Adult Sibling Relationships

Siblings embody the longest relationships most of us have. We don't choose our siblings, but as adults, we maintain relationships with them more or less as a matter of choice. Beginning in childhood, we and our siblings progress through developmental stages, incorporating shared histories and experiences, which combine to shape and our personalities and the ways in which relate to ourselves, others, and the world.

As adults, siblings can be important attachment figures - sources of support, protection, friendship, and love. But these relationships can also be marked by unresolved or continuing resentment, conflict, superficiality, and disappointment.

Our siblings and the relationships we have with them are significant in many ways. Understanding these relationships through therapy with them can help resolve issues from the past, create insight into how we relate to others who are also close to us, deal with practical issues (for example, the needs of aging parents), and create stronger family bonds.