maheshwari - a team of IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay with more than 20 years of combined healthcare experience. SoulUp is redefining mental health through groups that are not only effective but also fun, social, and challenging.

A unique group to navigate In-law relationships better!

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More about Support Groups & Therapy Groups:

1. What is an online therapy or support group?

Online therapy groups or support groups are structured, therapist-led sessions where participants gather virtually to discuss and work on specific mental health or personal growth topics.

These groups offer a supportive environment and help members learn coping strategies and relevant techniques from the therapist. Participants offer each other encouragement, share advice, and provide emotional support, helping one another feel less isolated.

2. What benefits can I expect from joining an online therapy group or support group?

Participants in online therapy groups often experience improved mental health, a greater sense of connection, and enhanced coping skills. Group therapy provides structured guidance from a therapist, which can lead to valuable insights and personal growth.

3. How does online group therapy compare to one-on-one therapy?

One-on-one therapy is personalized, focusing solely on your needs, which can be ideal for in-depth, private work with a therapist.

Online group therapy, however, offers a sense of community and shared experience. In addition to learning from the therapist, members get to connect with others facing similar challenges. Group settings provide diverse perspectives and reduce isolation, which participants find valuable.

4. Are online groups effective?

Yes, studies show that online groups can be as effective as in-person groups. The online format provides convenience and accessibility while offering the same structured therapeutic benefits, especially for those who prefer the comfort of their home environment.

5. Will I have to share my personal journey in the group?

Sharing is encouraged but never forced. Participants are free to share only what they feel comfortable with, and many find that opening up gradually is natural and helpful for their own growth.

6. How do online therapy groups or support groups handle difficult emotions that arise?

The therapist leading the group is trained to manage challenging emotions. They provide tools and strategies for coping, helping participants process feelings safely.

7. Can I attend online therapy groups if I’m already in individual therapy?

Yes, many people find that group therapy superbly complements individual therapy, providing additional insights and social support, thus accelerating their healing. Also, users often join group therapy for a topic that they are not focusing on in their individual therapy sessions. Often, therapists themselves recommend their clients to group therapy for a specific area of their life.

8. How do I know if a support group is right for me?

If you’re looking for shared experiences and emotional support rather than structured therapeutic guidance, a support group may be ideal. Otherwise, consider a therapy group for a more structured approach.

You can also join more than one group if you feel it will benefit you, especially if each group focuses on a different aspect of your mental health journey.