AITA for refusing to attend therapy sessions with my sister who is doing an inpatient psych stay?
What happens when a teenager is pressured to attend therapy with a sibling who abused him? A 16-year-old boy faced a dilemma when his parents demanded he join family therapy sessions with his 17-year-old sister, who is in an inpatient psychiatric program for violent behavior.
He refused, prioritizing his safety and mental health, but his parents grew angry, accusing him of lacking empathy. Was he wrong to protect himself? This story explores the challenges of setting boundaries in a family marked by conflict and the lasting impact of abuse.
‘AITA for refusing to attend therapy sessions with my sister who is doing an inpatient psych stay?’
A teenager recounts years of violence from his sister.
The family tried to address her behavior, but tensions persisted.
His sister’s diagnosis and ongoing treatment raised new challenges.
His refusal to join therapy sparked family conflict.
This conflict revolved around personal safety and boundaries in a deeply traumatized family. The 16-year-old boy refused to attend family therapy with his sister due to a history of abuse. Pressure from his parents to attend, despite the safety and mental health risks, further complicated the situation.
A trauma expert noted, “Forcing a victim of abuse to attend therapy with an abuser without ensuring their safety is inappropriate and can re-traumatize them.” — Dr. Judith Herman, Trauma and Recovery, 1992. His sister’s diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) represents a complex, often treatment-resistant condition, especially when coupled with unrepentant violent behavior. His sister’s repeated threats to him during therapy further demonstrated his concerns for his safety.
Conversely, his parents may want to help their daughter, but blaming him is unfair. Many abuse survivors feel similar pressure to forgive or support their abuser for the sake of family unity. This can exacerbate trauma and erode trust.
Failure to respect one’s own boundaries can deepen feelings of insecurity and alienation. An unexpected opportunity lies in seeking individual therapy to heal his trauma. This situation calls for prioritizing the safety and mental health of the abuse survivor over the burden of reconciliation.
Here’s what Redditors had to say:
The online community strongly supported the teenager, emphasizing that he has no obligation to join therapy with his abuser and criticizing his parents for failing to protect him.
Many affirmed his right to prioritize his safety.
![[Reddit User] − Joint sessions only work when there’s a foundation of safety. Right now, she’s still violent and threatening. Expecting you to sit next to her and open up...](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wp-editor-1759130357330-1.webp)
The community criticized the parents’ failure to protect him.
Some warned about the severity of ASPD and long-term safety.
Others opposed joint therapy and shared similar experiences.
The community urged seeking external support and planning for the future.
The community firmly supported the teenager, stressing that he has no obligation to attend therapy with his abusive sister. Many criticized his parents for failing to protect him and urged him to seek individual therapy, contact CPS, or plan to leave home to ensure his long-term safety.
This story underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and mental health when facing family abuse. Refusing joint therapy with an abuser is a valid boundary, especially when safety isn’t assured. Support from external sources, like individual therapy or CPS, can help victims heal and build a safer future.
What would you do if pressured to attend therapy with someone who abused you? How can we support a teenager facing family abuse and parental pressure?
